Mini 4WD The Grasshopper Jr. Black Special (VZ Chassis)

The Hobby Hideaway Verdict: A Classic Legend Returns with Modern Performance! If there is one name that immediately brings back the golden era of RC buggies, it is The Grasshopper. Now, that iconic off-road styling has been perfectly scaled down and engineered for the Mini 4WD track! The Grasshopper Jr. Black Special takes the beloved vintage body and mounts it on the modern, hyper-competitive VZ Chassis. The Hobby Hideaway Team is incredibly excited for this release because it effortlessly bridges the gap between old-school nostalgia and cutting-edge racing technology, making it a brilliant choice for both your display shelf and your next B-MAX build.

Sleek Aesthetics Meet the Versatile VZ Chassis True to its "Black Special" name, this kit features a stealthy, aggressive dark aesthetic that completely transforms the classic buggy silhouette, finished off with an exclusive metallic decal sheet. Beneath the shell lies the VZ Chassis—the lightweight, short-wheelbase successor to the legendary VS platform. Known for its calculated flexibility, the VZ is designed to naturally absorb impacts and smooth out harsh landings, making it a powerhouse on technical tracks with high jumps and rapid direction changes.

Key Features & Technical Specs:

• Iconic Buggy Styling: A beautifully detailed, scale replica of The Grasshopper body, molded in black and adapted for the 1/32 racing platform.

• Exclusive Black Special Details: Comes with a custom metallic sticker sheet and high-contrast wheels that pop against the dark chassis.

• Modern VZ Platform: A refined, short-wheelbase chassis that provides an incredible balance of lightweight acceleration and impact-absorbing flex.

• Modular Versatility: Features screw-attached, removable front bumper moldings, allowing you to easily upgrade to advanced FRP or carbon roller stays without permanently cutting the chassis.

• High-Speed Drivetrain: Equipped with a standard single-shaft motor and a competitive gear ratio for explosive speed straight out of the box.

• Low-Friction Bearings: Includes smooth plastic A-parts designed to minimize rotational resistance and maximize your top-end speed.

Hobby Hideaway Pro Tip: The secret weapon of the VZ chassis is its built-in flex. When you are assembling this kit, avoid the temptation to lock down the center chassis screws as tightly as humanly possible! Leaving them just snug allows the plastic chassis to twist slightly during hard landings, which prevents the car from bouncing out of the lane. Also, since this kit features a traditional single-shaft motor setup, we highly recommend properly breaking in the motor before installing your gears to ensure you get the absolute maximum RPM on race day!

Why buy from Hobby Hideaway? The Hobby Hideaway Team is more than just a retail store; we are a dedicated racing community. We advocate for an "old-school" service model where personal connection and mentorship come first. Whether you are building your very first Mini 4WD kit or dialing in a complex sliding damper setup for your next track day, our team provides the technical expertise and professional-grade support you need to keep your hobby moving forward.

Join the Action in Orléans! Ready to show off your Black Special? Bring your machine down to our shop in Ottawa at 112-1455 Youville Dr. With our specialized indoor 1/32 Mini 4WD tracks, there is always an opportunity to test your tuning and race against fellow enthusiasts. Join our ever-growing community of local hobbyists, swap build secrets, and experience the adrenaline of the Mini 4WD community in person!

Note: This is an unassembled Mini 4WD kit. Two AA batteries and basic hobby tools (sold separately) are required to complete the model. No glue is required for assembly.