Finally Got a Turbo Rocky!

[ROH73]

I've been wanting a Turbo Rocky for 21 years (since I read a review in the Nov 1987 issue of Radio Race Car - that review is now in the Scans Archive), and one finally arrived today. I got it as a $200 BIN on eBay about a week ago. It is in wonderful shape; must have only been run a couple of times. The seller included the box, manual, decal remnants and all remaining parts.

I have three regular Rockys and would love to run this one to compare after cleaning it up a bit. I'm not a shelf queen kind of guy, but I'm torn about showing it some dirt .

Anyone else here ever run a Turbo Rocky?

Regards,

Robert

[tizeye]

You lucky S O B that's one hell of a nice Rocky..if it was me I'd show it..to have lasted that long in that condition it deserves to be retired (retyred)

Tizeye

[GJW]

luv the turbo rocky, very nice too

[ROH73]

Thanks for the comments. I'll probably just end up running it occasionally and "gently" on grass in the backyard. Now I just have to wait for Spring, as my backyard currently resembles an ice skating rink!

Regards,

Robert

[Brandon G]

Nice! When on the timeline did these come out?

[ROH73]

I believe somewhere around mid 1987. They were/are a tough find in the US.

Regards,

Robert

[tizeye]

There were plenty of them here during their day..1988 here..but they still don't come up on the auction sites very often...

[RichieRich]

Yeah, very nice. I don't think these made it to the states as I've never seen one here.

[tizeye]

I know of a Rocky, might even be a turbo...not 100% sure..that is for sale..in fact what I'm going to do is get my collector friend to join this forum..he's got heaps of stuff for sale including boxes and boxes of vintage parts..

Tizeye

[ROH73]

They made it to the US, but, as far as I can tell, in very few numbers. I remember inquiring in 1988 and the Turbo Rocky was a long lead, special order from my LHS; I believe that was true of even Tower Hobbies. I looked at the Tower ads in all my 1987 and 1988 RCCAs and there are no Turbos listed.

In comparison, the regular Rocky was heavily advertised in Tower and even my LHS had them right on the shelf.

Who knows...

Robert

[highwayracer]

I spoke to a Tower rep years ago about getting some ROW (rest of the world) cars. He said that based on the US market, several 4wd cars were never imported into the US. If you remember, 4 wheel stock was no longer recognized by ROAR in the late 80's. 4wd has always been more popular outside the US.

Other cars like the Optima Pro & the Optima LWB cars were also never imported.

If there were any cars in the US, they were brought in by another disributer...which is illegal since Great Planes (owns tower) had the exclusive rights back in the day.

Regards,
highwayracer

[stampede_dude]

I saw that on ebay when I was looking for a good deal on an old Kyosho to fix up. I wanted to buy it but was scared I'd be stuck with paying more for something than it was worth, since I didn't know. I'm glad someone got a deal on it that is going to treat it like it it should be.

[germanrc10gt]

great looking buggy. looks so mean with that black wheels and this unique body.
almost sort of an military vehicel, built like a tank. congrats to you for that machine

[ROH73]

Thanks!

It's one of my favorite car bodies from the 80s. I'd love one NIP to paint box art, but I can't find one and even Marwan isn't repro-ing them yet.

Maybe someday...

Regards,

Robert