One of the most iconic RC cars of the 1990’s is the RC10, which was a technological marvel when it came to R/C racing. Credited with starting off-road racing, the RC10 was the first electric RC car. Its advanced design featured an anodized aluminum chassis, oil-filled shock absorbers, a limited-slip differential, and A-arm suspension. The RC10 was first sold in 1984 and evolved versions are still manufactured today.
The first commercially available RC cars were produced by the British company Mardave. These first models were gas and nitro-powered, and were sold locally. In the early 1970s, they were marketed worldwide and eventually began gaining popularity in other countries. By the end of the decade, the cars had evolved into electric versions. The technology was so advanced that racing models could be produced that could compete with the real thing.
El-Gi, an Italian company, created an adjustable ball differential in the 1980s for its RC cars. This feature gave drivers nearly unlimited tuning capabilities, making them ideal for different types of tracks. Until then, most R/C cars were either gear-type or solid axle. The creation of proportional radio control enabled the creation of R/C vehicles. At that time, radio controls could only be set to ‘bang/go’ and could only control left-right/center-right or stop. The evolution of the RC industry eventually gave birth to many aftermarket parts.
The evolution of RC cars was largely due to the development of the RC10. El-Gi introduced in 1983 the RC100, a 1/8 scale gas-on-road vehicle. Two years later, the company developed the RC12, which was the first electric racing buggy. Team Associated introduced the JRX2, a four wheel-drive car, in 1987. The RC100 quickly became the most popular car at the time. Later, the RC12 was released with an electric motor.
The Lightning 2000 is an electric car that won the “ROAR” National Championships in 1982. Its patented adjustable ball differential enabled users to tune their vehicles for different conditions. By integrating these technologies, RC vehicles were a hit for children. One of the earliest examples in RC car racing is the RC10. Schumacher Racing Products developed the nitro engine. The CAT vehicle was an off-road buggy with four-wheel drive that was powered by an electric motor.
RC cars from the 90’s are often referred to as retro. This decade’s cars were created in the 1980s and were highly advanced. The RC10 was a technological leap in the RC market. Its nitro-powered wheels were able to handle high speeds. The RC10 was a pioneer in the development of a nitro-powered electric off-road car.
The RC10 was a revolutionary car. The adjustable ball differential enabled infinite tuning of different tracks. It was a great technological achievement and has been the hallmark of R/C cars ever since. But the popularity of these cars didn’t stop there. Some of these RC vehicles are still widely available today and have gone through several changes. This article focuses on the history of RC car racing in the nineties, and highlights some of its most important cars from the 1990’s.
In the late 1960s, small companies in Leicester, UK started making commercial products. This was when the RC car industry was born. Some of these companies began as slot car manufacturers, but they quickly transitioned into the R/C market. In the early 1970s, they introduced the RC100, a 1/8 scale gas on-road car. The RC12, a tenscal electric racing buggy, was another popular car.
RC cars were possible thanks to the development of proportional radio controls. This radio control enabled R/C cars be more precise in handling and performance. The RC100 was an off-road gas model. The RC12 was an electric racing buggy. In 1989, the RC10110, which was the earliest RC car to introduce a 2.4GHz frequency, was introduced by Team Associated.
In the early 1980s, Tamiya and other manufacturers released a line of electric racers that would become the foundation of today’s radio-controlled car market. The RC10 buggy was a departure from regular nitromethane-powered on-road racers. It was built from aircraft-grade aluminium alloy and was designed to be radio controlled.
