1/10 Grasshopper Off-Road Buggy - Black Edition

The Hobby Hideaway Verdict: An 80s RC Legend Reborn in Stealth Mode! Originally released in 1984, the Tamiya Grasshopper is arguably one of the most iconic buggies in RC history, responsible for launching thousands of hobbyists into the world of radio control. The Hobby Hideaway Team is thrilled to see this classic return in a striking, limited-run "Black Edition." By molding the durable hard-plastic body in deep black and pairing it with vibrant fluorescent yellow wheels and a custom decal sheet, Tamiya has given this vintage legend an aggressive modern makeover. Whether you are reliving your childhood memories or introducing a new builder to their very first kit, the Grasshopper Black Edition delivers pure, nostalgic off-road fun.

Simple Assembly Meets Classic 2WD Toughness What made the original Grasshopper so special was its bulletproof simplicity, and this Black Edition carries the exact same DNA. The durable styrene body bolts directly onto a rugged bathtub resin monocoque chassis, creating a solid frame that shrugs off rollovers and rough handling. It features an independent swing-axle front suspension and a rigid rear axle with coil-spring friction dampers for classic, bouncy off-road action. Out back, a fully sealed gearbox protects the internal gear differential from dirt, sand, and small stones, while the classic combination of grooved front tires and rear paddle tires gives you the bite needed to kick up rooster tails in the dirt.

Key Features & Technical Specs:

• Special Black Edition: Features a pre-colored black durable plastic body, fluorescent yellow 3-piece assembly wheels, and a dedicated custom sticker scheme.

• Bulletproof Chassis: Built on a tough bathtub-style ABS resin monocoque frame designed to handle rough terrain and beginner mistakes.

• Classic Suspension Setup: Equipped with front independent swing-axle and rear rigid-axle suspension controlled by durable coil-spring friction dampers.

• Sealed Drivetrain: Rear 2WD sealed gearbox houses an internal gear differential to keep dirt out and ensure smooth cornering.

• Authentic Off-Road Rubber: Includes classic grooved front tires for directional control and rear paddle tires for maximum forward traction on loose dirt and sand.

• Power System Included: Comes with a reliable 380-size brushed motor (making it super manageable for beginners, while remaining upgradable to a faster 540-size motor) and a brushed Electronic Speed Control (ESC).

• Scale Detail: Includes the iconic half-body driver figure to complete the vintage single-seater desert buggy aesthetic.

Hobby Hideaway Pro Tip: Before you even open the first parts bag, do yourself a massive favor and grab a complete sealed ball bearing kit! Just like it did in 1984, the Grasshopper comes factory-equipped with white plastic bushings to support the axles and transmission gears. While bushings work fine at first, swapping them out for metal ball bearings during your initial assembly is much easier than tearing the gearbox apart later. Bearings drastically reduce drivetrain friction, giving you noticeably higher top speeds, smoother coasting, and longer runtimes out of that 380 motor!

Why buy from Hobby Hideaway? The Hobby Hideaway Team is more than just a retail shop; we are a dedicated RC community. We advocate for an "old-school" service model where personal connection and mentorship come first. Whether you are building your very first Tamiya kit with your kids or looking for advice on upgrading your vintage re-release with oil-filled shocks and a 540 motor, our team provides the technical expertise and professional-grade support you need to keep your hobby moving forward.

Join the Action in Ottawa! Ready to start your build? Stop by our shop in Ottawa at 112-1455 Youville Dr in Orléans to pick up your kit, paint, and tools. We love talking vintage Tamiya builds and seeing classic buggies come to life on the workbench. Bring your completed Grasshopper by to show it off, chat with our staff about the best local dirt trails and parks to run it, and connect with fellow enthusiasts in our ever-growing local RC community!

Note: This is an unassembled 1/10 scale model kit. A 2-channel radio system (transmitter and receiver), standard-size steering servo, 7.2V–7.4V battery pack, compatible charger, AA batteries for the transmitter, and basic hobby tools/paints (for the driver figure) are required to complete the vehicle.

The perfect combination of simple assembly and tough exterior is what made the Grasshopper so special. Durable plastic body is fastened to bathtub resin monocoque chassis by screws, creating a solid frame that can absorb any type of rough handling. Off-road tracks can be tackled with ease thanks to coil spring dampers, and independent swing axle front and rigid axle rear suspension. Diff loaded sealed gearbox keeps out the dirt and stones for smooth driving and cornering. Paddle style rear tires and grooved front tires combine with 3-piece assembly type wheels for excellent grip performance on dirt tracks. Half-body driver figure adds a final addition to a fun off-road R/C car.

• 1/10 scale R/C model assembly kit.
  
• This kit has a special black body and fluorescent yellow wheels, plus a dedicated sticker color scheme.
  
• Features front and rear coil spring suspension.
  
• The sealed gearbox has a gear differential.
  
• Comes with grooved front tires and paddle pattern rear tires.
  
• Required to complete: 2-channel radio, steering servo, 7.2-7.4volt battery with compatible charger.