Carisma M48S Subaru WRC 1997 1/8 RC Rally Clear Body CA16486

Overview

The CARISMA M48S SUBARU WRC 1997 CLEAR BODY SET CA16486 is a premium replacement bodyshell designed specifically for the CARISMA M48S on-road chassis platform. This is an authentic reproduction of the iconic Subaru WRC rally car from 1997, one of the most recognisable and celebrated rally machines in motorsport history. Whether you're building a custom RC car UK setup, upgrading an existing M48S platform, or creating a display model with genuine period-correct styling, this clear body set delivers the authentic Subaru WRC look that enthusiasts and collectors demand.

This body shell is ideal for RC modellers who want to personalise their 1/8th on-road GT racing machine with authentic livery and professional paint schemes. The clear acrylic construction allows you to create custom paint jobs underneath whilst showcasing the detailed body lines and curves that made the 1997 Subaru WRC such an iconic vehicle. Available as a ready-to-customise component, this bodyshell gives you complete creative control over your RC car's final appearance, from authentic Subaru motorsport colours to unique personal designs.

Carisma is recognised globally as a manufacturer of high-quality RC on-road vehicles and components. This body set represents the brand's commitment to authentic styling and precision engineering. For serious RC enthusiasts looking to build or upgrade their 1/8th scale on-road racing setup, this Subaru WRC 1997 body delivers genuine factory quality and authentic motorsport heritage.

Key Features

• Authentic Subaru WRC 1997 Styling — This body faithfully replicates the iconic Subaru Impreza WRC from the 1997 World Rally Championship season, giving your RC car genuine period-correct rally machine aesthetics that stand out at the track or in your display collection.
• Clear Acrylic Construction — The body is manufactured from clear acrylic, which means you can paint the underside to create custom liveries whilst seeing through to your chassis and components, offering both visual appeal and practical functionality for RC builders.
• Designed for M48S Chassis — This bodyshell is engineered specifically for the CARISMA M48S on-road platform, ensuring perfect fitment with 319mm wheelbase and 231mm width specifications for seamless integration with your existing setup.
• Uncut and Unpainted Blank Canvas — The body arrives as an uncut, clear, unpainted shell, giving you complete freedom to customise the paint scheme, add your own decals, and create a unique finish that reflects your personal style or favourite rally team livery.
• Requires Assembly and Finishing — As this is an unpainted clear shell, you'll need to trim the body to size, paint it with your chosen colours, and assemble it to your chassis, making this ideal for builders who enjoy the customisation process and want full control over the final result.
• 1/8th On-Road GT Scale — Sized perfectly for 1/8th scale on-road racing, this body delivers proper proportions for competitive GT racing or weekend bashing on asphalt surfaces across UK tracks and roads.
• Compatible with 319mm Wheelbase Chassis — Whether you're using a standard M48S or any chassis with a 319mm wheelbase and 231mm width, this body mounts securely and provides the correct body-to-wheel proportions for optimal aerodynamics and appearance.

Technical Performance

The CARISMA M48S SUBARU WRC 1997 Clear Body Set is engineered from clear acrylic material, a premium choice for RC bodyshells that provides both durability and visual clarity. The uncut, unpainted design means you're starting with a blank canvas that requires careful trimming to match your specific chassis dimensions and mounting points. The body is precision-manufactured to fit the M48S platform perfectly, with dimensions specifically engineered for the 319mm wheelbase and 231mm chassis width. The clear construction allows light to pass through whilst you paint and decorate the underside, creating professional-looking custom paint schemes that can rival commercially painted bodies. The acrylic material is robust enough for track use and resilient against minor impacts, though it should be handled carefully during assembly and trimming to avoid cracks. For those serious about RC on-road racing, this body offers the opportunity to create a truly personalised machine that reflects both your style and commitment to the hobby. The authentic Subaru WRC 1997 proportions ensure that once assembled and painted, your RC car will turn heads at any UK RC track or event.

What's in the Box

• One clear, uncut, unpainted CARISMA M48S SUBARU WRC 1997 bodyshell

What You Need to Complete

• RC paint in your chosen colours (acrylic or polycarbonate paint suitable for clear acrylic bodies)
• Masking tape for paint applications
• Hobby knife or body trimming tool to cut the body to size
• Sandpaper or fine abrasive for smoothing trimmed edges
• Clear coat finish (optional, for protecting your paint scheme)
• Decals and stickers (if you want to add custom livery)
• CARISMA M48S chassis and RC car components (not included in this body set)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will this body fit my M48S chassis? — Yes, this body set is specifically designed for the CARISMA M48S chassis platform. It is engineered to fit M48S models perfectly, or any chassis with a 319mm wheelbase and 231mm width. Measure your chassis before ordering to confirm compatibility with these exact dimensions.
• Is this body ready to use straight away? — No, this is a blank, uncut, unpainted clear shell. You'll need to trim it to size using a hobby knife, paint it with your chosen colours, and assemble it to your chassis. This is ideal if you want complete customisation control, but does require some building skills and time investment.
• What paint should I use on this clear acrylic body? — You can use polycarbonate (PC) paint or acrylic model paints designed for clear acrylic bodies. Do not use enamel paint, as it can damage acrylic. Apply paint to the underside (inside) of the clear shell so you can see your finished design through the transparent acrylic. Always apply a primer first for best adhesion and colour vibrancy.
• Can I see through the body once it's painted? — Once you've painted the underside of the clear shell, the paint will be visible from outside, but you won't see through to the chassis behind it. The appeal of clear bodies is the ability to paint custom designs underneath whilst the transparent acrylic shows off your paint work and body contours beautifully.
• Is this suitable for beginners? — This body set is better suited to intermediate builders who have experience with RC car assembly and customisation. You'll need to trim the body carefully, paint it, and assemble it to your chassis. Beginners might prefer a pre-painted, ready-to-fit bodyshell, but if you're willing to learn the trimming and painting process, this is an excellent way to create a truly unique RC car.
• What is the scale of this body? — This is a 1/8th scale on-road body set designed for the CARISMA M48S platform. The 1/8th scale means it's larger than typical 1/10th scale on-road cars, giving it impressive road presence and better stability at high speeds on asphalt surfaces.
• How authentic is the Subaru WRC 1997 styling? — This bodyshell is an authentic reproduction of the 1997 Subaru Impreza WRC rally car. The proportions, body lines, and overall silhouette faithfully represent one of rally racing's most iconic machines. If you're familiar with Subaru's legendary rally heritage, you'll appreciate the precision of this design. You can paint it in authentic Subaru motorsport livery or create your own custom rally scheme.
• What tools do I need to prepare this body? — You'll need a sharp hobby knife or dedicated body trimming tool to carefully cut the body to size, sandpaper to smooth any rough edges after trimming, masking tape for paint applications, and suitable paint. A paint spray system or airbrush will give professional results, though brush painting is also possible if done carefully.

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 CARISMA M48S SUBARU WRC 1997 CLEAR BODY SET CA16486 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.