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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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Latest Articles

1992 Tyco California Surfin PickUp

BRANDYEARMODELPOWERSPEEDDRIVEAVAILABLEMINT VALUE*RATINGCOMMENT
tyco logo very small19922307-27, 2307-494xAA Vsml v2 km/h
mph
2WD
Used:
Rare

NIB:
Ultra Rare
value75 150
3.8 out of 5
Rare, with no Taiyo Japanese equivalent. We can't even get decent photos!
Rating
3.8
out of 5
Review CommentRare, with no Taiyo Japanese equivalent. We can't even get decent photos!

Running this archive costs alot of money. To help pay these bills, I use the eBay Partner Network to earn a small commission on any sale, at no cost to you. 

SPECIFICATIONS

ScaleDiff.Made inMotor
1/24NoneSingaporeUnknown
SteeringSuspensionControllerFreq.
UnknownNone TBARed(27Mhz),Green(49Mhz)

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MODEL REVIEW

The Tyco California Surfin Pickup is a radio controlled car manufactured by Taiyo of Japan, and released into the American market in 1992. It is the US version of the 1991 Taiyo Tropical Surfer, which was also released as the Tyco Cruisin’ Bad Boy.

It was available in Green (27Mhz) and Red(49Mhz).

Background

A fun, laid back RC car, the California Surf’in Pickup continued Tyco’s recurring ‘California’ product theme. Up until this point, Tyco had released 2 x California inspired Slot sets, Slot Cars, and a California themed doll.

In 1992 they would release this California Surf’in car, styled after the pickup trucks that had become a part of Southern Californian surf culture since the 1950s.

Features and Performance

Typically 4 x AA cars are only moderately quick, however as a tiny 1/24 RC Car it’s got a huge power to weight ratio in its favor, giving it plenty of go, as confirmed by TycoCollectors members.

The unusual bonus with this car is its slick rubber tires, perfect for scooting around a nice smooth floor inside your home. Be mindful though, according to member reports it loves to eat up the Alkalines, so perhaps a good set of NiMh are a good tradeoff between maximum speed and cost per smile.

The California Surfin’ came in Red (27Mhz) and Green (49Mhz) versions.

This was definitely an indoor car by design, but I’m sure that didn’t stop kids taking it out onto the street, where it would have performed fine, so long as it wasn’t too bumpy – given the lack of  suspension.

Recommendation

The California Surf’in Pickup is not very common. In the last 2 years I’ve personally only seen three, and most of those are in our gallery!

If you do happen to come across one, we’d recommend checking the tires aren’t dry rotted (visible with a rough, playdough-like rubber surface, instead of shiny) and that the battery compartment isn’t full of acid (blue dust, tends to eat circuit boards).

Special thanks to:  Obnoxious_Gamer for identifying this missing Tyco Classic, and providing photos of his California Surf’in for the benefit of all collectors. What a champ!

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    VALUE / PRICE HISTORY

    Average Price

    $40.50

    Highest Price

    $149.99

    This average price is based on 23 sales we have recorded (max 10 shown).

    DatePriceConditionTypeTitle
    02 Sep 2023$18.9UsedBuyVintage tyco california roller baby skating doll 1992 w/box & accessories asis
    28 Aug 2023$18.99UsedBuyTyco california roller baby rollerblade skate girl doll vintage 1991 blonde work
    23 Aug 2023$29.8UsedBuy1990 tyco california classics car set: ‘57 chevy & ‘40 ford coupe
    20 Aug 2023$6.46UsedBuyVintage 1991 tyco california roller blading baby doll rollerblading battery op
    20 Aug 2023$69.99UsedBuyVintage 1992 tyco 14” california roller baby doll - she skates!
    18 Aug 2023$49.99UsedBuyVintage 1992 tyco california roller baby 15” height moves head & skates rare vgc
    08 Aug 2023$35UsedBuyTyco california roller baby rollerblade skate girl almost complete works 1991
    30 Jul 2023$10UsedAuctionVintage- tyco - california roller baby - skating doll 1992- w/box!!!
    26 Jul 2023$10UsedBuyTyco ho california & hawaiian c&h sugar up #96082 centerflow hopper train car
    24 Jul 2023$5UsedBuyVintage 1992 tyco 14” california roller baby doll - working - she skates!
    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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