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You might be under the notion that Tamiya offers nothing but build up kits however they have a large and varied selection of pre-assembled vehicles called Expert Built or XB for short. So, if you always wanted a Tamiya car or truck yet you did not want to build one from a kit and or you are not adept and painting and detailing the body, these Expert Built versions are the perfect choice for you. Here we put together an article so that you could find your next Tamiya ready-to-run vehicle. There are 23 Tamiya Expert Built vehicles to choose from including rally cars, touring cars, Formula One cars, trucks, buggies, crawlers and even some fun vehicles that can do wheelies on demand. To make it easier for you to find what you are looking for, we separated the XB vehicles into five categories: Racecars, Production Cars, Rally Vehicles, Off-Road Buggies and Trucks.
RACECARS
Ferrari F2012 — item #84356
Give yourself a taste of Formula One racing with the great-looking Tamiya Ferrari F2012. It comes fully factory assembled and ready-to-run with only batteries and a charger needed to get it racing. The officially licensed Ferrari F2012 has a highly detailed polycarbonate body complete with all the racing livery markings and even the OZ wheels and Pirelli slick tires. The side mirrors, barge boards and vertical fins are separate parts from the body and add to its overall realism. The F104 chassis is the backbone for the F2012 and features a FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) chassis plate, 2WD rear wheel drive drivetrain with king-pin independent suspension and a rear solid axle T-plate mono-shock suspension. A 540 brushed motor spins a standard pinion/spur gear setup with ball pressure plate differential for precision performance through tight corners. Similar to the other Expert Built vehicles, the Ferrari F2012 includes the FineSpec 2.4 GHz radio system.
Ford Zakspeed Turbo Capri Gr.5 Wurth — item #57863
We love that Tamiya offers so many models of real race cars like the Ford Zakspeed Turbo Capri Gr.5 Wurth. This unique looking race car was the result of the collaboration between the legendary Zakspeed Racing Team and Ford. It became a dominate force on the track and achieved the most success during the 1981 season. A TT-02 chassis was spec’d for the Zakspeed which has a semi-tub chassis, shaft-driven 4WD with bevel gear differentials, friction shocks and independent suspension. Like most of Tamiya’s cars, there are a host of hop-up option parts to further customize this ride.
GoPro Monster Sport Super Swift — item #57868
Front wheel drive RC cars are not very common nevertheless they make for a very fun type of car to drive. Shown here is the GoPro Monster Sport Super Swift built on the Tamiya M-05 FWD chassis. The M-05 chassis has been around for a while and is a great performer. It has a compact semi-monocoque frame with a low CG for impressive ground hugging handling. As for the polycarbonate body, if you know the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race, you may know of this Suzuki Swift. It is a 6-time consecutive winner of the race and was custom-built by Monster Sport that has wind tunnel-tested aerodynamics and a 400hp+ 1.9 liter engine.
Motul Autech GT-R — item #46631
We at RC Driver find it hard to resist realistic racecars like this Motul Autech GT-R that successfully competed in the GT500 class of the Super GT in 2005. The highly detailed polycarbonate body is finished off with ABS plastic parts including the rear wing, aero wing parts and even the side view mirrors followed by all the marking stickers to properly recreate the real car in 1/10-scale. The TT-01ES chassis was called into action for this model and features a 4WD drivetrain with fully independent double wishbone suspension. Since it is RTR, the 2-channel 2.4GHz radio system is preinstalled along with the ESC, steering servo and brushed motor.
Raybrig NSX Concept-GT — item #46629
Just sitting still, the Tamiya Raybrig NSX Concept-GT appears to be moving at 100mph. This can be credited to the pre-painted, super detailed polycarbonate body with ABS molded mirrors and rear wing. Beneath the NSX body is Tamiya’s TT-01ES 4WD on-road chassis. A propeller shaft runs down the center to connect the rear and front gearboxes that spin bevel gear diffs. One either side lives the electronics which have been completely wired and are ready for action once you add your own charge battery pack. Friction shocks and double wishbone suspension sit at each corner.
PRODUCTION CARS
Alfa Romeo MiTo — item #57802(Red) / #84136(Silver)
The Tamiya Alfa Romeo MiTo is available in either red or silver body colors. It is based on the full-size Alfa Romeo MiTo three-door super mini. The car was designed to compete with the Mini Cooper and Audi A1 vehicles. A fun fact is that the car was named after the location it was designed, Milan, and the location where it was manufactured, Torino—MiTo. Details like side view mirrors and accurate stickers come stock with the MiTo and further dress up the polycarbonate body. Underneath sits the fun to race Tamiya M-05 mini chassis that mimics the full-size Alfa with a front wheel drive setup. Other features include a 540 brushed motor, TEU-104BK speed control, bevel gear differential, fully independent double wishbone suspension, oil-filled shocks, 3-piece tie-rod steering linkage for sharp cornering performance, adjustable wheelbase and 60D radial tires mounted on attractive 5-spoke chrome wheels.
Fairlady Z Version NISMO — item #57775
Tamiya selected their TT-01E chassis has the platform for the Fairlady Z Version NISMO sports car reproduced with a lightweight polycarbonate body. The “E” designation in the chassis name means it has been enhanced with newly designed parts along with improved steering linkage design and new upper deck. It features a 4WD shaft-driven bathtub style chassis with coil spring damped, 4-wheel independent suspension with sealed front and rear gearboxes.
Lamborghini Countach LP500S — item #57780
Arguably the most iconic and recognizable car in this list is the Tamiya Expert Built Lamborghini Countach LP500S. The sharp body lines with large oversize fenders and rear wing are all well-recreated in durable polycarbonate. The rear wing, mirrors and metal plated light buckets are all separately molded in ABS plastic and Tamiya even includes LED lights for the front headlights and rear brake lights. The go to Tamiya TT-01E chassis is utilized once again which is very user-friendly and provides great handling performance with 4WD and fully independent suspension.
Mazda Roadster — item #57891
Like the Fairlady Z Version NISMO shown above, here is another model of a popular full size compact sports car…the Mazda Roadster (AKA as the MX-5). It also runs the highly capable FWD M-05 chassis that offers nimble handling and plenty of power for an RTR with the included 540 brushed motor and TEU-105BK speed control. The expertly finished body replicates a car with a heritage dating back to 1989 and total sales in excess of 950,000. A punchy 2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed transmission helped to make this dynamic and lightweight car a complete thrill to drive.
RALLY VEHICLES
Cayenne S Transsyberia 2007 — item #57769
Rally cars are a fun class of vehicle to race with or just bash around with because of their blend of off- and on-road capabilities and realistic looking bodies. Kicking of the RTR rally cars is the Cayenne S Transsyberia 2007 which is a model of a specially modified version of Porsche’s high-performance SUV designed to handle the rigors of long distance rally racing. Tamiya made sure to give this model some nice scale details like ABS molded rear spoiler, snorkel, side mirrors and lightbar mounted on the roof. The DF-01 chassis makes a great really platform with oil-filled shocks matched with independent suspension at each of the corners. A metal prop shaft send the power from the rear gearbox up to the front of the car for full-time four wheel drive.
Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Racing Lancer — item #57797
Following in the footsteps of the popular Cayenne S mentioned above, the Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Racing is likewise paired with the DF-01 4WD platform. The full-size rally car competed in the 2009 Dakar Series and other endurance events. It was equipped with a 260hp 3-liter turbo diesel engine, tubular chassis and a carbon fiber body. Tamiya faithfully recreates the Lancer body out of resilient polycarbonate and includes all the livery stickers that makes this car a standout. Rubber tires with a special tread pattern are wrapped around realistic gun metal black wheels. Adding to the cool factor are the factory installed LED lights for the front headlights and rear taillights along with the Tamiya TLU-01 Light Unit to control those lights.
Toyota Celica GT-Four 1990 — item #46617
If you are looking for something more old-school in the rally racing world, then the Tamiya Toyota Celica GT-Four should be on your short list. It is based on the Celica that ran in the World Rally Championship during the 1990 season and earned four wins including the Rally of Great Britain. Like a true 4WD rally car, this Celica runs Tamiya’s proven TT-01ES shaft-driven four wheel drive chassis. It is a streamlined version of the popular TT-01 chassis and is compatible with a slew of Tamiya Hop-Up Option parts.
OFF-ROAD BUGGIES
Dual Ridge — item #57876
Leading off the off-road buggies is the 4WD Dual Ridge which is based on the easy-to-build and easy-to-maintain TT-02B chassis. It is derived from the TT-02 chassis and was given longer suspension arms along with CVA oil filled white bodied shocks and a buggy bumper. An electronic speed control powers the 540 brushed motor which in turn gets the shaft-driven drivetrain spinning. A famous Japanese designer who is currently spearheading many of Honda’s future vehicles was the one behind the futuristic and aerodynamic styling of the Dual Ridge. Keeping it in control is a Tamiya FineSpec 2.4GHz 2-channel, pistol grip radio system.
NEO Falcon — item #57774
The Tamiya NEO Falcon may look somewhat familiar to you if you are in the know with the Tamiya Mini 4WD Pro products because it was adapted from the tiny cars. This gives kids who enjoy the Mini 4WD cars a straightforward way to progress into the world of RC. Underneath the wild looking polycarbonate body is the DT-02 two wheel drive chassis complete with 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension with oil-filled shocks. The gearbox is fully enclosed to keep dirt out and it all spins in ball bearings to reduce friction and aid in improved power transfer efficiency.
NEO Fighter Buggy — item #57872
Tamiya’s NEO Fighter Buggy has a very sleek and narrow chassis and body thanks to the revamped DT chassis and owns the DT-03 chassis designation. Strength and durability is obtained by a monocoque frame that also nicely protects the electronics. The battery runs down the length of the chassis and the sealed gearbox sits at the rear. A stock 540 brushed motor comes with this buggy along with a 2.4GHz radio system. The polycarbonate body and wing are pre-painted and complete with plenty of stickers to be an eye catcher.
Plasma Edge — item #57772
Bright fluorescent yellow wheels are the perfect complement to the silver body and flame stickers and make for one fun to drive 4WD buggy. The DF-02 chassis is a great chassis for someone starting out because it is so easy to maintain thanks to its non-intimidating design and they get to benefit from the superior performance of an AWD buggy. The motor and battery are mounted longitudinally in a wide bathtub style chassis which keeps the center of gravity nice and low. Like the other buggies, the Plasma Edge has a fully enclosed gearbox and utilizes eight high-quality bearings to keep everything spinning smoothly.
Racing Fighter — item #57895
Rounding out the buggies is the Tamiya Racing Fighter which also features the 2WD DT-03 chassis like the NEO Fighter Buggy. Tamiya gave the Racing Fighter a tougher appearance with a more traditional 1:1 styled body and wing along with some aggressive looking black wheels. Performance is boosted with a pre-installed Tamiya torque-tuned brushed motor and a complete set of CVA oil-filled shocks. Ribbed front and square spike rear tires provide plenty of grip and the rear positioned gearbox is sealed with a reliable gear differential inside for silky smooth cornering.
TRUCKS
Heavy Dump Truck — item #57890
Although the Heavy Dump Truck appears to have the same chassis as the Tamiya Wheelie vehicles like the Wild Willy 2, it is actually different. The GF-01 chassis is 4WD instead of 2WD and the motor is located in the center to drive the gears in the front and rear gearboxes. The tough monocoque chassis has the gearboxes integrated into the frame which helps to protect the drivetrain from dust and debris. Friction shocks are used for damping while mated to a fully independent double wishbone suspension setup. A torque-tuned 540-brushed motor provides the go along with Tamiya’s dependable TEU-105BK speed control. Along with the realistic injection molded resin body, the chassis, bumper and wheels are all molded in yellow. The cab and rear bed are separate components with the bed designed so that it can be set in either flat or raised positions.
Lowride Pumpkin — item #57879
Originally, Tamiya released a Midnight Pumpkin that was set on a high-rise monster truck chassis. They took the popular ABS molded Pumpkin body and slammed it down into this Lowride Pumpkin that sits on the M-06 chassis. The body is nicely finished with chrome parts like is seen on the front grill and headlights not to mention the stylish roll bar with lights. The M-06 is a rear wheel drive platform with fully independent double wishbone suspension. The battery runs down the middle to offer balanced handling while 60D Super Grip radial tires for the rear give improved traction.
Mercedes-Benz Unimog 406 Series U900 — item #57843
Here is a great example of the effort that Tamiya puts into their vehicles to create an accurate model of the real thing. The Mercedes-Benz Unimog 406 Series U900 is a 1/10-scale version of the full size 4×4 Unimog. The body is molded of rugged polycarbonate and comes fully painted and decorated with all the detail stickers including the side view mirrors headlights and grill already placed for you. Beneath the great looking body is Tamiya’s tried and true CC-01 4WD off-road chassis also known as the Cross Country. The bathtub style plastic chassis is equipped with a rear four-link rigid suspension and solid axle while the front features an independent suspension setup. Keeping the ride smooth are oil-filled plastic shocks spec’d for the front and rear. drivetrain.
Suzuki Jimny SJ30 Wheelie — item #57862
If you want a really fun RTR to cruise around with and have the ability for on-the-demand wheelies, then check out the Suzuki Jimny SJ30 Wheelie. Tamiya purposefully designed the WR-02 chassis with a wheelie bar to enable fun, front wheels in the air driving action. The motor is positioned along the centerline of the chassis and power is delivered to the rear wheels via fully-enclosed gearbox equipped with a gear differential. At each corner sits double wishbone suspension that can handle uneven off-road terrain. For electronics, the Suzuki Jimny comes with the Tamiya FineSpec 2.4 GHz 2-channel radio system, an electronic speed control and 540 brushed motor.
Toyota Land Cruiser 40 Pick-Up — item #57880
The Toyota Land Cruiser 40 Pick-Up may look just like the Jimny shown above, but this truck is based on the Tamiya GF-01 chassis which is 4WD instead of rear-wheel-drive yet it is also capable of wheelie action. A tough monocoque frame acts as the chassis for the Jimny as well as housing the integrated 4WD drivetrain and centrally mounted brushed motor. Gear differentials are used at the front and rear along with friction shocks and independent suspension. The blue polycarbonate body is molded to look just like the full size Toyota Land Crusher 40 series truck that was produced from 1960-1984 and inside the cab sits a driver figure.
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