The best Tamiya model cars

Tamiya models are a fantastic winter pastime. CAR rounds up its favourite Tamiya model cars to build.

Four Tamiya model cars

by Chris Williams |
Updated on

Tamiya is one of the names almost as well known in the automotive world as Ferrari, for example. Its model kits and remote-controlled cars are fantastically detailed and a wonderful pastime.

Tamiya has been around for decades and has lived through the rise of racing games, and is even experiencing a bit of a renaissance over the last couple of years.

Here, we cover Tamiya’s greatest model car kit sets to build. They’re all brilliant but do require patience, perseverance and the occasional expletive.

The best Tamiya model car kits

All the kits below are 1:24 scale.

Subaru Impreza WRC '99

Rrp: £25.00

Price: £24.36

Description

The 1999 model Impreza WRC car came two years after Group A became WRC, relaxing rules in the

Renault Alpine A110 u201871 Monte Carlo

Rrp: £28.00

Price: £28.00

Description

Just like the Lancia Stratos, the Alpine A110 is best known for its success as a rally car. And no

Porsche 911 GT2

Rrp: £22.78

Price: £19.35

Description

The 993 911 GT2 was a truly wild machine, like the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth but faster. It was of

Ford GT
Price: £39.54

Description

Ford's new version of a new version, the GT is the anti-poser supercar. It's expensive yet still

Castrol Toyota Tom's Supra GT

Rrp: £23.95

Price: £17.59

Description

Along with the Gulf Ford GT and Subaru rally cars, the Castrol Tom's Supra GT is one of the most

Calsonic Skyline GT-R

Rrp: £25.95

Price: £24.19

Description

Speak of the devil. This model is based on the R33, which succeeded the astonishing R32. The R33

Description

Once again we return to the Monte Carlo Rally, this time in 1993 when Toyota's ST185 Celica

Description

The once-common long bonnet coupe style is now rare, and Toyota's current Supra is therefore a

Description

This is the greatest super GT car. It was frequently criticised for its grabby ceramic brakes and

Description

We finish with the

What you need for building your Tamiya model

With the static models, you won’t need batteries and chargers and a full miniature tool kit like you do with the remote-control cars. But you will need a pair of cutters, glue, and paint.

Valtcan Precision Model Kit Pro Nippers
Price: £24.89

Description

Sharp, nimble, precise. The MX-5 of the nipping world.

Tamiya Cement 40ml (2-Pack)
Price: £11.91

Description

Incredibly strong when dry. Don't get it on your fingers.

Naturally, you’ll need to make some space on a benchtop somewhere for your construction site. However, if you’re feeling pro, you can opt for a proper Tamiya workstation that will help you keep organised and features a magnifying lens.

Tamiya Work Station w/Magnifying Lens
Price: £89.81

Description

You can get proper carried away here playing Heinrich von Frankenstein, a must-have for all model

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