Once a bestseller with kids, mini 4WD race cars are making a surprise return in Japan: this time, with adults.

Racers tested their cars last month at the Japan Cup in Tokyo.

A man says he never thought he would get so involved.

A woman says she’s been coming for seven years.

Mini 4WD cars had a golden age in the 1980s and 90s.

The current generation of fans is people in their 20s to 40s.

Toymaker Tamiya introduced the first 4wd mini cars in 1982.

They were notable for their high speeds.

At their peak, more than 30-million of the cars sold each year.

But interest wanted.

A Tamiya official says the new customer is an adult who enjoyed 4WD cars as a kid.

Sales began to rebound in 2005.

A shop owner says sales tripled in the last five years.

A car that sold for 20 dollars in the 1980s now goes for almost 100 dollars.

Tamiya even commissioned a full-scale version.

Its top speed is 111 miles per hour.

The car is a hit with visitors.

A Tamiya spokesman says people appreciate the craftsmanship that went into the car.

Almost 200-million mini 4WD cars have sold worldwide.

What was once old, is new again.

Source NTV / NBC News Channel