Overview

The Tamiya 1998 Honda NSX Racing Electric RC Car is an exceptional assembly kit that brings one of motorsport's most iconic sports cars to life in stunning 1/10 scale. This is a fantastic choice for RC enthusiasts in the UK who appreciate authentic racing heritage combined with modern RC engineering. The 1998 Honda NSX Racing achieved remarkable success on the track, with four cars entered in Japanese GT races that year securing an impressive five victories. This RC model faithfully recreates that legendary racing machine, complete with aerodynamically refined bodywork and the option to add your own custom livery or paint scheme.

Built on the proven and versatile Tamiya TT-02 chassis, this RC car UK offering combines ease of assembly with genuine performance capabilities. Whether you're a seasoned RC car enthusiast or progressing beyond your first ready-to-run model, the Tamiya NSX Racing represents an intelligent investment in quality and engineering. The kit comes equipped with an ESC and brushed motor, meaning you're closer to the track than you might think – you'll just need to add a radio system, servo, and battery pack to get racing.

This is more than just a toy; it's a scale model that captures the essence of one of Honda's finest achievements in motorsport. The durable polycarbonate body is moulded to authentically represent the 1998 racing specification, whilst the TT-02 chassis delivers the adaptability and stability that makes Tamiya RC cars so respected worldwide. If you're looking for a high-quality, buildable RC touring car that combines heritage, performance and genuine fun, the Tamiya 1998 Honda NSX Racing is an excellent choice.

Key Features

• Authentic 1998 Honda NSX Racing Body — The polycarbonate body is crafted from durable 1.0mm thick material and authentically captures the aerodynamic form of the 1998 Honda NSX Racing, the specification that achieved five racing victories that season. The body arrives unpainted with trim stickers and window masking stickers included, allowing you to create your own custom livery or paint scheme exactly as you wish.
• Shaft-Driven 4WD TT-02 Chassis — This is the engine of the RC car, offering superior adaptability and stability through a balanced shaft-driven four-wheel-drive system. The longitudinal layout with battery mounted on the left and motor on the right creates excellent weight distribution and handling characteristics that make this chassis the choice of serious RC enthusiasts.
• Highly Adaptable Chassis Design — The TT-02 platform offers remarkable flexibility with two different wheelbase options, two ground clearance settings, and two tread set-ups available. Additionally, nine different gear ratios are possible through the use of separately sold pinions, allowing you to fine-tune performance for different track conditions and driving styles.
• Easy Assembly and Maintenance — Identical left and right suspension arms and uprights significantly simplify the assembly process, whilst the easy-to-maintain gearboxes mean you can spend more time racing and less time troubleshooting. This makes the Tamiya NSX Racing an excellent RC car for UK builders who want a genuine building experience without unnecessary complexity.
• Professional Suspension and Steering — The model features a 4-wheel double wishbone suspension system with front and rear friction dampers for smooth, controlled handling. The 3-piece steering tie-rod uses resin ball links for smooth, comfortable motion and precise steering response, critical for competitive on-road racing.
• Racing-Spec Wheels and Tyres — Dark gun metal colour 6-spoke wheels with brake disc-shaped hubs are paired with semi-pneumatic slick racing tyres (27mm width, 67mm diameter) that deliver authentic racing appearance and genuine grip for on-road driving. The wheels themselves feature stylish brake disc-shaped hubs that enhance the race car aesthetic.
• Included Motor and ESC — The kit comes with a Type 540 brushed motor and electronic speed controller (ESC) included for export, meaning you're eliminating two major purchasing decisions and getting components that are perfectly matched to this chassis.
• Striking Detail Parts — Front bumper canards are separately moulded ABS plastic pieces that enhance the racing aerodynamics, whilst side mirrors use separate ABS plastic parts with stickers for mirror surfaces. The 2-layer rear wing is recreated in authentic style, and the motor cover includes a removable cooling duct for realistic detailing.

Technical Performance

The Tamiya 1998 Honda NSX Racing delivers impressive engineering in a mid-sized on-road package measuring 435mm in length, 194mm in width, and 121mm in height, with a wheelbase of 257mm. The shaft-driven 4WD system uses front and rear 4-bevel plastic differentials that provide intelligent power distribution to all four wheels, ensuring consistent traction and predictable handling characteristics. The Type 540 brushed motor delivers reliable power output suitable for competitive on-road racing, whilst the included ESC provides smooth throttle control and reversing capability. The suspension geometry employs 4-wheel double wishbone configuration with friction dampers at front and rear, a setup that provides excellent bump absorption and maintains consistent ride height during aggressive cornering.

With a standard gear ratio of 8.27:1 and the ability to adjust to nine alternative ratios ranging from 11.38:1 to 7.28:1, the chassis can be optimised for different track conditions and racing speeds. The bathtub-type frame provides excellent rigidity whilst protecting internal components from track debris. The 27mm wide, 67mm diameter racing slick tyres are specifically designed for on-road surfaces, delivering genuine grip whilst maintaining the authentic scale appearance. Build quality throughout is exceptional, with separate moulded parts including bumper canards, side mirrors, and rear wing components that elevate the finished model well above basic assembly kits. The durable polycarbonate body resists cracking and warping, essential for a model that will see genuine use on the track rather than simply sitting on display.

What's in the Box

• Polycarbonate body shell (1998 Honda NSX Racing specification)
• Trim stickers and window masking stickers
• TT-02 chassis (fully assembled and ready for body mounting)
• Type 540 brushed motor
• Electronic speed controller (ESC)
• Double wishbone suspension components with friction dampers
• Shaft-driven 4WD drivetrain components
• Dark gun metal 6-spoke wheels with brake disc hubs
• Semi-pneumatic slick racing tyres (front and rear)
• Steering linkage with resin ball links
• Front bumper canards (separate ABS plastic pieces)
• Side mirrors with stickers
• 2-layer rear wing
• Motor cover with removable cooling duct
• Assembly instruction manual

What You Need to Complete

• 2-channel radio control system with transmitter and receiver
• Steering servo (6kg minimum torque recommended)
• 7.2-7.4 volt rechargeable battery pack (NiMH or LiPo)
• Compatible battery charger
• R6, AA or UM3 batteries for the radio transmitter
• Tamiya PS polycarbonate paint for body finishing

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Tamiya 1998 Honda NSX Racing suitable for beginner RC car builders? — Yes, absolutely. The kit is classified as Skill Level 2, which is the second easiest assembly level. Whilst it requires assembly, the identical left and right suspension components and easy-to-maintain gearboxes make construction significantly simpler than many competing RC cars. If you've successfully built one Tamiya kit before or have basic mechanical knowledge, you'll find this model very manageable. The shaft-driven 4WD system is more straightforward than belt-driven alternatives, and the TT-02 chassis is renowned for reliability and ease of maintenance, making it ideal for builders who want genuine involvement without excessive complexity.
• What battery does this RC car need and how long will it run? — The model requires a 7.2-7.4 volt rechargeable battery pack, typically either NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) or LiPo (lithium polymer) chemistry. You'll also need a compatible charger. The radio transmitter runs on four R6, AA or UM3 alkaline batteries. Runtime will vary depending on your driving style, track conditions, and the specific capacity of your battery pack, but expect approximately 15-30 minutes of continuous running on a typical sport pack, with longer runtime available using higher-capacity batteries.
• What makes the TT-02 chassis better than other RC touring car platforms? — The TT-02 offers exceptional adaptability and balanced performance through its shaft-driven 4WD system, which eliminates belt maintenance whilst providing consistent power delivery. The longitudinal battery and motor layout creates superior weight distribution and stability. The double wishbone suspension with friction dampers delivers predictable handling, whilst the availability of two wheelbase options, two ground clearance settings, two tread set-ups, and nine different gear ratios means you can fine-tune the car for your specific needs. Thousands of UK RC enthusiasts choose TT-02 based cars because they're reliable, easy to maintain, and genuinely competitive.
• Can I use this as a genuine racing RC car, or is it just for display? — This is absolutely a genuine racing platform. The TT-02 chassis is actively raced in clubs across the UK and worldwide, and the included 540 motor and ESC are performance components designed for competitive use. The aerodynamic bodywork helps with on-road stability, and the racing slick tyres are specifically designed for tarmac surfaces. Whether you're racing in a club competition or simply enjoying high-speed runs at your local track, this is a fully capable racing machine, not a decorative model.
• What's the difference between this 1998 NSX Racing model and the newer 2016 NSX available on the TT-02 chassis? — The 1998 NSX Racing represents the earlier, more angular design that competed in Japanese GT racing, featuring the 3.5-litre V6 specification that achieved five victories that year. It's the choice for buyers who appreciate racing heritage and the classic 1990s aesthetics. The 2016 NSX model represents the modern generation with updated aerodynamics and styling. Both use the same TT-02 chassis platform, so the driving experience is identical – the difference is purely in the body style and historical period you prefer.
• Do I need to paint the body, or does it come ready to race? — The polycarbonate body arrives unpainted with white trim stickers and window masking stickers included. The model is designed for you to finish the body yourself using Tamiya PS polycarbonate paint, allowing complete customisation. You can create authentic historical liveries, add your own sponsor logos, or paint it in any colour scheme you prefer. The window masking stickers protect the windows during painting, making the process straightforward even for first-time painters.
• What gear ratio should I use for my track conditions? — The model comes fitted with an 8.27:1 ratio as standard, suitable for general on-road racing. However, nine alternative ratios from 11.38:1 (lower speed, more torque) to 7.28:1 (higher speed, lower torque) are available through separately purchased pinions. Tighter, technical tracks with lots of corners typically benefit from the higher gear ratio (11.38:1), whilst faster, open circuits may perform better with lower ratios (7.28:1). Your local RC club can advise on the best ratio for your specific track.

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 1998 Honda NSX Racing Electric RC Car 1/10 Scale TT-02 Chassis – TAM58739 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.