► The best RC car models to have fun with this Christmas
► From off-road trucks to quirky classics
► Show off your drifting skills this festive season
As it’s leading up to Christmas, you might have been browsing the depths of the internet marketplace looking for RC car gifts for your loved ones. Among those nearer to the top of your shopping list may fall under the name of Tamiya – and there’s good reason for that.
Tamiya is an iconic Japanese model manufacturer that was founded in 1946. It became synonymous with the engineering brilliance and capability of its Radio Controlled (RC) range from the late 1970s right up until today. Its iconic status for toys is right up there with Hot Wheels and slot car firm, Scalextric.
It has gained quite a few competitors since, making the market for RC car gifts a varied and wonderous industry. We’ve put together a selection of our favourite RC cars which include Tamiya models and others from the likes of FTX and even the Danish giant, Lego. We’re hoping that slimming down your gift choices becomes just that little bit easier.
Tamiya RC Hornet
RRP £82.00 (WAS £124.95) | VIEW OFFER
The Tamiya Hornet design turns 40-years-old this year, making it one of the longest-running Tamiya RC cars on the market. It’s easy to see why it lasted so long: it boasts a simple design with rugged capability supported with a rigid chassis and long-travel suspension.
It’ll provide all the fun at your local park, should you decide to take it out during the festive period.
Tamiya Porsche 911 Carrera RSR TT-02
RRP £106.00 (WAS £140.89) | VIEW OFFER
If you want something more car-shaped, the TT-02 chassis from Tamiya is offered with a Porsche 911 RSR body. Finished with a silver Martini livery, this kit brings a classic racing flavour to all of the RC fun you’ll be having.
It has a Type 540 motor, features four-wheel wishbone suspension and is even 4WD for optimum grip around slippery path surfaces.
The TT-02 chassis is popular among Tamiya enthusiasts – which you can learn more about with the Junior E series here.
Tamiya GF-02 Squash Van
RRP £146.75 (WAS £215.99) | VIEW OFFER
If you want some proper off-road fun in your RC vehicle, look no further than the Tamiya GF-02 Squash Van. Styled to evoke a 1950s Ford F100 panel van, the Squash Van is one of the coolest setups offered by the brand.
It has a 540 Motor like the Porsche RSR, and a high ground clearance which is suitable for big jumps.
You can read our full review of the Tamiya Squash Van here.
Tamiya TT-02 Toyota Celica GT-Four
Another great option that sits on the TT-02 chassis is the Toyota Celica GT-Four. The spirit of the rare homologation special is carried over in this Tamiya RC kit, as it’s 4WD and has plenty of adjustment to suit your RC fun.
This set is also pre-painted, so you can opt for pretty much any colour or livery of your choosing. We’d opt for either the black or the full Castrol livery.
FTX Outback Mini 3.0 Ranger
A more affordable alternative to a Tamiya RC car is this Outback Mini Ranger from FTX. It’s styled to look like an old Land Rover Defender, and thanks to its chunky tyres and waterproof components, it’s able to act like one too – albeit in 1:24 scale.
The chassis has loads of ground clearance and the suspension setup is immensely long, catering for some rock crawling activity.
Tamiya MF-01X VW Golf GTI MK2
The MF-01X chassis is a great option for someone who wants to replicate a bit of rally driving action in their RC car. It’s not designed for the casual RC driver to nail the driving skills of, but once you’re used to it, it’s a rewarding piece of kit.
You can get other car bodies on this chassis including the MK2 Ford Escort, Fiat 131 Abarth, and even a Suzuki Jimny.
You can read our full review of the MF-01X Golf GTI here.
Tamiya TA02S Lancia 037
Continuing with the rallying theme, the TA02S chassis is offered with the body of a Lancia 037 rally car in the classic Martini livery. Powered by Tamiya’s 540 motor and supported with double transverse handlebar suspension, it has enough agility and capability to provide hours of fun while on your Christmas walk.
Tamiya M-05 NSU TT Prinz
One of the quirkier bodies offered on top of a Tamiya chassis is the NSU Prinz TT. Don’t be fooled by the Jagermeister livery as this kit comes unpainted – meaning you can paint it in a colour of your choice.
It sits on a M-05 chassis which is FWD. This is slightly unconventional as the TT was a RWD car, but for someone wanting a slightly simpler RC car to enjoy on level grounds, this is a cool option to go for.
FTX Tracer 4WD Monster Truck
For bucket loads of off-road fun, the FTX Tracer is another fabulous thing to take out on a Christmas walk. With ludicrously chunky tyres and long suspension springs, it will hurl across a park field like nobody’s business. And because it’s 1:16 scale, it isn’t too big either.
FTX Carnage RTR Truck
Another tempting option from FTX comes in the form of the 4WD Carnage Truck. There’s no painting or assembly required here; you simply lift it out the box and insert some AAA batteries.
For a casual RC enthusiast, this is a great gift to open up on Christmas Day. It comes with front and rear geared differentials and permanent 4WD – making it very capable across slightly rough ground.
Lego Technic Porsche GT4 E-Performance
Perhaps the quirkiest option in the RC world – and one that will undoubtedly spark the most engagement from the recipient – is this Lego Technic Porsche GT4 car.
Unlike the others, the radio controlled aspect lies within Lego’s CONTROL+ app on a smartphone. The set is recommended for children aged 10 and above, but we’d happily play around with it ourselves as responsible adults.
RC cars FAQs
Are RC cars waterproof?
A lot of the components in most reputable RC cars can happily withstand a bit of rainwater. However, they’re not fully waterproof machines, so don’t go trying to wade it through a deep puddle if you’ve got an off-road model.
Are RC cars street legal?
In the UK, radio controlled cars are allowed to be used in public spaces unless specifically restricted. However, you must always be careful regarding your surroundings. There is always a risk of injuring others with an RC car, and you must be careful about where you drive it and avoiding private/restricted areas.
An empty, open space that won’t have people walking through is often the best environment to drive an RC car. Loads of people also take them on public paths in parks, but it’s bad form to do so when they’re busy with people.
Can RC cars go in snow?
If you opt for a suitable model that’s designed for attacking off-road terrain, it should handle a light bit of snow. However, preparation and protection of the components – especially the electronics – is key before a session of snow drifting.
We recommend that you clean it immediately afterwards to prevent components from oxidising – and ensure that it dries out after the run. Silicone spray is recommended for this as it helps repel moisture. What you really want to avoid is deep snow or slush, as this can be damaging to RC cars.
What are the best RC car brands?
Tamiya is our immediate recommendation. Its range of cars and level of engineering is simply unmatched by any other brand. However, competitor brands such as FTX do make some amazingly fun and durable machines as well.
For younger children, we can’t see why there wouldn’t be loads of engagement with the Lego Technic Porsche RC set. It’s certainly the quirkiest of the list, given you have to build it before taking out for a test drive.