Overview

The Tamiya 1/10 Scale Opel Kadett GT/E Electric RC Car with MB-01 Chassis (TAM58729) is an award-winning assembly kit that brings iconic European motoring heritage to life in miniature form. This exceptional RC car UK model has been recognised by prestigious German publications, winning the Modellfahrzeug des Jahres award and cementing Tamiya's status as a 2024 Premium Brand in RC model genres. Whether you're an experienced RC enthusiast or discovering the world of ready to run RC alternatives, this kit offers an engaging building experience combined with authentic, satisfying on-road performance.

The Opel Kadett GT/E itself is a legend of 1970s European motorsport. Released in 1975, this high-spec 2-door coupe featured a potent 1.9-litre engine and reinforced suspension that made it a favourite among rally competitors worldwide. Factory Opel teams, satellite squads and independent drivers piloted modified versions of this car to remarkable success, securing second place in the manufacturer's championship in global rally races during 1976. Now you can own your own piece of this authentic racing history, rendered in stunning 1/10 scale with meticulous attention to detail and genuine engineering prowess.

Built on the versatile and proven MB-01 chassis platform, this brushed electric RC car combines ease of assembly with genuine performance capabilities. The long wheelbase configuration and midship rear motor layout faithfully recreate the balance and handling characteristics of the original vehicle, whilst the lightweight polycarbonate body captures the distinctive lines of the classic Kadett GT/E with impressive fidelity.

Key Features

• Award-Winning Design — This model received the prestigious Modellfahrzeug des Jahres award from German magazine Modellfahrzeug, recognising it as one of the finest RC cars available. Tamiya's recognition as a 2024 Premium Brand in RC model genres demonstrates the engineering excellence and quality control applied to this kit.
• Versatile MB-01 Chassis Platform — The compact 2WD MB-01 chassis is engineered with genuine versatility at its core. Without removing your battery pack, motor and radio equipment from the centre frame, you can switch between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive simply by changing the attachment directions of the final gears and steering linkage. This means a single chassis can be reconfigured for different driving characteristics and learning experiences.
• Configurable Wheelbase and Motor Positioning — The MB-01 offers three different wheelbase options to suit various body styles and driving preferences. For rear-wheel drive configurations, you can choose between low or high motor positioning to fine-tune weight distribution and handling balance, giving you genuine engineering flexibility rarely found in this price bracket.
• Long Wheelbase Configuration — This particular build uses the long wheelbase setup paired with midship rear motor and rear-wheel drive (MR) positioning. This layout faithfully captures the weight distribution and handling characteristics of the original Opel Kadett GT/E, delivering authentic on-road performance that responds like a genuine sports car rather than a toy.
• Double Wishbone Suspension with Friction Dampers — The 4-wheel suspension features a symmetrical double wishbone design with friction dampers that provide smooth, predictable handling across various surfaces. This sophisticated suspension geometry absorbs bumps and maintains chassis stability during cornering, crucial for delivering responsive, precise control on tarmac and light terrain.
• Unitised Construction for Easy Maintenance — The motor mount, final gears and suspension components are engineered as integrated units. This design philosophy means assembly is straightforward and ongoing maintenance is simplified, as components can be serviced or upgraded without complete chassis disassembly. Perfect for builders who value both simplicity and long-term serviceability.
• Lightweight Polycarbonate Body — The body is crafted from lightweight polycarbonate material, keeping overall weight low whilst maintaining rigidity and impact resistance. Polycarbonate is also flexible enough to withstand minor impacts without cracking, and the translucent material accepts Tamiya PS paint beautifully for authentic or custom colour schemes.
• All-Terrain Tyres Included — The model comes equipped with 60mm front and rear tyres suitable for both smooth surfaces and light off-road use. When you're ready to experiment, replacement 60D tyres are readily available from Tamiya dealers, allowing you to adjust grip levels to match your local driving conditions and personal preference.
• 540-Type Brushed Motor Included — The integrated 540-type brushed motor delivers reliable, linear power delivery that's perfect for learning throttle control and developing driving skills. Brushed motors are incredibly robust and forgiving, tolerating occasional rough running and mishaps that might damage more exotic brushless systems.
• Electronic Speed Control Included — An ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) is supplied with the kit, handling all power delivery to the motor. This removes a potential point of confusion for builders new to RC cars UK models, and ensures compatibility between motor and battery from the outset.
• Authentic European Rally Heritage — Owning and building this model connects you to genuine motorsport history. The original Opel Kadett GT/E competed in real world rally championships and achieved remarkable success. This RC car UK kit lets you recreate those historic races in miniature, honouring a significant chapter in European automotive competition.

Technical Performance

The Tamiya Opel Kadett GT/E is engineered to deliver genuine on-road performance with commendable build quality and thoughtful engineering throughout. The 1/10 scale dimensions measure 417mm in length, 174mm in width and 138mm in height, with a 239mm long wheelbase that provides inherent stability and predictable handling. The 540-type brushed motor paired with the integrated ESC provides smooth, controllable acceleration suitable for both developing drivers and experienced competitors seeking a nimble, responsive handling platform. The motor's brushed design means it will handle varying battery voltages and charging states gracefully, without the performance cliff associated with brushless systems at extreme battery states. The lightweight polycarbonate body keeps the overall weight down, ensuring the motor isn't burdened with excessive mass whilst maintaining adequate rigidity to resist chassis flex during spirited driving. The 4-wheel double wishbone suspension with symmetrical geometry and friction dampers absorbs road imperfections whilst maintaining precise steering response, crucial for the quick changes of direction demanded by tarmac rally courses. The inclusion of both motor and ESC means you're not purchasing these components separately, representing genuine value and ensuring compatibility between all supplied electrical components. The 60mm tyres strike an excellent balance between on-road grip and acceptable off-road capability, though keen competitors may wish to experiment with alternative compounds for specific track conditions. Assembly is categorised as Skill Level 2, indicating intermediate complexity — not a snap-together ready-to-run model, but well within the reach of any builder with patience and basic mechanical aptitude. This is a proper engineering project that teaches genuine chassis setup principles and mechanical understanding, not simply a toy to unbox and run.

What's in the Box

• 1/10 scale unassembled chassis kit with all structural components
• Lightweight polycarbonate body shell in clear natural finish
• 540-type brushed motor
• Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)
• 4-wheel double wishbone suspension assembly with friction dampers
• Front and rear 60mm tyres and wheels
• All required fasteners, bearings, gears and drivetrain components
• Comprehensive instruction manual with step-by-step assembly guidance

What You Need to Complete

• 2-Channel radio control system (transmitter and receiver)
• Steering servo with minimum 6kg torque rating
• 7.2 to 7.4 volt rechargeable battery pack (NiMH or equivalent) with compatible charging system
• Tamiya PS hobby paints and clear coat for body decoration and protection
• Basic hobby tools including screwdrivers, hex keys and pliers for assembly

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Tamiya Opel Kadett GT/E MB-01 suitable for beginners? — Yes, but with caveats. The Skill Level 2 assembly classification indicates this is an intermediate-difficulty kit, not a beginner snap-together model. If you've never built an RC car before, expect to invest 4-8 hours in careful assembly following the instruction manual. However, the MB-01 chassis design emphasises accessibility — unitised suspension and motor components make assembly logical and straightforward compared to more complex platforms. Once built, the brushed motor and ESC combination delivers forgiving, predictable performance perfect for developing driving skills. Many experienced RC hobbyists recommend this chassis specifically for learning proper setup and maintenance techniques.
• What battery does the Opel Kadett GT/E need? — The model requires a 7.2 to 7.4 volt rechargeable battery pack. NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) stick packs are the traditional choice and offer robust, reliable performance. You'll also need a compatible charger capable of charging NiMH batteries at 3-4 amp rates. LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries are not recommended for this model unless you upgrade the ESC to a LiPo-compatible unit, as the standard ESC is calibrated for NiMH voltage curves.
• Can I switch this model between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive? — Absolutely. This is one of the genuine strengths of the MB-01 platform. Without removing the battery, motor or radio equipment from the centre frame, you can reconfigure the model from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive (or vice versa) simply by changing the attachment directions of the final gears and steering linkage. This makes the platform ideal for experimenting with different handling characteristics or adapting to varying track conditions.
• What is the difference between this Opel Kadett and other MB-01 based models? — The MB-01 platform is shared across several excellent Tamiya models including the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA, Citroën DS, MINI Cooper Racing and Volkswagen Golf II GTI 16V. Each model uses the same chassis platform but features different body shells, wheelbase configurations and motor positioning. The Opel Kadett GT/E is configured with the long wheelbase setup and midship rear motor placement, creating a unique handling balance compared to shorter-wheelbase models. Each body style also carries its own historical significance and aesthetic appeal, allowing collectors to build multiple variants on the same proven platform.
• How long does assembly take? — Expect to invest 6-10 hours for careful, methodical assembly, depending on your experience level and attention to detail. The instruction manual is comprehensive and well-illustrated, guiding you through each step. Many builders find this extended build time genuinely enjoyable, as assembly teaches you how every component functions and interacts, making you a more capable tuner and maintainer once the model is complete.
• Is this a ready-to-run RC car or does it need building? — This is a kit that requires assembly from component parts. It is not a ready-to-run (RTR) model. You will need to assemble the chassis, attach the body, install your own servo and radio equipment, and charge the battery before your first drive. However, the unified construction and detailed instruction manual make this an accessible first build for any RC enthusiast willing to invest time and care.
• What makes the MB-01 chassis special compared to other platforms? — The MB-01 represents Tamiya's approach to accessible, versatile platform engineering. Its genuine strength is reconfigurability — the choice of three wheelbases, front or rear-wheel drive capability, and adjustable motor height (on rear-wheel drive versions) means a single chassis can deliver dramatically different handling characteristics. This makes the MB-01 particularly valuable for learning proper setup and tuning techniques, as you can experiment with major configuration changes without purchasing multiple chassis. The double wishbone suspension with friction dampers delivers smooth, predictable handling superior to simpler beam axle designs, whilst unitised components make assembly logical and maintenance straightforward.
• Does this model come with a radio system included? — No. The kit does not include a 2-channel radio transmitter and receiver. You'll need to source these separately. Tamiya does not include radio equipment in their car kits to allow builders to choose systems matching their budget and preferences. Entry-level 2-channel systems are widely available at affordable prices and represent a one-time investment that can be used across multiple models.
• What type of motor does this use and can I upgrade it? — The model includes a 540-type brushed motor. This is a standard size used across many 1/10 scale models, meaning replacement and upgrade motors are readily available. If you wish to upgrade to a more powerful brushless motor in future, the chassis can accommodate this with a compatible ESC upgrade, though the standard brushed setup is more than adequate for learning and general driving.
• Is the Opel Kadett GT/E waterproof? — No, this model is not waterproofed as supplied. The electronics package is standard dry-environment specification. Whilst it can handle light rain or wet grass for brief periods, it's not designed for sustained water exposure or submersion. Keep the model away from puddles and water hazards, and allow it to dry thoroughly if it encounters moisture during operation.

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 Opel Kadett GT/E Electric RC Car with MB-01 Chassis – TAM58729 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.