The Tyco Lamborghini Countach 9.6v Twin Turbo is a radio controlled car manufactured by Taiyo (Japan), and sold in the US, UK, and other countries worldwide by Tyco in 1989.
Differences between 1988 and 1989 release
In 1988 Tyco had released the model 2526 Twin Turbo Lamborghini Countach which required 8 x AA batteries. The only complaint with such a perfect car was that with twin motors, it loved batteries like a fat kid loves cake!
And so in 1989 Tyco released this version, the model 2626 “9.6V Twin Turbo Lamborghini Countach” which included Tyco’s new 9.6V Ni-Cd Battery Pack. And it made one of our favorite Tyco cars even better!
Features and Performance
The addition of a hobby-grade 9.6v battery and hobby-grade Tamiya style power connector were the finishing touches on Taiyo / Tyco’s masterpiece, with nothing available from your local toy store coming close to the quality, features, and performance of this “toy grade” car in the 35 years since its release – sadly.
The chassis design of the Tyco Lamborghini is simply a work of art, and by far the best road vehicle design they ever came up with, nearing hobby-grade levels of sophistication in suspension design and engineering quality.
With rear shocks and a sophisticated front double wishbone suspension with shock brace, the car is planted on the ground and will corner well around a track.
Lamborghini Countach at $119.99 USD
Known weakness
Unfortunately with the amount of stress placed on the plastic components by that front horizontal shock-brace, it’s also the most common break point of the entire model, and something to look out for when buying online. Typically one of the triangular front suspension components will crack with a strong frontal collission, with repair impossible due to the high stress in this area.
Thankfully it was a popular chassis, so there are several Tyco / Taiyo models with similar parts, including the Super Fight, Marlboro Indy, and others, so you’ll find them but it won’t come cheap.
Price and Availability
The good news is that the Lambo is still widely available second hand, with scores of people digging through their attics, closets, and scouring Goodwill stores nationwide over the last few years, and throwing them online hoping to fetch a good price.
And thankfully the prices aren’t too bad – at least, not as bad as the now common $500 asking price for a Tyco Bandit.
A word of caution: the 1988 and 1989 models are the only two versions with the original chassis design. You may come across the 1992 model which has been simplified and manufactured in Tyco’s 3rd generation factory shipping out of China. Although they look the same from a distance, these should be considered completely different models with similarity on body design only.
We cannot recommend the Tyco Lamborghini enough, it’s just an excellent model that will be enjoyed by anyone who owns one. So go on, get yourself one of these before the prices go the way of the Bandit.
Recommendation
Do you like the Countach Twin Turbo? Looking to shop for new toys, or a gift for a collector? Then checkout #6248 Tyco Lamborghini Championship!
It’s one of the best Tyco Slot Cars & Track Sets ever released, and we have complete details, so check it out!
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