Tamiya Blitzer Beetle

[Dangeruss]

In 1993 Tamiya scored a huge hit with the 1/10 2wd electric off-road Blitzer Beetle. Adept at creating new models using existing platforms Tamiya was able to rebody their overlooked Bear Hawk single seat off-road buggy into a VW Beetle shaped sensation. Utilizing the previous buggy's molded ABS plastic tub, bumps and jumps were tackled by a four-wheel independent suspension system that consisted of two-piece lower a-arms and plastic camber links on each corner. Attached to the chassis up front with a bolt-on bulkhead the suspension was followed by an adjustable tie rod and ball cup steering system with a direct mount servo saver. Out back the arms and links would hang off the molded plastic gearcase, though both the front and rear would receive a major improvement in dampening over the Bear Hawk as the 'Beetle's molded shock towers supported a set of plastic bodied oil-filled coilover CVA shocks with clip in spring spacers. Electronics resided in the open tub just ahead of the transverse mounted battery which powered the rear mounted 540 motor with enough wattage to enthusiastically spin the cars bevel geared differential and metal dogbone axles. Super Gripper tires on single piece plastic spoked wheels purloined from the Stadium Blitzer truck, now molded in orange, adorned the 'Beetle's axles, and as expected from Tamiya, a multi-piece highly detailed molded plastic VW Beetle body stole the show. A large front bumper, Mabuchi RS540 motor, full bushings and an unnamed driver figure rounded out the unassembled kit which was preceded by the Falcon, Bear Hawk, and Stadium Blitzer, followed by the Stadium Thunder and Chrome Metallic Blitzer:

[Brendan2904]

One of my favorite cars. Bought it new in 94. Loved building it. Originally I was going to buy a Clod but the hobby store didn’t have any in stock.