30 years of Tamiya M-Chassis
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By
Oliver K.
The M chassis turns 30!
Still young and dynamic, just like the first model.
Tamiya, the Japanese market leader for remote-controlled electric vehicles, is known worldwide with its slogan "First in Quality Around the World". The company stands for sustainability and longevity, which is reflected in the numerous model series that have been continuously updated and improved over the years - often using the same high-quality components.
An emotional connection to Tamiya models
Tamiya models inspire children, young people and adults alike with their appealing feel, diverse design options and exceptional functionality. The attention to detail and the high quality standard that goes into every model are rarely found on the market. Hardly any other RC brand manages to retain the enthusiasm and loyalty of its users over such a long period of time.
The M chassis: A milestone in the RC world
To mark the 30th anniversary of the M chassis, it is worth taking a look back at the history of this iconic model platform. First launched in December 1994 with the M-01, the M-Chassis is now available in eleven different variants: M-01, M-02, M-03, M-04, M-05, M-06, M-07, M-08, MF-01X, MB-01 and the latest version, the XM-01. Each of these versions offers unique features and driving concepts, from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
A special feature of the M chassis is its adaptability in terms of wheel lengths. Models can be built in different sizes - 210 mm (S), 225 mm (M) and 239 mm (L) - which gives the models flexibility and makes them suitable for different body types.
Timeline of M chassis development
1994: Tamiya M-01 - The first M chassis, front-engined with front-wheel drive.
#58149 | Rover MINI Cooper |
#58163 | Rover MINI Cooper 94 Monte-Carlo |
#58196 | Honda S-MX Lowdown |
- 1995: Tamiya M-02 - Similar to the M-01, but with rear-wheel drive.
#58158 | Fiat Abarth 1000 TCR Berlina Corsa |
#58168 | Renault Alpine A110 |
#58173 | Volkswagen Beetle |
#58175 | Honda S800 Racing |
#58187 | Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA |
#58197 | Porsche Boxster |
#58208 | Porsche 911 Carrera |
- 1997: Tamiya M-03 - With a return to front-wheel drive and a more compact design, this model improves handling considerably.
#58234 | Suzuki Wagon R RR |
#58265 | Toyota BB |
#58295 | Rover MINI Cooper |
#58400 | MINI Cooper S 2006 |
#92177 | Rover MINI Cooper Racing |
- 1999: Tamiya M-04 - A further development with rear-wheel drive, which was used for vehicles such as the Honda S2000 and the BMW M Roadster.
#58236 | Honda S2000 |
#58240 | BMW M Roadster |
#58307 | Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA |
#58325 | Eunos Roadster (Mazda MX-5) |
#58383 | Volkswagen Beetle |
- 2007: Tamiya M-05 - A completely new design with better weight distribution and improved performance.
#58438 | Rover MINI Cooper Racing |
#58444 | Fiat Abarth 500 Assetto Corse |
#58454 | Honda S800 Racing |
#58453 | Alfa Romeo MiTo |
#58483 | Rover MINI Cooper '94 Monte Carlo |
#58503 | Mugen Honda CR-X |
#58520 | MINI JCW Coupe |
#58581 | GoPro Monster Sport Super Swift (Suzuki) |
#58624 | Mazda Roadster |
#58640 | Mazda Demio (Mazda2) |
#58649 | NSU TT Jägermeister |
#58655 | Citroen 2CV Charleston |
#58679 | Suzuki Swift Sport |
#58684 | Toyota GR Yaris |
#47453 | Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) Flower Power |
#84183 | Rover MINI Cooper Racing |
#84316 | Volkswagen Golf Mk.1 Racing Gr.2 |
#92213 | Datsun 280ZX Sports Version |
- 2010: Tamiya M-05 RA - new rally-tuned M-05Ra chassis, 5 mm more ground clearance and rally block tires.
#58464 | Suzuki Swift Super 1600 |
#58471 | Alpine A110 |
#57807 | Alpine A110 |
#58670 | Citroen 2 CV Rallye |
#47435 | Renault 5 Turbo Rallye |
#84329 | Renault 5 Turbo Rallye |
#84329 | Datsun 280ZX Street custom |
- 2010: Tamiya M-06 - The successor to the M-04 with rear-wheel drive and an improved center of gravity.
#58486 | Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint |
#58493 | Mazda RX-7 |
#58532 | NISSAN Silvia (S-13) |
#58572 | Volkswagen Beetle |
#58591 | Renault Alpine A110 '71 |
#58594 | Lowride Pumpkin |
#58668 | Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) |
#58677 | VW Karmann Ghia |
#58698 | Lotus Europa Special |
#58708 | Alpine A110 Jägermeister 1973 |
#84267 | NISSAN Silvia (S15) |
#84268 | NISSAN Silvia (S15) |
#47431 | Lowride Pumpkin, white edition |
#93036 | Lowride Pumpkin, white edition |
- 2012: Tamiya M-05 Ver. II Pro - Revised version of the M-05 with improved components and optimized handling.
#58593 | M-05 Pro ver.II M-Chassis |
- 2015: Tamiya - MF-01X
#58614 | Suzuki Jimny (JB23) - 2015 |
#58621 | Suzuki Jimny (JB23) -2015 |
#58629 | Mercedes-Benz G320 (Convertible) - 2016 |
#58650 | Volkswagen Beetle Rally - 2019 |
#58687 | Ford Escort Mk.II Rally - 2021 |
#58714 | Volkswagen Golf A2 Rally - 2023 |
#58723 | Fiat 131 Abarth Rally Olio Fiat - 2023 |
2016: Tamiya M-07 - A new chassis design inspired by racing experience. Significantly more stable and stiffer than previous models, ideal for racing enthusiasts.
#58647 | M-07 Concept Chassis Kit |
#84436 | M-07 R |
2019: Tamiya M-08 - With rear-wheel drive and a focus on performance and driving dynamics, this chassis sets new standards in the RC world.
#58669 | M-08 Chassis Kit |
#47480 | M-08 R Chassis Kit |
2023: Tamiya - MB-01
#58721 | Fiat Abarth 1000TCR - 2023 |
#58732 | Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA Club Racer |
#58729 | OPEL Kadett GT/E - 2024 |
#58734 | Citroën DS - 2024 |
2024: Tamiya XM-01
#58738 | XM-01 PRO |
Drive concepts:
M-01, -03, -05, -07 = FWD
M-02, -04, -06, -08 = RWD
MF-01X = AWD
MB-01 = FWD/RWD
XM-01 Pro = AWD
Pioneering models: MB-01 and XM-01
In 2023, Tamiya launched the MB-01, a chassis that can be used with both front and rear-wheel drive. This was followed shortly afterwards in 2024 by the XM-01, an all-wheel drive platform that sets new standards in terms of versatility and performance.
Conclusion:
Even after 30 years, the M chassis remains young and dynamic and shows no signs of losing its appeal. The variety of drives, the attention to detail and the continuous development make Tamiya models a timeless classic in the world of RC vehicles. Whether you are a racing enthusiast or a collector, Tamiya keeps the passion for remote-controlled models alive.