Overview

The Tamiya Lancia 037 Rally 1/10 Scale 4WD R/C Car with TA02-S Chassis is an exceptional assembly kit that brings one of motorsport's most legendary vehicles to life in miniature form. This iconic rally car dominated the 1983 season, securing a one-two finish at the prestigious Monte Carlo Rally and claiming the manufacturers' championship with victories across multiple rounds. Now you can own and build your own detailed replica of this Group B legend, combining authentic design with genuine high-performance RC engineering. Whether you're an experienced RC enthusiast looking for a rewarding building project or a collector seeking an authentic representation of 1980s rally history, this Tamiya kit offers breathtaking realism matched with an exhilarating drive experience that makes it one of the finest on-road rally RC cars available in the UK market.

This is not simply a ready-to-run RC car—it's a comprehensive assembly kit that rewards builders with meticulous attention to detail throughout every component. The injection-moulded ABS plastic body expertly captures the distinctive 037 Rally form with its characteristic aggressive spoilers, front and rear, whilst separate parts recreate the windscreen wipers, side mirrors, and quad front fog lamps that made the real car so visually striking. The attention to realism extends to metal-plated light cases for headlights, taillights, and fog lamps, combined with sticker sheets depicting authentic sponsor logos. The interior includes detailed depictions of both the driver and co-driver, complete with dashboard details that showcase Tamiya's commitment to authenticity.

Built on the proven TA02-S chassis platform specifically engineered for the Lancia body, this RC car delivers the performance capabilities you'd expect from a professional-grade rally machine. The shaft-driven 4WD system provides excellent traction and predictable handling characteristics, whilst the four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension with CVA oil shocks ensures responsive control across various surfaces. Compatible with standard Type 540 brushed motors, this kit offers genuine flexibility for upgrades and customisation, making it equally suitable for display as a collectible model or for active use on the track or field.

Key Features

• Authentic Lancia 037 Rally Body — The injection-moulded ABS plastic bodywork faithfully replicates the legendary 037 Rally that secured the 1983 manufacturers' championship, complete with distinctive front and rear spoilers, quad front fog lamps, and aggressive Pininfarina-designed styling that makes this RC car instantly recognisable to any motorsport enthusiast.
• Exceptional Detail and Realism — Metal-plated light cases for headlights, taillights, and fog lamps combine with separate parts for windscreen wipers and side mirrors to deliver authenticity that extends to the detailed driver and co-driver depictions in the interior, making this far more than a simple RC model but a true collectible piece.
• TA02-S Short-Wheelbase Chassis — Tamiya's specialist TA02-S chassis variant features a reduced wheelbase specifically engineered to accommodate the authentic proportions of the real sports car, ensuring scale accuracy whilst maintaining the engineering excellence that Tamiya is recognised for worldwide.
• Shaft-Driven 4WD System — The four-wheel drive configuration uses shaft transmission rather than belt drive, providing reliable power delivery to all four wheels with excellent traction characteristics ideal for rally-style driving on both carpet and off-road surfaces.
• Four-Wheel Independent Double-Wishbone Suspension — Each corner features dedicated double-wishbone suspension geometry paired with CVA oil shock dampers, delivering responsive handling and consistent performance across varied terrain whilst maintaining the comfort and stability expected from a professional rally machine.
• Bathtub-Type Frame Construction — The robust tub chassis design provides excellent structural rigidity and protection for internal components, a hallmark of professional RC engineering that ensures longevity and reliability through countless hours of use.
• Dual Differential System — The combination of a 3-bevel differential at the front and ball differential at the rear is specifically engineered to provide optimal traction distribution, allowing smooth cornering whilst maintaining grip during acceleration and braking.
• Advanced Steering Linkage — The 3-piece steering tie-rod design offers precise front-end control and easy adjustment capabilities, ensuring your RC car responds instantly to transmitter inputs with predictable, linear steering response.
• Type 540 Motor Compatibility — Includes a 540-type brushed motor as standard, with compatibility for standard Type 540 motors allowing straightforward upgrades and customisation as your skills and requirements evolve.
• Included Electronic Speed Control — The ESC (electronic speed control) is included in the kit, eliminating one of the major additional purchases required and getting you closer to a complete running vehicle faster.
• New Front Bumper Design — An updated front bumper is included, reflecting the latest engineering refinements and ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functional protection during running and transport.
• Comprehensive Sticker Sheet — Authentic decals depicting original sponsor logos and rally identifications allow you to personalise your model to represent a specific race configuration or championship livery.

Technical Performance

The Tamiya Lancia 037 Rally represents the pinnacle of assembly kit engineering, combining authentic replica accuracy with genuine high-performance RC capabilities. The TA02-S chassis is engineered with precision that reflects decades of Tamiya innovation in on-road RC car design. The shaft-driven 4WD system operates through a robust transmission that delivers smooth power distribution with a gear ratio of 8.59:1, carefully calibrated to provide engaging acceleration and realistic lap times without requiring excessive battery capacity. The four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension geometry is identical to professional touring car designs, with CVA oil shock dampers providing progressive damping characteristics that absorb impacts whilst maintaining tyre contact for optimal grip. The injection-moulded ABS plastic body weighs appropriately for the 1/10 scale, whilst the realistic semi-gloss plated wheels fitted with racing semi-slick tyres (27mm width, 65mm diameter) deliver authentic appearance combined with genuine on-road performance characteristics. The bathtub frame is constructed from robust materials engineered to withstand the stresses of regular use without requiring constant maintenance or repair. The included Type 540 brushed motor operates efficiently with the provided ESC, and the flexible motor mounting allows straightforward replacement if you wish to upgrade to higher-performance alternatives. This is a serious RC car that demands careful assembly and respect during operation, but rewards builders with outstanding performance and the genuine satisfaction that comes from piloting a piece of motorsport legend.

What's in the Box

• Injection-moulded Lancia 037 Rally ABS plastic bodywork with all major structural components
• TA02-S short-wheelbase chassis with bathtub frame
• Four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension arms and components
• CVA oil shock dampers (four units)
• Shaft-driven 4WD transmission system with front 3-bevel differential and rear ball differential
• 3-piece steering tie-rod and steering linkage
• Type 540 brushed motor
• Electronic speed controller (ESC)
• Realistic semi-gloss plated wheels
• Racing semi-slick tyres (27/65mm front and rear)
• Metal-plated light cases for headlights, taillights, and quad front fog lamps
• Separate windscreen wiper parts
• Separate side mirror parts
• Interior parts including driver and co-driver depictions with dashboard details
• New front bumper design
• Authentic sponsor logo and identification sticker sheet
• Comprehensive assembly instructions with detailed diagrams

What You Need to Complete

• 2-channel R/C transmitter and receiver unit with integrated or separate ESC capability (if not using the included ESC independently)
• Steering servo with sufficient torque to control the 4-wheel steering geometry
• 7.2-volt battery pack (NiMH or NiCd recommended, compatible with the provided ESC specifications)
• Battery charger suitable for 7.2-volt battery packs
• R6, AA, or UM3 batteries (typically four cells) for the transmitter
• Tamiya TS-series spray paints for body painting and finishing (TS-26 Pure White recommended as a base colour, with additional colours for sponsor logos and detailing)
• Modelling tools and hobby knife for component preparation and assembly
• Adhesives suitable for plastic assembly (cyanoacrylate or plastic cement)
• Fine-grit sandpaper and polishing materials for finishing the painted bodywork

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Tamiya Lancia 037 Rally suitable for beginners in RC car building? — This kit carries a Skill Level 2 rating, indicating it requires moderate building experience and mechanical understanding. Whilst not the absolute easiest kit available, it is significantly more manageable than advanced competition models. Beginners with patience and access to assembly guides should find this achievable, though previous experience assembling at least one simpler RC kit would be beneficial. The reward is a genuine sense of accomplishment combined with a spectacular finished model.
• What battery specifications does this RC car require? — The Lancia 037 Rally requires a 7.2-volt battery pack, most commonly supplied as six 1.2-volt NiMH or NiCd cells in stick configuration. The included ESC is designed for compatibility with standard 7.2-volt battery packs found at any UK RC retailer. Runtime typically ranges from 20 to 40 minutes depending on driving style, battery capacity (measured in milliamp-hours or mAh), and terrain.
• What is the 8.59:1 gear ratio and why does it matter? — The gear ratio determines the balance between acceleration and top speed. This 8.59:1 ratio is carefully engineered to provide engaging acceleration appropriate to a rally car (which prioritises agility over maximum velocity) whilst maintaining realistic performance characteristics. Higher gear ratios reduce top speed but improve acceleration, whilst lower ratios do the opposite. This ratio is optimised for on-road rally-style driving.
• Can I upgrade the motor in this RC car? — Yes, the kit accepts standard Type 540 brushed motors, allowing straightforward upgrades as your skills develop. However, any motor upgrade should be compatible with the provided ESC specifications to avoid component damage. Consult with experienced RC retailers in the UK before attempting major electrical upgrades.
• How long does this kit take to assemble? — Assembly time varies significantly depending on your experience level and how much detail work you invest in painting and finishing. The chassis typically requires 2 to 3 days of concentrated building, whilst the bodywork finishing (painting, decal application, and detail work) frequently takes considerably longer—often several weeks if you aim for competition-level presentation. Many builders report spending 3+ weeks on the bodywork alone to achieve professional-standard results.
• Is this kit waterproof for outdoor use? — No specific waterproofing rating is provided in the manufacturer specifications. Whilst the electronics bay provides some protection, this is an on-road model optimised for dry running. Racing in wet conditions or puddles risks component damage. If outdoor use in variable weather is planned, aftermarket waterproof sealing systems are available from specialist RC suppliers.
• What makes the TA02-S chassis different from the standard TA02? — The TA02-S features a purposefully reduced wheelbase compared to the standard TA02 platform, specifically engineered to accommodate the authentic proportions of the Lancia 037 Rally body. This short-wheelbase variant maintains the excellent suspension geometry and 4WD reliability Tamiya is recognised for, whilst achieving proper scale accuracy with the bodywork.
• What skill level is required to build and operate this RC car? — The kit is rated Skill Level 2, requiring moderate mechanical ability. You should be comfortable with small components, threaded fasteners, and following detailed assembly diagrams. Operating the car itself is straightforward once assembled, though on-road driving requires practice to master smooth acceleration, braking, and cornering—particularly if you're new to RC cars.
• How does this compare to other 1/10 scale on-road rally RC cars? — The Lancia 037 Rally stands apart through its exceptional bodywork detail, featuring authentic light cases, separate wiper and mirror parts, and detailed interior—elements that elevate it beyond basic touring car kits. The TA02-S chassis is proven competition-grade engineering with a long history of reliability. If collectible appeal combined with genuine performance capability is your priority, this kit offers outstanding value.

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 Lancia 037 Rally 1/10 Scale 4WD R/C Car with TA02-S Chassis – TAM58654 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.