The Tamiya Martini Porsche 935 (#58002) was released in March 1978, making it the second model in Tamiya’s legendary RC lineup. Following the groundbreaking success of the Porsche 934 Turbo RSR (#58001), the Porsche 935 was another masterpiece that combined scale realism with functional RC performance. With its sleek design and iconic Martini Racing livery, the Porsche 935 cemented Tamiya’s reputation for delivering highly detailed and mechanically advanced RC models.
The Real-Life Inspiration
The Tamiya model is based on the Porsche 935, a racing variant of the Porsche 911 Turbo, specifically tailored for Group 5 regulations in endurance racing during the late 1970s. The real Porsche 935 dominated events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the World Championship for Makes, making it a motorsport icon.
The Tamiya version faithfully captured the essence of the Porsche 935, including its aerodynamic modifications, wide fenders, and distinctive Martini Racing stripes.
Key Features of the Tamiya Model
Scale and Body
- Scale: 1/12.
- Body: Hard plastic (ABS) body shell with detailed molding to replicate the real car’s aerodynamic shape.
- Livery:
- Featured Martini Racing’s iconic red, blue, and silver stripes, matching the car’s real-world counterpart.
- Decals included sponsor logos, adding to the scale accuracy.
Chassis and Drivetrain
- Chassis:
- FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) double-deck chassis, identical in construction to its predecessor, the Porsche 934.
- Provided a lightweight yet durable foundation for the car’s components.
- Suspension:
- Torsion-bar suspension on both the front and rear, ensuring smooth handling on road surfaces.
- Drive Type:
- 2WD Rear-Wheel Drive, mimicking the real car’s layout.
- Powered by a Mabuchi RS-540 motor, delivering adequate speed and acceleration for the time.
Wheels and Tires
- Tires:
- Wide racing slicks for optimal traction on smooth surfaces.
- Wheels:
- Chrome-plated wheels with a distinctive spoke pattern, matching the Porsche 935’s racing rims.
Electronics
- Radio System:
- Designed for 2-channel analog systems.
- Supported a mechanical speed controller (MSC) for throttle control.
- Battery:
- Required a 6V Ni-Cd battery pack, housed centrally in the chassis for balanced weight distribution.
Performance Characteristics
- Handling:
- The torsion-bar suspension offered a balance of smoothness and rigidity, ideal for on-road driving.
- Top Speed:
- Achieved approximately 20–25 km/h, depending on motor tuning and battery condition.
- Durability:
- The FRP chassis and robust drivetrain components made it reasonably durable, though the ABS plastic body could be prone to cracks in high-impact collisions.
Why It Was Special
- Iconic Livery:
- The Martini Racing stripes made the Porsche 935 instantly recognizable and a favorite among collectors.
- Advanced Chassis Design:
- The FRP double-deck chassis and torsion-bar suspension were innovative features for the late 1970s.
- Collector’s Appeal:
- As the second model in Tamiya’s RC lineup, it remains a rare and valuable collector’s item today.
Legacy
The Tamiya Martini Porsche 935 has become a legendary RC model for both its technical innovation and its connection to motorsport history. While not as frequently re-released as the Porsche 934, its significance is undisputed among Tamiya enthusiasts.
Modern Versions
Although Tamiya has not directly re-released the 58002 model, the Porsche 935 design has inspired other RC releases:
- Porsche 935 Martini (#47477):
- Released in 2020 on the TT-02 chassis, featuring modernized components and performance while retaining the iconic Martini livery.
Technical Specifications
- Scale: 1/12.
- Length: Approx. 380 mm.
- Width: Approx. 170 mm.
- Wheelbase: 210 mm.
- Weight: Approx. 1.2 kg (without battery).
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive (2WD).
- Motor: RS-540 brushed motor.
1. Chassis Design
Material and Layout
- Material:
- The chassis was built with Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP), a durable yet lightweight material that was advanced for its time.
- Design:
- Double-deck chassis configuration:
- Upper Deck: Supported the steering mechanism and electronics.
- Lower Deck: Provided a base for the drivetrain, suspension, and battery placement.
- The flat, low-profile chassis design ensured a low center of gravity, improving on-road stability and handling.
- Double-deck chassis configuration:
Weight Distribution
- Centralized placement of heavy components, including the battery and motor, optimized weight balance for better rear-wheel traction.
2. Suspension System
Torsion-Bar Suspension
- The torsion-bar suspension system was a unique feature for this era of RC models.
- Front Suspension:
- Independent swing arms with torsion bars absorbed shocks and allowed smooth articulation.
- Rear Suspension:
- Swing arms connected to the rear axle with torsion bars provided stability and shock absorption.
- Front Suspension:
Advantages:
- Provided a realistic suspension effect, mimicking the Porsche 935’s performance characteristics.
- Allowed for adjustable stiffness, enabling hobbyists to fine-tune the suspension response by adjusting the torsion bars.
3. Drivetrain
Drive Type:
- 2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive):
- Emulated the real Porsche 935’s drivetrain layout, making the car’s handling authentic.
Transmission System:
- A sealed gearbox housed the gears, protecting them from dust and debris.
- Gear Ratios:
- Designed to optimize speed and torque balance for smooth on-road driving.
- The inclusion of a pinion gear allowed users to adjust gear ratios slightly for different performance preferences.
Motor:
- Equipped with a Mabuchi RS-540 brushed motor, a powerful and reliable choice for RC cars in the 1970s.
- Performance:
- Delivered sufficient torque to achieve impressive acceleration for its time.
- Provided a top speed of 20–25 km/h, depending on battery and tuning.
- Performance:
4. Wheels and Tires
Wheels:
- Chrome-plated plastic wheels replicated the real Porsche 935’s racing rims.
- The wide stance and low-profile design enhanced the scale realism and improved handling.
Tires:
- Racing Slick Tires:
- Designed for optimal grip on smooth surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
- The tires were made of a durable rubber compound, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.
5. Electronics
Radio Control System:
- Compatible with early 2-channel analog RC systems, which controlled:
- Steering: Operated via a servo connected to the front wheels.
- Throttle/Braking: Controlled using a mechanical speed controller (MSC).
Power Source:
- Battery:
- Designed to house a 6V Ni-Cd battery pack, a standard power source for RC cars in the 1970s.
- Runtime:
- Typically provided around 10–15 minutes of driving time, depending on driving style and conditions.
6. Body Design
Material:
- The body was made of durable ABS plastic, capable of withstanding moderate impacts while providing intricate detailing.
Scale Realism:
- The body shell captured the aerodynamic design of the Porsche 935, including:
- Wide fenders for larger wheels.
- A front splitter and rear wing for downforce.
- Hood and door panel lines for added realism.
Paint and Decals:
- The Martini Racing livery was a highlight, with red and blue stripes against a silver base.
- Detailed sponsor logos were included in the decal sheet, allowing users to create a highly realistic replica of the real Porsche 935 race car.
7. Handling and Performance
Driving Characteristics:
- Rear-Wheel Drive:
- Provided authentic, slightly challenging handling, mimicking the dynamics of a real high-performance RWD car.
- Suspension:
- The torsion-bar suspension smoothed out bumps and kept the car stable during cornering.
- Speed:
- Achieved approximately 20–25 km/h, which was fast for its time.
Limitations:
- The hard ABS body was prone to cracking if subjected to high-impact collisions.
- Limited off-road capability due to the slick tires and low ground clearance.
8. Assembly and Customization
- The Martini Porsche 935 came as a kit, requiring assembly, which was part of the fun for hobbyists.
- Builders could customize the car by:
- Painting the body in their preferred colors.
- Adjusting gear ratios for speed or torque.
- Upgrading the motor for better performance.
Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scale | 1/12 |
| Length | Approx. 380 mm |
| Width | Approx. 170 mm |
| Wheelbase | 210 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 1.2 kg (without battery) |
| Drive System | Rear-Wheel Drive (2WD) |
| Motor | Mabuchi RS-540 |
| Top Speed | Approx. 20–25 km/h |
| Suspension | Torsion-Bar |
| Body Material | ABS Plastic |
| Chassis Material | Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic |
Legacy
The Tamiya Martini Porsche 935 (#58002) was a landmark model that solidified Tamiya’s reputation for blending performance with scale realism. While not as famous as the Porsche 934 Turbo RSR (#58001), it remains a prized collectible and an important part of Tamiya’s early history.
Fun Fact
The real Porsche 935 Martini dominated the 1976 and 1977 racing seasons, making it a perfect follow-up model to the Porsche 934 for Tamiya’s fledgling RC lineup. Its scale model became a symbol of Tamiya’s commitment to detail and performance.