Full-size, 1:1 Scale Tamiya Wild One MAX Unveiled As Working EV Buggy

If you grew up through the 1980s, you’d probably recognise the Tamiya Wild One as the famed RC toy buggy that everyone wanted – and probably had. Now if you were lucky enough to have indulged n the hobby with said iconic toy, perhaps you might have yearned to have a life-sized version of which.

If so, then you’re in luck as UK-based The Little Car Company (TLCC) has brought said dream into reality through the Tamiya Wild One MAX pictured. Yes, this is a full-sized, 1:1 scale-up build of the famed Tamiya-branded RC toy, now reborn as a drivable EV off-road buggy.

Yes, The Little Car Company has built a full-sized, 1:1 scale-up of the famed Tamiya Wild One that's also drivable!

Whilst generally similar, eagle-eyed fans might have noticed that the Tamiya Wild One MAX does bore several differences over the 1:10-scale toy that inspired it, and you’d be right. Indeed, changes were made  based on customer feedback garnered by LCC when they first showed them a prototype in 2021.

Design changes made include the front suspension towers for improved driving visibility, and switching from trailing arm suspension assemblies to double wishbone types instead to boost performance. However, the most significant change is the widening of the body by 100 MM to accommodate two seats.

While not an exact replica of the original Tamiya RC toy kit that first released in 1985, the overall design and outlook does resemble said original closely, and fans of said toy will instantly recognise it. However, while the pint-sized original was capable of performing serious moves and stunts, this ‘replica’ might not.

One key change from the original design is the switch to double wishbone suspension with a redesigned front towers, the latter for better driving visibility.

Decals and graphics donned on the Tamiya Wild One MAX are reminiscent to those that dressed the original 1985 RC toy.

Underneath, TLCC have chosen to power the Tamiya Wild One MAX using an electric motor juiced by 8 removable battery packs rated at 14.4 kWh. Tipping the scales at about 500 KG, TLCC says the Tamiya Wild One MAX can hit speeds of up to 60 MPH (96 KM/H) too -  double that of the initial prototype.

Drive goes to the rear wheels only, but the presence of up to 270 MM in ground clearance, 28.4 and 50.8-degree breakover and departure angles plus 34.1-degree approach angle, not forgetting 14-inch Maxis off-road tyres, should ensure optimum traction both on and off the beaten path.

As for the cockpit, TLCC have primed the Tamiya Wild One MAX with a pair of Cobra race buckets matched with four-point racing harnesses. Other kit present include an IP-rated, weather-protected 5-inch digital screen, as well as a set of marine-spec switchgear.

14-inch Maxis off-road wheels plus 270 MM ground clearance should see the Tamiya Wild One MAX able to traverse some terrain well enough.

Citing that 9 our 10 customers who’ve booked one, TLCC says it will offer the Tamiya Wild One MAX with a special kit that will allow this EV buggy to hit the public roads legally in the UK and EU. Said kit sees this buggy conform with L7e quadricycle regulations to enable that.

Ahead of first deliveries in 2024, TLCC will publicly unveil the Tamiya Wild One MAX later this year, promising details surrounding range and performance, as well as price. What do you folks think of this upscaled rendition of perhaps of the greatest playthings from the 1980s then? Hit the comments below…