Tamiya Peugeot 306 Maxi with Blue Painted Body (BT-01)

Overview

The Tamiya Peugeot 306 Maxi with Blue Painted Body (BT-01) is a 1/10 scale RC car assembly kit that brings genuine rally heritage to life in your hands. This model faithfully recreates the legendary Peugeot 306 Maxi, a front-wheel-drive rally champion that dominated European motorsport in the mid-1990s, securing the class championship at the 1996 Monte Carlo Rally and achieving multiple victories across the 1996 and 1997 international rally seasons. Whether you're searching for a "rally RC car UK" or exploring beginner-friendly RC models, this Tamiya kit represents an exceptional blend of authenticity, accessibility and performance potential that appeals equally to newcomers discovering their first RC project and experienced hobbyists seeking a refined on-road platform.

What sets this particular release apart is the pre-painted polycarbonate bodyshell in striking blue, eliminating the need for masking, painting and finishing work that can intimidate less experienced builders. The blue finish arrives showroom-clean, complemented by Tamiya's original livery graphics that evoke a fictitious team aesthetic without demanding advanced airbrushing or paint skills. This makes the 47513 genuinely accessible to anyone stepping into RC for the first time, whilst retaining the customisation options and upgrade potential that keep seasoned enthusiasts engaged long-term. The kit is built around Tamiya's acclaimed BT-01 chassis platform—a 2WD design engineered specifically for on-road touring car and rally driving that prioritises ease of assembly, intuitive maintenance and genuine driving enjoyment over raw speed.

At 404mm in length, 187mm in width and 155mm in height, this model delivers perfectly proportioned compact rally dimensions that suit prepared tarmac surfaces, car park layouts and smooth track environments. The 257mm standard wheelbase balances directional responsiveness with stable straight-line tracking, making it predictable and confidence-building for developing drivers while remaining engaging for those with advanced RC experience. Combined with the front motor, front-wheel-drive configuration that delivers authentic rally dynamics with direct traction control, the Peugeot 306 Maxi stands out as a properly engineered RC car for the UK market—not a toy, but a genuine hobby platform worthy of real investment in your skills and passion.

Key Features

• Pre-painted blue polycarbonate bodyshell — The polycarbonate body arrives painted in a striking blue finish, removing the requirement for spray work, masking tape and paint expertise and allowing you to build and run this model within hours rather than days. This feature is especially valuable for beginners who find painting intimidating, whilst experienced builders appreciate the time savings and opportunity to focus on chassis setup and driving rather than body finishing.
• Authentic Peugeot 306 Maxi silhouette with rally pedigree — The design authentically recreates the legendary Peugeot 306 Maxi rally car, complete with enlarged fenders, roof spoiler and competition-inspired proportions that reflect the 2.0-litre, 280-horsepower real-world prototype. The racy form delivers genuine scale realism and visual presence on track, making your RC investment feel connected to genuine motorsport history rather than a generic platform.
• Separate moulded side mirrors and rear wing in ABS plastic — These precision-moulded components are provided as separate parts, elevating the scale authenticity and visual detail without demanding complex assembly or integration work. The rear wing in particular sharpens the silhouette and adds competitive visual character that distinguishes this model from simpler rivals.
• Front motor, front-wheel-drive configuration — This setup delivers authentic on-road rally dynamics with direct traction delivery at the driven front axle, providing predictable steering response and confidence-building handling characteristics that match real-world front-wheel-drive rally behaviour. The configuration is recommended by Tamiya specifically for this model, ensuring the chassis is optimised for maximum enjoyment straight from assembly completion.
• BT-01 beginner-friendly chassis with complete customisation potential — The 2WD BT-01 platform features unitised sections including motor mount, final gears and suspension components, dramatically simplifying both initial assembly and ongoing maintenance. Without removing your battery pack, motor or radio system, you can reconfigure the chassis between front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive setups, or adjust motor position from front (FR) to midship rear (MR) location, offering genuine long-term progression and experimentation options as your skills develop.
• Choice of two wheelbase configurations — The BT-01 accommodates both standard and alternative wheelbase lengths, allowing you to fine-tune handling characteristics and adapt the model to different track layouts or driving preferences without requiring alternative chassis components.
• 4-wheel double wishbone suspension with friction dampers — This proven suspension architecture features symmetrical front and rear construction, friction dampers at all four corners for tuning control, and suspension geometry that generates toe-in at the rear axle during cornering for improved stability and confidence. The unitised suspension design facilitates straightforward maintenance and adjustment.
• 6-spoke wheels with racing radial tyres — These wheels are paired with semi-pneumatic racing radial tyres measuring 67mm diameter and 27mm width across all four corners, delivering controlled grip levels ideal for predictable on-road touring and rally performance without the fragility or expense of full pneumatic rubber.
• 540-Type Torque Tuned brushed motor with Hobbywing ESC included — The included motor and electronic speed controller remove the uncertainty of component compatibility and provide responsive torque delivery matched to radial tyre grip, with the Hobbywing ESC manufactured to strict Tamiya specifications for reliability and straightforward operation. The brushed motor architecture is inherently user-friendly for maintenance and tuning, making this kit genuinely serviceable by builders at any skill level.
• Plastic 4-bevel differential gear with upgrade path — The standard plastic 4-bevel differential is fully compatible with TT-02 Hop-Up Options including ball differentials and oil-filled differentials, providing a genuine upgrade pathway for drivers seeking to refine handling characteristics or reduce differential lock-in as they progress.
• 3-piece steering tie-rod system — This steering linkage design simplifies assembly and adjustment whilst providing durable, reliable steering response with minimal maintenance requirements.
• Bathtub frame construction — The central bathtub-style frame structure provides excellent chassis rigidity and impact protection whilst maintaining the low centre of gravity essential for confident cornering and stable platform behaviour.
• Flip-up battery holders for quick battery changes — These purpose-designed holders allow you to change batteries in seconds without removing the battery pack, motor or radio system from the chassis, dramatically reducing pit time between driving sessions and maximising enjoyment.
• Included Tamiya original livery stickers — The kit includes stickers to apply Tamiya's fictional team livery, adding visual character and competition presence without demanding custom decal design or printing resources.

Technical Performance

The Tamiya Peugeot 306 Maxi with Blue Painted Body is engineered around the proven BT-01 chassis platform, a 2WD on-road touring car chassis celebrated throughout the UK RC community for outstanding build quality, intuitive assembly flow and genuine long-term enjoyment. The 540-Type Torque Tuned brushed motor delivers responsive acceleration and smooth power delivery across the entire throttle range, matched to a Hobbywing-manufactured electronic speed controller that provides reliable acceleration control and regenerative braking. The gear ratio of 8.27:1 with the kit-standard 22T pinion is carefully calibrated to optimise acceleration response and top-end velocity for on-road rally and touring car applications, providing enough punch for confident launches whilst maintaining control suitable for developing drivers. The 4-wheel double wishbone suspension with friction dampers front and rear creates a symmetrical platform that handles predictably through corners, with rear toe-in geometry that automatically increases grip stability as lateral forces build during sustained cornering. The plastic 4-bevel differential ensures power delivery to both front wheels whilst allowing speed differences during turning, delivering authentic front-wheel-drive behaviour. The chassis accommodates either 7.2V or 7.4V battery packs (NiMH or LiPo chemistry), with flip-up battery holders facilitating quick battery changes and the flexibility to experiment with different battery capacities and voltages as you develop your driving skills and racing goals. The semi-pneumatic racing radial tyres measure 67mm diameter with 27mm width, providing measured grip levels ideal for predictable on-road performance without the fragility of softer compound rubber or the expense of full pneumatic tyres. The polycarbonate bodyshell is lightweight yet durable, offering genuine impact protection whilst maintaining the low mass essential for responsive handling and battery efficiency. The entire chassis employs unitised construction methodology—motor mount, final gears and suspension components are pre-assembled into discrete modules—dramatically simplifying both initial assembly and ongoing maintenance. This engineering approach means you spend less time troubleshooting and more time driving, whilst building genuine understanding of how RC chassis systems function.

What's in the Box

• Polycarbonate bodyshell pre-painted in blue with Tamiya original livery stickers
• BT-01 chassis with bathtub frame construction
• Front and rear 4-wheel double wishbone suspension with friction dampers
• Plastic 4-bevel differential gear
• 540-Type Torque Tuned brushed motor
• Hobbywing electronic speed controller (ESC) for export markets
• 6-spoke wheels (four units)
• Semi-pneumatic racing radial tyres, 67mm diameter × 27mm width (four units)
• Separate moulded ABS plastic side mirrors
• Separate moulded ABS plastic roof spoiler
• Motor mount assembly (unitised, pre-assembled)
• Final gear assembly (unitised, pre-assembled)
• 3-piece steering tie-rod system
• Flip-up battery holders
• Gear ratio specification: 8.27:1 with 22T pinion

What You Need to Complete

• 2-channel radio control system (transmitter and receiver)
• Steering servo (must be compatible with 2-channel radio system)
• 7.2V or 7.4V battery pack (NiMH or LiPo chemistry, 2S capacity minimum)
• Compatible battery charger (appropriate to your chosen battery chemistry)
• R6, AA or UM3 batteries for transmitter (quantity and type depends on your specific radio system—verify with radio manufacturer)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Tamiya Peugeot 306 Maxi BT-01 suitable for RC beginners? — Yes, absolutely. The BT-01 chassis is specifically engineered with beginners in mind, featuring unitised construction that simplifies assembly, friction damper suspension that delivers predictable handling, and a stable front-wheel-drive configuration that builds confidence. The pre-painted bodyshell removes painting requirements entirely, meaning you can focus on mechanical assembly and driving skills rather than finishing work. Tamiya rates this kit as Skill Level 2, confirming it sits comfortably within beginner capability whilst remaining engaging for experienced builders. The symmetrical suspension design and moderate 8.27:1 gear ratio create inherently forgiving handling characteristics, meaning your first runs will likely be enjoyable rather than frustrating.
• What battery does the Tamiya Peugeot 306 Maxi need? — This model requires a 7.2V or 7.4V battery pack (either NiMH or LiPo chemistry). The 257mm standard wheelbase and 540-Type motor are calibrated for these voltage ranges, which provide optimal performance within the BT-01 platform's design parameters. You can experiment with different battery capacities (typically ranging from 1500mAh to 3000mAh) to adjust runtime and power delivery characteristics. Always use a compatible charger matched to your battery chemistry (NiMH chargers differ from LiPo chargers), and ensure the battery pack features a connector type compatible with your chosen radio system and servo. The Hobbywing ESC included with this kit accepts these voltage ranges without any configuration changes.
• How long does it take to build the Tamiya Peugeot 306 Maxi? — Build time varies depending on your experience level, but most builders complete this kit within 4-8 hours of focused work. The unitised construction approach—where components like the motor mount, final gears and suspension arrive partially assembled—dramatically reduces build time compared to traditional fully-loose-parts designs. First-time builders should allow extra time for instruction reading and careful checking of assembly steps, whilst experienced Tamiya builders often complete the model in 3-4 hours. The pre-painted bodyshell saves 2-3 hours compared to unpainted body versions, as you eliminate masking, painting and clear-coating steps entirely.
• What is the difference between the BT-01 chassis in this Peugeot 306 Maxi and other Tamiya platforms? — The BT-01 is purpose-designed for on-road touring car and rally driving on prepared tarmac surfaces, delivering a stable, predictable platform prioritising handling enjoyment and building confidence. Alternative Tamiya platforms like the TT-02 (touring car) and TB-05 (off-road buggy) serve different purposes—the TT-02 is rear-wheel-drive touring car design for track racing, whilst the TB-05 is a 4WD off-road platform for unprepared terrain and jump landing. The BT-01's front-wheel-drive architecture, double wishbone suspension and moderate gear ratio make it genuinely suitable for both beginners and experienced drivers seeking an enjoyable, low-stress driving experience without race-winning ambitions. The BT-01 is also exceptional value for money, offering surprising capability and upgrade potential at an accessible price point.
• Can I modify the Peugeot 306 Maxi from front-wheel-drive to rear-wheel-drive? — Yes, one of the BT-01's genuine strengths is complete reconfigurability. Tamiya specifically designed this chassis to accommodate three separate setups: front motor with front-wheel-drive (FR, recommended for this model), rear motor with rear-wheel-drive (RR), or midship motor with rear-wheel-drive (MR). These configurations are achievable without removing the battery pack, motor or radio system from the centre frame—simply reconfigure the attachment direction of the final gears and steering linkage. This flexibility provides genuine long-term value and experimentation potential as you develop your skills and understanding of how chassis configuration affects handling behaviour.
• What is the top speed of this RC car? — Tamiya does not publish an official top-speed specification for the BT-01 platform with standard 22T pinion gearing. Actual speed depends on multiple variables including battery capacity, battery condition, motor temperature, tyre condition, track surface friction and driving technique. In practical terms, most builders achieve speeds between 12-18 mph on smooth indoor or outdoor on-road surfaces with standard 7.2-7.4V batteries. Experimenting with pinion gear sizes (Tamiya offers various options) allows you to adjust the top-speed versus acceleration balance to match your driving preferences and track characteristics—smaller pinions increase top speed at the cost of initial acceleration, whilst larger pinions prioritise launching punch at the expense of maximum velocity.
• Is the polycarbonate bodyshell durable? — Yes, polycarbonate is a genuinely durable engineering plastic specifically chosen for RC car bodies across the entire hobby industry. It offers excellent impact resistance, resists shattering during crashes, and maintains structural integrity through repeated impacts that would damage painted plastic bodies. The pre-painted finish is durable for normal driving, though the plastic itself will eventually show inevitable wear marks, minor cracks and scuff patterns from regular use—this is entirely normal and acceptable within the hobby. If the bodyshell sustains significant damage, replacement shells are available as affordable spare parts, allowing you to restore your model's appearance. The lightweight nature of polycarbonate is also deliberate engineering, keeping overall vehicle mass low for responsive handling and battery efficiency.
• Do I need any special tools to build this kit? — No. Standard RC model builder tools are all you require: screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head), pliers for assembling suspension linkages, and possibly a drill with small bits for any optional drilling tasks. Tamiya provides clear assembly instructions with numbered steps and helpful reference photographs. Specialist tools like ball-end hex drivers, bearing presses or soldering equipment are not required for this beginner-focused kit. A clean work surface, some small containers for organising screws during assembly, and a small notebook for recording assembly notes are practical additions that improve your building experience.
• Can I upgrade components on the Peugeot 306 Maxi after initial assembly? — Yes, extensive. The BT-01 is specifically designed to accommodate Tamiya Hop-Up Options across multiple categories including alternative differential gears (ball differentials, oil-filled differentials), alternative motor choices, suspension tuning parts, and gear ratio adjustments. Your initial build provides a solid foundation, and gradual component upgrades allow you to develop real understanding of how specific changes affect handling, acceleration and overall driving character. This upgrade path means your initial investment retains genuine long-term value as your skills develop and your preferences evolve.
• Is the Peugeot 306 Maxi ready to run straight out of the box? — No, this is an assembly kit requiring substantial assembly work (Skill Level 2), not a pre-assembled Ready-to-Run model. However, once assembly is complete and you've acquired the required separate items (radio system, servo, battery and charger), the model is fully functional and ready for immediate driving. The inclusion of the motor and ESC removes some complexity compared to older Tamiya kits, making the path from unboxing to first run reasonably straightforward for patient builders.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

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