The Little Car Company, based in Bicester, U.K., is known for creating kid-sized replicas of classic cars. However, they have recently taken a different approach by upscaling a toy car. The company has transformed the iconic remote-controlled car, Tamiya Wild One Max, into a life-size drivable car. This unique creation is now available for sale worldwide, with road-legal versions specifically available in the U.K. and Europe.
In order to bring this RC car to life-size, several modifications were necessary. The cockpit has been widened to accommodate two adults comfortably. The seats are Cobra buckets with four-point harnesses, providing both safety and style. To improve visibility and pedestrian safety, the front shock towers were rounded off. Additional features such as a windshield, wiper, and a 5.0-inch dashboard screen were also added. Despite these modifications, the car still maintains a fairly compact size, measuring 141.7 inches long and 74.8 inches wide.
The front suspension of the Wild One Max was redesigned from the original RC car’s trailing-arm design to a double-wishbone setup. It now features Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs, and 14-inch Maxxis off-road tires on all four corners. With an impressive ground clearance of 10.6 inches, an approach angle of 34.1 degrees, a breakover angle of 28.4 degrees, and a departure angle of 50.8 degrees, this car is ready for any off-road adventure.
Powering the Wild One Max are eight swappable battery packs, providing a total capacity of 14.1 kWh. The Little Car Company estimates that this is enough to achieve 124 miles of range on-road or 68 miles off-road, based on the European WLTP cycle. The car boasts a peak output of 38 hp and a continuous output of 20 hp, allowing it to reach a top speed of 62 mph.
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In the U.K. and the European Union, the Wild One Max can be classified as a “quadricycle,” enabling it to be driven legally on public roads. This classification requires an optional package that includes a windshield, wiper, headlights, taillights, indicators, license-plate brackets, mud guards, and exterior mirrors. Both left-hand drive and right-hand drive versions will be available.
The first 100 examples of the Wild One Max will be offered as Launch Editions. These special editions will feature a carbon-fiber dashboard, a unique key fob, hologram decals, and a 1/10-scale model kit of the car, reproduced by Tamiya for this occasion.
Interested buyers can place their orders starting from July 13. The pricing for the Wild One Max starts at 35,000 British pounds, which is approximately $45,000 USD at the current exchange rates. A non-refundable deposit of 3,500 pounds, equivalent to $4,500, is required to secure the order. The pricing of the Wild One Max is consistent with previous releases from The Little Car Company, which have included replicas of the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa and the Aston Martin DB5, both costing tens of thousands of dollars. Production of the Wild One Max is scheduled to commence in 2024.
With its unique combination of childhood nostalgia and full-size drivability, the Wild One Max offers car enthusiasts and collectors an exciting opportunity to experience the thrill of their favorite RC car in real life. Its attention to detail, performance capabilities, and road-legality make it a true gem in the world of automotive toys.
