The 1997 Tyco Lamborghini Championship is a slot car racing set manufactured by Tyco, and released into the US, UK, and other markets worldwide. It is an upgraded version of the original 1993 Tyco Lamborghini Championship.
Features
The set included several feature track pieces including:
- Hi-Bank Corkscrew
- Squeeze Track (2x)
- Crossover Lane Changers (2x)
- Hi-Bank Curved Track
- Automatic Lap Counter Track
The updated and HRX versions also included a 360° loop.
Multiple versions
There were 3 different versions produced of this 1997 product as follows:
- Lamborghini Championship
- Lamborghini Championship with 360° Loop
- HRX Lamborghini Championship with 360° loop
Difference between Original, Updated, and HPX
The bulk of the sets available seem to be the ‘Original’ track without the loop. A smaller number (approx. 1/4 in my experience) are the loop variety. See below for photos.
The only noticeable difference when buying these products is the track having a loop on the box photo, and the ‘Now with 360° Loop’ graphic. Model #’s identical.
Following Mattel’s acquisition of Tyco in March 1997, the same product would be updated again with new ‘HPX’ and ‘RaceCase’ branding.
HPX claimed to indicate a ‘Pro Performance Package‘ which provided:
- High performance pick-up shoes
- Silicone tires
- High energy transformers
I‘d love to hear from anyone more familar with this product that knows whether the ‘HPX’ was in fact an upgrade, or just more marketing for features that would have been there regardless.
‘RaceCase’ simply meant the box itself was significantly smaller (and cheaper to produce) for easy transport and storage – one of the long moaned negatives of buying slot car sets for kids; where to store them (in the slot car room of course!).
Due to the Mattel takeover, the model numbers of all Tyco products including slot cars, radio control, action figures, everything really was updated with a “3” put in place of the original Tyco model. In this case, 6248 changed to 36248.
Pack contents*
The track is made within a 4 1/2′ by 7′ space, and consists of the following:
- 16 x 12″ curves
- 5 x 9″ curves
- 3 x 6″ curves
- 4 x 15″ straight track
- 8 x 6″ radius banked
- 8 x 9″ straights
- 1 x 9″ terminal
- 6 x 6″ straight
- 1 x Automatic Lap Counter
- 1 x 6″ decorated track
- 16 x 6″ banked curves
- 1 x 15″ cut off squeeze
- 2 x lane changers
- 360 Degree Loop (ex. original)
- Various supports, guard rails
- 2 x Controllers
- Power Pack (U.L. Listed)
- 2 x Lamborghini 440-X2
*May not be complete, still seeking confirmation. If you have more information, please leave a comment below.
Track Layout
Vehicles
Included are 1 x Red and 1 x Yellow Lamborghini with Magnum 440-X2 chassis. HPX versions include cars with silicone tires, improved pick-ups, and better transformers.
Availability and Collectability
All 3 versions of this set are generally available online in various conditions, see ‘Now on eBay’ for what’s currently available.
Ensure you take note of whether you’re buying a loop or non-loop set, as these often go for the same price.
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