Tamiya Holiday Buggy (#58023)

A Vintage RC Classic

The Tamiya Holiday Buggy (#58023) is a legendary RC car that debuted in 1980. Renowned for its unique styling, robust , and affordability, it became one of Tamiya’s most popular early models. This buggy captured the spirit of fun and adventure, making it a favorite among and collectors alike.

Overview of the Holiday Buggy

The Tamiya Holiday Buggy was designed to be a beginner-friendly RC car that delivered on both performance and durability. With its distinctive dune buggy-inspired body and simple mechanics, it introduced countless enthusiasts to the joys of remote-controlled off-road vehicles.

Key Features

  • Scale: 1/10.
  • Body Material: Durable ABS plastic in a bright blue finish with colorful decals.
  • Chassis Type: Rear-wheel drive (RWD), based on the lightweight and simple SRB (Special Buggy) chassis.
  • Purpose: Designed for casual off-road fun on sandy terrain, dirt tracks, and grass fields.

Technical Specifications

FeatureDetails
Scale1/10
LengthApprox. 390 mm
WidthApprox. 200 mm
HeightApprox. 160 mm
Wheelbase240 mm
WeightApprox. 1.2 kg (without battery)
Drive SystemRear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
MotorRS-380 brushed motor
Body MaterialABS Plastic
Chassis MaterialPlastic Monocoque Frame
SuspensionSwing-Arm
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Key Features in Detail

1. Iconic Body Design

  • The Holiday Buggy’s ABS plastic body features a distinctive shape inspired by 1960s and 1970s dune buggies.
  • Its blue body is complemented by eye-catching red, yellow, and black decals, along with detailed driver and roll bar accessories.
  • The body was designed to be durable, able to withstand crashes and rough play, making it ideal for beginners.

2. Chassis and Drivetrain

  • Monocoque Chassis:
    • A simplified design that integrated key structural components into a single lightweight frame.
  • Rear-Wheel Drive:
    • Power was delivered to the rear wheels, offering a fun and realistic driving experience.
  • Enclosed Gearbox:
    • Protected the drivetrain from dirt and debris, ensuring long-lasting performance.

3. Motor and Electronics

  • RS-380 Brushed Motor:
    • Smaller than the more powerful RS-540 motors, it provided manageable speeds suitable for beginners.
  • Battery Compatibility:
    • Designed for use with a 6V or 7.2V Ni-Cd battery, offering around 10–15 minutes of runtime.
  • Mechanical Controller (MSC):
    • Simple and effective, allowing users to control speed and braking manually.

4. Suspension and Handling

  • Swing-Arm Suspension:
    • A basic system that provided enough flexibility to handle bumpy terrain like sand and dirt.
  • Soft Tires:
    • Wide, balloon-style rubber tires delivered good traction and stability on loose surfaces.

Performance Characteristics

Off-Road Capability

The Holiday Buggy was designed for light off-road driving, excelling on:

  • Sandy beaches.
  • Dirt trails.
  • Grass fields.

Speed and Handling

  • Its RS-380 motor and lightweight construction offered moderate speeds, perfect for beginners.
  • The rear-wheel-drive setup delivered a responsive and fun driving experience.

Durability

  • The ABS plastic body and enclosed drivetrain made the Holiday Buggy durable and low-maintenance, even for novice drivers.

Why the Tamiya Holiday Buggy is Special

1. Beginner-Friendly Design

The Holiday Buggy was one of Tamiya’s first models specifically designed to be accessible to newcomers. Its simplicity, affordability, and rugged design made it a favorite entry point for RC enthusiasts.

2. Iconic Styling

The unique retro dune buggy aesthetic, paired with its bold colors and fun decals, gives the Holiday Buggy its timeless appeal.

3. Collectability

The original Holiday Buggy (#58023) is highly sought after by collectors, with complete or mint-condition models commanding premium prices.

Re-Releases and Updates

In 2010, Tamiya re-released the Holiday Buggy (#58470) on a modern – chassis, which offered improved performance while retaining the original’s iconic body design.

  • Key Differences:
    • Modern electronics, including a 540 motor and ESC.
    • A more advanced suspension system for better off-road performance.

FAQs about the Tamiya Holiday Buggy (#58023)

Q: Is the Holiday Buggy a good model for beginners?

Yes, its durable construction, simple mechanics, and manageable speed make it an ideal choice for newcomers to RC .

Q: Can the original Holiday Buggy be upgraded?

While the RS-380 motor limits performance, enthusiasts can swap in a 540 motor or upgrade the suspension and tires for better handling.

Q: What makes the Holiday Buggy collectible?

The combination of its nostalgic design, iconic status as an early Tamiya model, and rarity of vintage kits makes it a prized collector’s item.

Conclusion

The Tamiya Holiday Buggy (#58023) is a classic that embodies the fun and simplicity of early RC cars. Its iconic styling, beginner-friendly design, and off-road capability make it a standout model in Tamiya’s history. Whether you’re a collector seeking vintage treasures or a hobbyist looking to relive the joy of early RC cars, the Holiday Buggy is a timeless choice.

Looking to buy, restore, or learn more about the Tamiya Holiday Buggy? Explore our resources for detailed guides, parts sourcing, and to bring your buggy back to life!