Turbo (chewing gum)

Turbo was a popular brand of bubble gum, primarily sold from the late 1980s through the early 2000s, produced by the Turkish confectionery company Kent Gıda. The gum was known for its distinctive flavor and, most notably, the collectible car cards included in each wrapper.

The gum itself had a sweet, fruity flavor which was a draw for children and teenagers. However, the main appeal was the series of glossy, rectangular cards featuring photographs of various cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. These cards became highly collectible, and were traded extensively among children. Different series were released over the years, each containing a different set of numbered cards.

Turbo cards often featured technical specifications or brief descriptions of the featured vehicles on the back of the card, adding an educational element to their appeal. The popularity of Turbo gum extended across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, where the cards cultivated a strong collecting culture.

Kent Gıda was later acquired by Cadbury Schweppes in 2002, which was in turn acquired by Kraft Foods (now Mondelēz International). While Turbo gum is no longer as widely available as it once was, its legacy remains strong among those who grew up collecting the cards. Remakes of the gum and cards have periodically appeared, tapping into the nostalgia associated with the original product.