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Tamiya Wild One: Legendary RC buggy brought to life by the Little Car Company

The iconic radio-controlled single seater grows up.


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 Tamiya and 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.

Now, the 2021 version has grown in size, measuring in at almost 3.5 metres in length and tipping the scales at around 250kg.

Power comes from a 2kWh battery sending charge to a rear-mounted electric motor making 4kW. That’s enough to propel the little buggy to a top speed of around 48km/h while range is a claimed 40km.

The Wild One Max is built around a spaceframe chassis and features other goodies like coil-over suspension, Brembo brakes and 15-inch off-road tyres. Options include a Tarmac Pack that brings road-focused tyres as well as mudguards to keep occupants nice and splatter-free.

And for those hoping to drive the Wild One Max on the road, the Road Legal Pack adds brake lights, indicators, and mirrors which comply with European Quadricylce Legislation and US Neighbourhood Electric Vehicle Legislation.

Due for release in 2022, the Wild One Max is priced at £6000 (AUD$10,750). Interested parties can pay a £100 (AUD$180) deposit to secure a build slot.

The Little Car Company has form in building scale replicas that are able to be driven by human beings. Previous issues from the British-based company include the Bugatti Baby II and the Aston Martin DB5 Junior.

Rob Margeit

Rob Margeit is an award-winning Australian motoring journalist and editor who has been writing about cars and motorsport for over 25 years. A former editor of Australian Auto Action, Rob’s work has also appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Wheels, Motor Magazine, Street Machine and Top Gear Australia. Rob’s current rides include a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and a 2000 Honda HR-V Sport.

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