28 April 2021
The Little Car Company, known for its downscaled replicas of legendary cars including the Aston Martin DB5 and Bugatti Type 35, is resurrecting the Tamiya Wild One remote-controlled car as a driveable, 8/10th-scale off-road EV.
Called the Wild One Max, the modern-day incarnation of one of the 1980s’ most recognisable RC cars will arrive in 2022 as a rear-wheel-drive two-seater standing at 3.5 metres long and 1.8 metres wide and weighing 250kg.
The Wild One Max will feature modern technology including regenerative braking and digital gauges and will be built around a spaceframe chassis, with coilover suspension, 15in off-road tyres and bespoke disc brakes at each corner.
Nostalgia is a hell of a drug, and it’s one two companies are hoping people will pay at least £7,200 for a hit of. That’s the sum you’ll need to get behind the wheel of the Wild One Max, the latest creation from radio-control and model maker Tamiya, and The Little Car Company – the firm behind ‘junior’ cars such as the three-quarter-scale Bugatti Baby II.
The Wild One was an iconic Tamiya model, launched in 1985 when radio-control cars were becoming more mainstream, capable and affordable. A one-tenth-scale rear-wheel-drive off-road buggy, the Wild One was emblematic of Tamiya’s eighties range, as the firm played a huge role in the rising popularity of radio-control cars, at least partly due to a focus on off-road models at a time when many cars could be driven only on tarmac.
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Tamiya’s iconic radio-controlled off-road buggy, the
Wild One, is making a comeback – as a real-life electric-powered buggy that can be driven by actual people.
A collaboration between
The Little Car Company, the 8/10th scale
Wild One Max is a near full-sized replica of the original 1/10th scale kit first released by Tamiya in 1985. And the best part? If you want to, you can order the Wild One Max in kit form and build it yourself at home, just like the original.
The original 1/10th scale Wild One (Tamiya code 58050) became an instant hit with R/C fans while a 2012 reissue ensured the radio-controlled off-roader’s longevity and cult-like status.
Iconic Tamiya Wild One RC car makes comeback as driveable off-roader
(Little Car Company)
The Tamiya Wild One is going back on sale – but you won’t need a hand-held controller for this one.
Following its introduction in 1985, the Wild One became one of the most iconic remote controlled cars ever made. However, enthusiasts will now be able to live out their dreams by actually driving one.
The Little Car Company (LCC) – which is behind the Bugatti Baby II and Aston Martin DB5 Junior – is building a driveable replica of the RC car under licence from Tamiya.
(Little Car Company)
Tamiya creates life-size Wild One Max buggy
Tamiya creates life-size Wild One Max buggy
April 29, 2021
Upsized buggy is not only driveable but can also be made road-legal in some countries
Tamiya and The Little Car Company have launched an 8/10th version of the Wild One Max remote control buggy that can be driven and licenced for road use in some countries.
Following on from scale replicas of the Bugatti Type 35 and the Aston Martin DB5, it’s the first time the British firm has tackled creating an upscale Tamiya, but the Wild One Max remains the Japanese model-maker’s most iconic R/C car from the 1980s.