Rumor: Hot Wheels May Release a Tyco Turbo Bandit–Inspired Die-Cast Datsun King Cab

Long-time R/C fans may remember the glorious era of toy-grade R/Cs during the late ’80s and ’90s. Few vehicles from that time period were as iconic as the Tyco Turbo Bandit off-road truck. Fast and flashy, the Turbo Bandit carved out a permanent place in R/C history — and who could ever forget that legendary Turbo Mode?

Well, it looks like Hot Wheels may be getting ready to give the Bandit one more ride — this time in die-cast form. According to a leak making the rounds on Reddit, a Turbo Bandit–liveried Datsun King Cab Baja is slated for release in an upcoming wave of Hot Wheels’ Premium collectible line.

Wild, right?

The photo circulating online — sourced from a Hot Wheels database and shared across social media — is, as best we can tell, legit.

From a licensing standpoint, this also makes sense. Mattel acquired Tyco years ago via buyout, and while they haven’t done much with the Tyco name in quite some time, the rights still appear to be theirs. That makes this potential release all the more surprising — and exciting.