Overview

The Tamiya Grasshopper 1/10 Scale 2WD Vintage Off-Road RC Buggy Kit is a legendary reissue of one of the most iconic entry-level RC cars ever produced. Originally launched in 1984, the Grasshopper became an instant classic in the world of radio control vehicles, and this faithfully recreated version captures everything that made the original so special. Based on the aggressive 1-seater buggies that dominated dirt tracks across the United States during the 1980s, the Grasshopper combines simple assembly with outstanding performance both off-road and on tarmac surfaces. Whether you're looking for your first RC car UK experience or revisiting a cherished memory, this 2WD buggy delivers pure driving enjoyment with the kind of robust build quality that Tamiya is renowned for.

This is far more than just a nostalgia trip—the Grasshopper is a genuinely capable RC buggy that performs excellently on modern terrain whilst remaining accessible to builders of all skill levels. The kit features a brushed electric motor, an included electronic speed controller, and a chassis design that has proven itself over decades of real-world use. The lightweight construction and responsive handling characteristics make it ideal for bashers who want to experience the thrill of off-road RC driving without the complexity of modern brushless systems. It's the perfect entry point into the hobby for beginners, whilst experienced enthusiasts appreciate the simplicity and the opportunity to customise with optional performance parts.

The Grasshopper guarantees to please whether this is your first RC buggy or your return to the hobby. Packed with all the fantastic features that defined the original design, this fun 2WD buggy is a blast to drive on both challenging off-road tracks and smooth on-road surfaces. The combination of proven engineering, easy assembly, and tough exterior construction makes the Grasshopper stand out as an exceptional value ready to run RC car that won't disappoint.

Key Features

• Iconic 1984 Design Reissued — This is a faithful recreation of the legendary Grasshopper that revolutionised entry-level RC motoring, bringing back the beloved design that introduced millions of people to the hobby whilst incorporating lessons learned from decades of real-world use and driver feedback.
• Durable Monocoque Chassis Construction — The bathtub-style resin monocoque chassis provides exceptional rigidity and strength, fastened to the plastic body with screws to create a solid integrated frame that absorbs rough handling and impacts without damage, making it ideal for bashers who drive hard on challenging terrain.
• Simple Assembly Perfect for Beginners — The straightforward design and easy-to-follow assembly process make this an excellent choice for newcomers to RC cars UK, requiring no specialist knowledge or experience whilst still delivering genuine driving satisfaction and the pride of building your own model.
• Independent Front Swing Axle Suspension — The front suspension features independent swing axles that provide responsive handling and maintain excellent traction on uneven terrain, allowing the buggy to climb obstacles and navigate rough ground with confidence and control.
• Rigid Rear Axle with Coil Spring Dampers — The rear suspension uses a rolling rigid axle design combined with friction dampers and coil springs, delivering stable handling characteristics and smooth ride quality across varied off-road surfaces without the complexity of independent rear suspension.
• Sealed Rear Gearbox Protection — The fully sealed differential gearbox keeps out dirt, stones, mud and debris during off-road running, ensuring smooth driving and consistent cornering performance whilst extending the lifespan of internal components through effective contamination protection.
• Advanced Tyre Grip Design — Straight ribbed grooved front tyres combined with paddle-style rear tyres provide excellent grip performance on dirt tracks and off-road surfaces, whilst the 3-piece assembly wheel design allows for easy maintenance, repair and customisation of your buggy's running gear.
• Brushed Electric Motor System — Powered by a proven 380-size brushed electric motor with an included electronic speed controller, this drive system offers reliable performance, simple operation and is fully compatible with optional 540-size motors (sold separately) allowing you to upgrade power as your driving skills develop.
• Driver Figure Included — A half-body driver figure adds authentic finishing touches to this fun off-road RC car, enhancing the scale appearance and giving your Grasshopper real character and personality that sets it apart from basic racing buggies.
• Highly Compatible with Optional Parts — The Grasshopper chassis accepts a whole range of upgrade option parts including oil dampers, 540-size motors and ball bearings (all sold separately), meaning your buggy can evolve alongside your driving experience and never becomes outdated.

Technical Performance

The Tamiya Grasshopper represents a masterclass in chassis engineering that has remained relevant for over four decades. The model measures 389mm in length, 223mm in width and 135mm in height, with a total weight of 830 grams—making it lightweight enough for easy handling whilst maintaining sufficient mass for stable cornering and predictable handling characteristics. The rear 2-wheel drive transmission system is proven and reliable, delivering power through a sealed gearbox that protects the differential during aggressive off-road running where impacts with rocks and roots would damage unsealed units. The 380-size brushed motor provides adequate performance for recreational driving whilst remaining fuel-efficient in terms of battery consumption, and the included electronic speed controller manages power delivery smoothly across the full throttle range. The chassis features independent swing axle front suspension paired with a rigid rear axle, creating a suspension geometry that provides excellent ground clearance whilst maintaining predictable weight transfer during acceleration and cornering. Friction dampers work in conjunction with coil springs to absorb impacts and provide consistent ride quality across varied terrain. Both front and rear axles are compatible with optional ball bearings (sold separately), allowing you to upgrade running smoothness and reduce friction as your skills improve and you seek to extract maximum performance from your buggy. The bathtub resin monocoque chassis construction combined with the durable plastic body creates an integrated structure that resists twisting and flexing whilst absorbing the punishment of aggressive off-road driving. This is genuine engineering built to last, not a disposable toy.

What's in the Box

• 1x Grasshopper chassis (bathtub monocoque resin construction)
• 1x Plastic body shell
• 1x 380-size brushed electric motor
• 1x Electronic speed controller (ESC)
• 1x Rear sealed gearbox assembly with loaded differential
• 1x Front and rear suspension assemblies with friction dampers and coil springs
• 2x Straight ribbed front racing tyres
• 2x Paddle-style rear tyres
• 4x 3-piece assembly type wheels
• 1x Half-body driver figure
• Hardware, fasteners and assembly components
• Assembly instructions

What You Need to Complete

• Radio control system with minimum 1 servo channel (2.4GHz recommended for UK use)
• 7.2-volt rechargeable battery pack (NiMH or NiCad type compatible with the included ESC)
• Battery charger suitable for 7.2V NiMH or NiCad batteries
• Servo motor for steering control (6kg torque minimum recommended)
• AA alkaline batteries for the radio transmitter (typically 4 cells)
• Suitable paint for the body shell (spray can acrylic or airbrush paint)
• Basic assembly tools (screwdrivers, hex keys, small spanner)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Tamiya Grasshopper suitable for complete beginners to RC cars? — Yes, absolutely. The Grasshopper was specifically designed as an entry-level RC kit and remains one of the best first buggies you can buy. The assembly process is straightforward and doesn't require specialist knowledge or tools. The simple 2WD drive system with brushed motor is easy to control, making it ideal for learning basic RC driving skills before progressing to more complex vehicles. The tough construction means it can survive the inevitable crashes that come with learning.
• What battery does the Grasshopper need and how long does it run? — The Grasshopper requires a 7.2-volt rechargeable battery pack, typically in NiMH or NiCad chemistry. The included electronic speed controller is compatible with standard 7.2V packs which are widely available and affordable. Runtime depends on battery capacity—a 3000mAh 7.2V sport pack provides approximately 15-20 minutes of continuous driving, whilst higher capacity packs offer extended runtime. A quality fast charger can fully charge the battery in 1-2 hours depending on capacity.
• Can I upgrade the motor to something more powerful? — Yes, the chassis is fully compatible with 540-size motors (sold separately), which offer more power and speed than the standard 380 motor. To fit a 540-size motor you'll need an 18-tooth 32DP pinion gear, also sold separately. This upgradability means your Grasshopper investment can grow with your driving experience and ambitions—you're not locked into the stock configuration.
• What is the difference between the Grasshopper and similar Tamiya buggies like the Hornet? — Both the Grasshopper and Hornet are iconic 1984 designs, but they have different characteristics. The Grasshopper features a lighter, more agile design optimised for nimble handling on varied terrain, whilst the Hornet offers slightly different suspension geometry. The Grasshopper uses independent front swing axles, making it more responsive and twitchy—perfect for drivers who want immediate feedback. The choice between them comes down to personal driving preference.
• Is this a ready-to-run RC car or do I need to build it? — This is an unassembled kit, meaning you'll need to build it yourself from component parts. Assembly takes approximately 2-4 hours depending on your experience level and is genuinely fun—many hobbyists consider the building process as rewarding as driving the finished model. You'll learn valuable knowledge about how your buggy works, making maintenance and troubleshooting easier later.
• What type of terrain can the Grasshopper handle? — The Grasshopper performs excellently on both off-road and on-road surfaces. The paddle-style rear tyres and grooved front tyres are optimised for dirt, grass and loose surfaces, providing excellent grip on challenging terrain. The coil spring dampers and independent suspension allow it to tackle rough ground with confidence. However, it also drives smoothly on tarmac and concrete, making it genuinely versatile.
• Do I need ball bearings or are the standard bushings adequate? — The standard chassis uses friction damper bushings which work perfectly well for casual driving and bashing. However, both the front and rear axles are compatible with optional ball bearing upgrades (sold separately), which reduce friction and improve handling response. Ball bearings are a worthwhile upgrade if you want to extract maximum performance and smoothness, but not essential for enjoying the buggy.
• How does the sealed gearbox benefit off-road driving? — The fully sealed rear gearbox is specifically designed to keep out dirt, stones, mud and other debris during off-road running. This contamination protection means the differential gears remain clean and smooth, ensuring consistent performance and significantly extending component lifespan compared to unsealed designs. This is especially important if you're driving in muddy or sandy conditions where contamination would otherwise wear internal components quickly.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Tamiya Grasshopper 1/10 Scale 2WD Vintage Off-Road RC Buggy Kit today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.