Thumb jockeys who spent the 1980s steering radio-controlled Tamiya buggies on the streets will soon be able to pilot a full-size Wild One on the public road.
The Little Car Company, which has already made scaled-down versions of Bugattis, Ferraris and Aston Martins, has now reversed the process, by taking a model car and growing it so that it can be driven by adults. The Tamiya Wild One MAX will even be road legal in Europe and the UK under rules that allow electric quadricycles, such as the Citroën Ami and Fiat Topolino.
As befits its name, however, the Wild One MAX has performance far beyond that of its tame competition. With power from a 14.4kWh battery pack the rear electric motor delivers a peak of 38bhp, giving it a 62mph top speed and a range of up to 160 miles on road or 70 miles on off-road trails.
Giving it go-anywhere ability is a combination of adjustable Bilstein dampers with Eiback springs, chunky 14-inch Maxxis Bighorn rear tyres and a weight of a little over 500kg. It has a ground clearance of 270mm, an approach angle of 34.1 degrees, a breakover angle of 28.4 degrees, and a departure angle of 50.8 degrees which could make it a viable alternative to a conventional ATV. Those wishing to drive it on the road can opt for a pack that includes a windscreen and wiper, mirrors, mudguards, lights and number plates.
“Here at The Little Car Company we are on a mission to show that electric cars can be fun,” says CEO Ben Hedley. “We believe that you don’t need one thousand horsepower, stomach churning acceleration or electronic torque vectoring systems to make EVs enjoyable.”
The first 100 buyers will also receive a re-issue of the 1985 Tamiya Wild One kit and deliveries will begin in 2024. Unfortunately the price of around £35,000 is beyond pocket money, though.
