Tamiya Porsche 959 (58059)

Next to the Sand Scorcher, the Porsche 959 from Tamiya may be their best-known model, but it may have earned its fame in many ways.

First, there is nothing lacking in the ultra-detailed Lexan body. Tamiya brought out a new technique, blow moulding together with complex moulds to form the very detailed body you see here. Note the inwards curving front, back and sides, which would not be possible without advanced (expensive) moulds. You will also notice that the Lexan is thinner than your average RC body, even thinner in many places due to the forming method. The Lexan body is topped of by small ABS plastic details for the rear wing, roof-mounted rear lights and side mirrors. Adding the striking livery of Rothmans (Tobacco) colours, and with an interior/cockpit, detailed enough for the average painter to start sweating, you have a stunning looking RC model.

Secondly, the chassis is a piece of art. The model is made in 1/12 scale, unlike most RC models of the period, which makes the chassis both crammed and sweet looking. The dampers, front and rear, are unique for the 959 and the later Celica Gr.B; aluminium bodies with oil reservoirs made out of plastic tube on the top. The entire frame is monocoque type, and is constructed from three main parts, front and rear gearboxes, coupled by a centre section for the radio gear and the motor.

The motor is the iconic Technigold. Again, a first from Tamiya, the 959 was the first to be graced with this motor as standard. The kit even came with lights for the front, this time real miniature bulbs, connected to the main battery through the MSC.

Since the 959 came with all these details in a small 1/12 package, it of course had its challenges. Durability became a problem for the lower arms, primarily in the front but also in the rear. Restorers of today may donate a kidney to get hold of these original parts in mint condition.

To sum it up, a very collectable model, hard to find in good shape because of the fragile body and chassis, but another milestone in Tamiya RC engineering, well worth to put on the shelf.