The Tyco Lamborghini Countach is a radio controlled car manufactured by Taiyo Japan and sold in the United States, United Kingdom, and other markets worldwide by Tyco in the 1988 year only.
This is the first edition, with a follow up 1989 version released a year later.
Concept and History
Arguably the most popular and recognizable production car from the 1980s, the Lamborghini Countach LP400S was a thing of dreams for many, and it didn’t take long for the first Countach model toy to appear on retailers shelves. Unlike the production car designed by Ferruccio Lamborghini however, this 1/12 scale model created by Taiyo Toys in Japan is mostly attainable, and you can drive it without getting a speeding ticket!
Today, more than 30 years after it’s release, it looks as good as it did back in 1989.
Modelled after the Lamborghini Countach LP400 S with its hyper angular body, scissor doors, metallic red paint, rear wing and dual air intakes, all that drama is only amplified by its scale model performance. Yes – unlike many toy RC Cars today, the Tyco Lamborghini Countach 9.6V Twin Turbo actually does its real life counterpart justice!
This original 1988 model can be hard to track down though, with the photos shown here of the only one we’ve found in the wild complete with packaging.
any Toy RC even until today. (Rare model with slick tires shown)
Features and Performance
This car has, undeniably, the best on-road chassis ever manufactured by Taiyo / Tyco. There are two core elements which makes this chassis a winner; the suspension and its twin turbo system.
Looking at the bottom of this model you can see in its relatively complex body design the hobby-grade roots, with front double wishbone suspension, complete with front horizontal shock absorber between, matched with rear shocks. It handles beautifully on both the asphalt, and the family room.
Topping it all off are those extra wide rubber street tires with chromed wheels and understated ‘Lamborghini’ text across the side and rear wing, and Lamborghini logo on the bonnet. Nice!
‘Twin Turbo’ Dual Motor system
Two RS280 Mabuchi electric motors connect to a single output shaft, driving the rear wheels only for maximum power output, providing the kind of violent acceleration that you’ll simply never see on an “toy” R/C car today bought from your toy or department store – I’d like to think Ferruccio Lamborghini would be impressed!
This combination makes the 1988 Tyco Lamborghini the fastest RC car Taiyo / Tyco ever made, with a top speed of 19mph or 31km/h.
The Best Tyco Controller
Adding to the excitement and further blurring the lines between toy and hobby grade is Taiyo/Tyco’s Pistol Grip controller, this version with the hand guard. Perfection!
Recommendation
This original 1988 model is rare and so adding it to your collection may be difficult, but not impossible.
If you’re unable to get hold of it, the 1989 Tyco Lamborghini Countach price can be higher, but it’s got everything this model has, plus a much better battery system with the 9.6V Turbo Battery Pack and Charger. In fact I’d probably grab the ’89 Countach Turbo if I had to choose between the two. Thankfully, the existence of the original Taiyo Lamborghini Countach doubles your chances, with Japanese models often in far better condition than their western counterparts. There’s also the 1992 re-release Made in China, but while it has much of the looks and some of the features, it’s just not the same car.
It’s simply one of the all time great R/C cars, whether you’re dedicated to hobby grade, toy grade, or dabble in both, I’d recommend all radio control collectors get their hands on one of these beautys as they really are that good, and demonstrate what Taiyo / Tyco were capable of at the top of their game, and what could be again if toy makers would only try.
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