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Tyco Taiyo Collectors is a resource for enthusiasts of 80s, 90s, and 00s toys produced by Tyco®, Taiyo (Japan), Metro RC, Dickie Toys, and others, and is not affiliated with any toy company.

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NEWS / UPDATES

12th November 2023
If you’re looking for the perfect nostalgic gift from the 80s and 90s, a vintage Tyco Mini Hopper is my pick! They’re great collectors items and are still fairly affordable.

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1989 Taiyo Porsche 911 Speedster

BRANDYEARMODELPOWERSPEEDDRIVEAVAILABLEMINT VALUE*RATINGCOMMENT
taiyo logo very small198989176xAA Vsml km/h
mph
2WD
Used:
Occasional

NIB:
Rare
value75 150
3.8 out of 5
A good looking model with good speed, though you may prefer a 9.6V turbo version.

SPECIFICATIONS

ScaleDiff.Made inMotor
1/20NoneJapanUnknown
SteeringSuspensionGearBoxFreq.
UnknownNone2-SpeedSilver(27Mhz)

MODEL REVIEW

The Taiyo Porsche 911 Speedster is a 1/20 scale radio control model manufactured by Taiyo (Japan) and released into the global market in 1989.

A beautiful looking model, and in my opinion one of Taiyo’s best real-car designs with a great level of internal and external details for a model made in 1989. Most of all, it’s not overdone in stickers like the 8xAA version sadly is.


8917 Taiyo Porsche 911 Speedster RC car
Model 8917 Taiyo Porsche 911 Speedster RC car

Features and Performance

Fortunately, this is not another 4xAA lazy roller, with a decent 6xAA battery compartment, though it’s a real shame they didn’t do it justice with a proper 8xAA 9.6V Turbo.

As with all decently powered Taiyo/Tyco RC models, adding the slick tires was a brilliant move as they are SO much fun indoors on a smooth surface – much like a modern RC drift model.

Thankfully that’s already been done in the 1988 Tyco Turbo Porsche 911, and the older 1987 Taiyo Turbo Porsche 911 Cabriolet.

The overall model is superbly well made in Japan, with a good quality controller, and the usual dual speed gearbox.


Opening up the box of the Taiyo Porsche Speedster to reveal the car just waiting for a set of batteries!
Opening up the box of the Taiyo Porsche Speedster

Undercarriage of the Taiyo Porsche Speedster
Undercarriage of the Taiyo Porsche Speedster

Recommendation

Overall this is a great looking model that performs well indoors, and if you’re able to get your hands on one we’d not recommend against it, especially if you’re looking for something to look pretty on the shelf.

That said, some of these older Taiyos often have passive steering which means the steering only works when the model is moving (forward or backwards) which can be a pain in tight spaces. We’ve not yet worked out a formula for which ones have passive or active, and it may just depend when y our model was made.

If that bothers you, go for a Tyco version which all seem to have active steering, though with US prices you’ll be paying a lot more for it.

Looking for something else?

Click here to see all the other Taiyo and Tyco Porsche RC cars.

    VALUE / PRICE HISTORY

    Average Price

    $60.50

    Highest Price

    $151.40

    This average price is based on 20 sales we have recorded (max 10 shown).

    DatePriceConditionTypeTitle
    29 Oct 2023$49.99UsedBuyVintage porsche 959 speedster tyco rc rare working 1:18 taiyo hard to find red
    29 Aug 2023$62.99UsedBuyRed porsche speedster tyco rc rare vintage working 1:18 htf nos taiyo
    29 Aug 2023$62.99UsedBuyRed porsche speedster tyco rc rare vintage working 1:18 htf nos taiyo
    29 Aug 2023$62.99UsedBuyRed porsche speedster tyco rc rare vintage working 1:18 htf nos taiyo
    28 Aug 2023$31.98UsedAuctionTaiyo rc porsche 911 speedster 8xaa fast no.8928 read the description carefully
    28 Aug 2023$31.61UsedAuctionTaiyo rc porsche 911 speedster 8xaa fast no.8928 read the description carefully
    28 Aug 2023$32.8UsedAuctionTaiyo rc porsche 911 speedster 8xaa fast no.8928 read the description carefully
    27 Aug 2023$17.5UsedAuctionVintage porsche 959 speedster tyco rc rare working 1:18 taiyo silver dunlop race
    27 Aug 2023$17.5UsedAuctionVintage porsche 959 speedster tyco rc rare working 1:18 taiyo silver dunlop race
    27 Aug 2023$17.5UsedAuctionVintage porsche 959 speedster tyco rc rare working 1:18 taiyo silver dunlop race
    Prices in USD. NIB = New In box, MIB = Mint in Box, EC = Excellent Condition, VGC = Very Good Condition, GC+ = Good condition plus, GC = Good condition, PC = Poor Condition. With Controller = Car with controller. With Box = Box, Car, and Controller. We make all efforts to ensure data is accurate, but cannot guarantee it is.

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