You'll soon be able to drive a road legal full size Tamiya car

David Ross, Editor
Wed, 17 May 2023

The Little Car Company, manufacturers of hand-built electric scaled cars, is launching the Tamiya Wild One MAX, based on the popular 80s radio controlled car. And there will be a road legal version.

The Tamiya Wild One MAX is a full-scale vehicle inspired by the original Tamiya Wild One, a radio-controlled car initially introduced in 1985. 

It will make its public debut this summer, commencing with the limited-run Launch Edition that will consist of only 100 examples before other versions are released. The Little Car Company has also developed a road-legal pack for the UK under L7e quadricycle regulations.

The Launch Edition of the Tamiya Wild One MAX includes Cobra bucket seats equipped with 4-point harnesses, a 5-inch digital screen with marine specification switches, Brembo disc brakes on all wheels plus Bilstein dampers in combination with Eibach springs. The car is fitted with 14-inch Maxxis off-road tires both at the front and rear.

To enhance safety and comfort, The Little Car Company made some modifications to the original remote-controlled car design. The cockpit has been widened to accommodate two occupants comfortably, which was a consistent request from deposit holders.

The front suspension turrets have been smoothed to improve visibility and pedestrian safety while the front suspension itself has been upgraded to double wishbone.

The car's dimensions have also increased, with its length growing to 3.6 metres and its width to 1.9 metres.

The Wild One MAX Launch Edition provides ground clearance of 270mm and the Little Car Company has developed an optional windscreen and wiper.

Powering the Launch Edition are eight removable battery packs with a total capacity of 14.4kWh, allowing for a top speed of approximately 60mph.  The car is expected to have a kerb weight of around 500kg. 

Production of the Launch Edition is set to begin in early 2024 and The Little Car Company will deliver fully built cars to customers.

Ask HJ

Best car for first build project?

What is a good car to begin your first ever build project with?

This depends on your budget and requirements, but an original Mini is always an excellent purchase for first-time classic car projects. There's lots around, it's very easy to work on, parts aren't expensive and it'll fit in even the smallest of garages. It's also very good fun to drive. If you need something a bit bigger then cars like the VW Beetle are a good purchase, or an MGB as a classic sports car - again, these are plentiful and parts are everywhere. If you want something newer or sportier, early Mazda MX-5s or Toyota MR2s are great project cars - just watch for severe corrosion.

Answered by Lawrence Allan

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