Overview

Experience the golden era of motorsport with the Tamiya 1/10 Scale Ford Escort Mk.II Rally RC Car Kit, a faithful recreation of one of the most iconic rally cars ever built. This exceptional RC model captures the timeless boxy styling of the classic Ford Escort that dominated the RAC Rally championships from 1975 to 1979, now available as a highly capable assembly kit for RC enthusiasts across the UK. The Escort Mk.II was a legendary performer in its day, with the RS1800 variant securing both Manufacturers' and Drivers' championships in 1979, thanks to its high-performance DOHC 4-cylinder engine. Now Tamiya brings this rally legend to life in stunning 1/10 scale, combining authentic period styling with modern RC engineering for an unforgettable driving experience.

Built on the versatile and proven MF-01X chassis platform, this ready-to-customise RC car kit offers thrilling performance on both tarmac and flat dirt surfaces, making it perfect for anyone seeking a genuine rally car experience without the fuel costs and noise of nitro engines. Whether you're a seasoned RC car enthusiast looking to add a classic to your collection, or a newer hobbyist keen to tackle a rewarding assembly project, the Escort Mk.II Rally provides the ideal balance of authenticity, performance and buildability. The pre-painted white polycarbonate body is complemented by separately moulded plastic components that recreate fine details like spotlights, headlight cases, bumpers and side mirrors, whilst tinted smoke-coloured window sections add to the realistic presentation.

This brushed electric RC rally car is designed for drivers who appreciate both style and substance. The MF-01X chassis engineering ensures responsive handling and predictable behaviour on various surfaces, whilst the compact 4WD drivetrain delivers confidence-inspiring traction whether you're carving through gravel stages or blasting across open ground. Tamiya's reputation for quality assembly kits means every component is precisely engineered and carefully packaged, making the build process both enjoyable and educational for RC car UK enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Key Features

• Authentic Ford Escort Mk.II Rally Styling — The iconic two-door boxy form is rendered in detail using high-quality polycarbonate with pre-applied white paint, capturing the ageless design that made this rally legend famous during the 1970s and 1980s. The accurate body proportions and distinctive square lines ensure this RC car turns heads at any track or gathering.
• Pre-Painted Polycarbonate Body — The body arrives pre-painted in classic white with tinted smoke-coloured window sections, reducing assembly time and delivering immediate visual appeal. Separately moulded plastic components including spotlights, headlight cases, bumpers and side mirrors add premium detail and realism to the finished model.
• Proven MF-01X 4WD Chassis — This compact, tough monocoque frame chassis is engineered for both on-road and off-road performance, featuring a rear-mounted motor, gear-driven transmission and centre-mounted battery for optimal weight distribution. The shaft-driven 4WD system delivers consistent power to all four wheels through integrated gearboxes with differential gears at front and rear.
• 4-Wheel Independent Double Wishbone Suspension — This advanced suspension geometry provides excellent ride quality and predictable handling across varied terrain, with friction dampers at all four corners to manage weight transfer and maintain grip during aggressive cornering or rally-style driving on both asphalt and dirt surfaces.
• Eight-Spoke Wheels with Rally Block Tyres — The model is fitted with attractive light blue 8-spoke wheels paired with specially designed 60mm-diameter, 26mm-width rally block tyres that deliver excellent grip on multiple surface types. The open-pattern tread blocks ensure traction on loose surfaces whilst maintaining stability on hardpack and tarmac.
• Gear Ratio 9.5:1 with Type 540 Motor — The proven Tamiya Torque Tuned Type 540 brushed motor delivers smooth, progressive power delivery through a gear ratio designed for exciting acceleration and balanced top-end performance. This configuration is ideal for rally-style driving where controlled speed and rapid direction changes are essential.
• Rear-Mounted Motor with Propeller Shaft Drive — Power is transmitted from the rear motor via gears to the rear wheels and through a propeller shaft to the front wheels, creating a balanced 4WD system with excellent weight distribution. The propeller shaft design allows the chassis to be converted to different wheelbases using separately sold propeller shafts.
• Battery Pack Centre Location — The centralised battery placement in the chassis maintains superior weight distribution and stability, critical for precise handling during cornering and directional changes. This engineering advantage is particularly beneficial when driving rally-style on unpredictable terrain.
• Off-Road Capable Components — Included are M-05Ra chassis uprights and hub carriers that enhance off-road performance and durability, enabling the Escort Mk.II to tackle genuine terrain challenges beyond smooth track surfaces. These components provide additional ground clearance and improved suspension geometry for rough-terrain exploration.
• Comprehensive Sticker Sheet — A full sheet of waterslide decals and stickers is included to recreate authentic blue livery sections, sponsor logos and period-correct detailing, allowing builders to customise the appearance and add authentic rally car character to their finished model.
• LED Light Unit Compatibility — The polycarbonate front and rear light cases feature mounts for separately sold Tamiya 5mm LEDs, enabling builders to add fully functional headlights and tail lights for enhanced realism and visibility during evening driving sessions.
• Skill Level 3 Assembly Kit — Designed for intermediate builders with some RC assembly experience, this kit provides an engaging building project with comprehensive instructions. The assembly process teaches valuable skills in suspension setup, drivetrain assembly and body finishing techniques.

Technical Performance

The Tamiya Escort Mk.II Rally is engineered to deliver genuine rally car behaviour in compact 1/10 scale. At 414mm in length with a 239mm wheelbase, the model balances agility with stability, whilst the 172mm width and 135mm height provide a low centre of gravity that aids handling precision. The MF-01X chassis features a robust monocoque frame construction with fully integrated gearboxes, eliminating the complexity of transmission assembly whilst improving reliability and durability. The shaft-driven 4WD system utilises three-bevel differential gears in both front and rear gearboxes, allowing each wheel to rotate independently during cornering whilst maintaining traction through acceleration. The rear-mounted Tamiya Torque Tuned Type 540 brushed motor delivers consistent power characteristics across the entire battery voltage range, providing smooth throttle response essential for precision rally-style driving. The 9.5:1 gear ratio creates a balanced power delivery curve, offering sufficient acceleration for dynamic performance whilst maintaining control and predictability. Four-wheel independent double wishbone suspension with friction dampers at all corners provides excellent bump absorption and body control, keeping the polycarbonate body stable through compressions and rebounds on uneven surfaces. The tyres measure 26mm width by 60mm diameter front and rear with a 138mm tread width, designed specifically for rally block patterns that excel on both tarmac and loose surfaces. The tinted smoke window sections and detailed pre-painted finish demonstrate Tamiya's commitment to visual authenticity, whilst the quality of the polycarbonate and plastic components ensures durability through numerous impacts and handling experiences typical of RC car usage.

What's in the Box

• Pre-painted white polycarbonate body shell with tinted smoke window sections
• MF-01X monocoque chassis frame with integrated gearboxes
• Rear-mounted Tamiya Torque Tuned Type 540 brushed motor
• Front and rear gearbox assemblies with differential gears and propeller shaft
• Four-wheel independent double wishbone suspension with friction dampers front and rear
• Light blue 8-spoke wheels (set of four)
• Rally block pattern tyres — 26mm width, 60mm diameter (set of four)
• M-05Ra chassis uprights and hub carriers for off-road capability
• Separately moulded plastic components: spotlights, headlight cases, bumpers, side mirrors
• Steering tie-rod assembly (2-piece design)
• Comprehensive assembly instruction manual with exploded parts diagrams
• Waterslide decal sheet with blue livery sections, sponsor logos and detailing stickers
• Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) with integrated receiver connector ports
• Spare body posts and clips for secure body attachment

What You Need to Complete

• 2-Channel Radio Control System (transmitter and receiver) — An essential RC car UK component for wireless control of steering and throttle. The system must be compatible with the ESC receiver port connector.
• Servo Motor — Required to operate the steering mechanism, typically rated for 6kg of torque or greater to provide responsive and precise directional control through the two-piece tie-rod steering system.
• Battery Pack and Charger — A suitable rechargeable battery pack (typically 7.2V NiMH or LiPo equivalent) with appropriate charging system. The battery should be rated for sufficient capacity and discharge rate to power the Type 540 motor and ESC without voltage sag during driving sessions.
• R6/AA/UM3 Batteries for Transmitter — Four alkaline batteries to power the 2-channel radio transmitter, ensuring reliable wireless control signal transmission to the vehicle receiver throughout extended driving sessions.
• Assembly Tools — A basic set of tools including screwdrivers, hex keys and a model assembly knife may be required to complete the kit construction, though many builders use a dedicated Tamiya RC Tool Set for optimal results.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Tamiya Escort Mk.II Rally RC car suitable for beginners? — This is a Skill Level 3 assembly kit, designed for intermediate builders with some previous RC car assembly experience. Whilst not recommended for complete beginners, it represents an excellent next step for anyone who has successfully completed simpler kits. The comprehensive instruction manual guides builders through each assembly stage, making the process educational and achievable with patience and attention to detail.
• What battery does the Escort Mk.II Rally require? — The model requires a rechargeable battery pack suitable for the Tamiya Type 540 brushed motor. Typical options include 7.2V NiMH stick packs or equivalent LiPo batteries of similar voltage. The battery should have sufficient capacity (typically 2000mAh to 3000mAh) and appropriate discharge rating to sustain performance during 20-30 minute driving sessions. Always consult the ESC manual for specific voltage compatibility before purchasing batteries.
• Can the Escort Mk.II be driven on off-road surfaces? — Yes, absolutely. The MF-01X chassis is specifically engineered to perform on both asphalt roads and flat dirt surfaces. The included M-05Ra off-road capable uprights and hub carriers enhance performance on loose terrain, whilst the rally block pattern tyres are designed to maintain grip on gravel, dirt and compacted earth. This versatile capability is one of the key advantages of the MF-01X platform for rally-style driving enthusiasts.
• What is the assembled length of this RC car? — The finished model measures 414mm in length, 172mm in width and 135mm in height, with a wheelbase of 239mm. These compact dimensions make it ideal for driving in confined spaces and on miniature rally stages, whilst the low centre of gravity aids handling and stability during cornering.
• How does the MF-01X chassis compare to other compact 4WD RC car kits? — The MF-01X is renowned for its balance of simplicity and capability. The monocoque frame construction eliminates traditional chassis plates, reducing weight and complexity whilst maintaining rigidity. The integrated gearboxes, shaft-driven 4WD system and rear-mounted motor create a platform equally at home on road or dirt, with proven reliability across numerous Tamiya model variants including the Suzuki Jimny, Volkswagen Beetle Rally and Golf Mk2 GTI. The availability of hop-up option parts enables extensive tuning and customisation for competitive drivers.
• Are LED lights included with this model? — LED lights are not included in the standard kit, but the polycarbonate front and rear light cases feature mounts for separately sold Tamiya 5mm LEDs. This design allows builders to add realistic lighting as a separate upgrade, enhancing the model's appearance during evening driving sessions without compromising the standard kit's functionality.
• What electronic components are included? — The kit includes an Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) with integrated receiver connectivity. However, a separate 2-Channel Radio Control System, servo motor, battery pack, charger and transmitter batteries are required to complete the model and bring it to running condition.
• Can the wheelbase be adjusted on the Escort Mk.II? — Yes, the MF-01X chassis can be converted to different wheelbases (S, M and L configurations) using separately sold propeller shafts. This flexibility allows drivers to experiment with handling characteristics and adapt the model to different terrain types or driving styles.
• Is this model waterproof? — The model is not rated as waterproof. The electronics and motor should be protected from water immersion. The polycarbonate body can withstand moisture and is easy to dry, but the ESC and motor components require protection from direct water contact to ensure reliable operation and prevent electronic failure.

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 1/10 Scale Ford Escort Mk.II Rally RC Car Kit – MF-01X Chassis TAM58687 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.