1/12 Tamiya Lamborghini Countach LP500S Collectors Guide **Original c.1978 Kit # RA-1208**

This is the second in this series of "Big Scale" plastic kits guides, that focuses on an early 1/12th Big Scale Tamiya RC Car kit. This kit is one of the (now) rare first generation Remote Control cars with the Aluminum Chassis. This Gem resides in my collection of Big Scale Automotive and Motorcycle plastic model kits. As with all kit guides in this series, emphasis is always on Identification, Kit History, Features, ect. Any emails with additional information, corrections, or comments are always welcome. Bear in mind that very little information is provided on the actual building/operation of the kit due to rarity.

** The Original c.1978 1/12 Tamiya Lamborghini Countach LP500S R/C Competition Special Kit **

IDENTIFICATION: At first glance, identifying an original release of this kit from 1978 is relatively easy. If you see a box with the artwork pictured above, you can fairly certain you've found a first release kit. On the endpanel of the box, you will see a black label with the kit number RA 1208. On the front of the box is a CS "Competition Special" emblem, And "Competition Special" is labeled on the box. Tamiya had previously released kit RA-1205 and it was the Lamborghini Countach LP500S. The kit in this guide was and improved version of that kit. A later re-issue of this kit from the 1980's will have kit # 5808. Being a 1970's Tamiya kit, the corners of the boxtop and bottom are stapled at the corners. There is no barcode on the box, and all text on the box is in English and Japanese. Photos of the kit contents below;

The first thing you will notice is the large one piece plastic body molded in Black. Earlier 1/12 scale Tamiya R/C car kits had plastic bodies based upon static display kits. This Lamborghini kit was never released as a static display model, so the body is unique to the R/C car. Being an LP500S body, it has the wheel flairs and optional rear wing. The original LP500S kit had a body molded in White plastic, and this LP500S "Competition Special" kit was done in Black. The doors, hood, and trunk do not open. A silhouette driver figure and interior are included. That chassis is essentially flat plate aluminum typical of all 1st generation Tamiya R/C cars. This "Competition Special" issue kit had many subtle changes over the first Lambo with the addition of Dual Compound Front Tyres, Mabuchi RS540 Motor, Ball Bearings, a Variable Resistor Speed Control, The Aluminum Plate used in the chassis was thicker, and the front suspension uprights were cast metal pieces. Earlier Tamiya kits had a stepped speed control. This CS kit was one of the last First Generation kits with the Aluminum Chassis, but had many improvements that became standard in the later lineup. Although not advertised, this kit also contains a female Tamiya Battery Plug pigtail for the new Ni-cad's being offered in (1978). When this kit was released, Tamiya had dropped the optional dry cell battery option from all their new kits. The "CS" bodywork had enough clearance for a humped battery pack. The well illustrated instruction manual is bi-lingual and is written in English and German. On the lower left front cover of the manual will be the date code of 7811 (November 1978). The decal sheet is not date coded. All trim for the body builds up just like a plastic model. The bulk of the aluminum chassis, gearbox frame, motor, and hardware is contained in a large parts blister. There is a separate small blister that contains the tyres. There is one parts box containing the plastic wheels, small hardware bags, tools, lube, and a 1978 era Tamiya catalog (does not include this kit). As part of the "Competition Special" kit, the large parts blister also contains a square insert that contains 4 ball bearings. The gearbox frame also has 2 ball bearings already installed for the rear axel. As mentioned before, the speed controller is an upgraded variable resistance type. There are optional differential/gear configurations, and if you opt for a diff gear, it is an open type. There are 2 pinion gears included in the kit for power/speed choices, and an optional engine installation configuration that allows shifting of more weight over the rear wheels. The kit has no suspension other than that provided by the sponge tires (and chassis flex). It appears that this chassis was also used in the 1/10th scale Porsche 936 kit # RA-1206. Tamiya did produce replacement and upgrade parts for this kit. Of particular interest was a Gold set of Lamborghini Wheels # SP-1063 that were designed for rubber tires. The replacement body set for this "Competition Special" kit was # SP-1062. With patience, these parts do come available from time to time, but as of this writing, I only know of one Black body being sold out of Japan for around $140.00 US plus $30.00 in shipping (ouch!). If you want one in White from the first standard kit, add $15.00 more (ouch! ouch!). Of the early Tamiya ABS Plastic (non lexan) Bodied R/C cars with an Aluminum Chassis, this Lamborghini kit had taken the first generation technology about as far as it could go without major design changes. The kit was re-issued in the early 80's, and did not reappear (totally redesigned with no parts from an original kit) until the all-new Tamtec designs were released. For the collector, any first generation kit that can be found in unbuilt condition, will sell for premium prices. A true classic kit for the collector and vintage builder.

** 1/12th Tamiya Lamborghini Countach LP500S CS "Competition Special" Kit History **

By the time Tamiya released this kit in November of 1978, their R/C line of cars had increased to 8. There was the Porsche 934 and 935 kits, the Lamborghini Cheetah and FMC XR311 off road vehicles, A Tyrell P34 Six Wheeler and Porsche 936 Turbo, and a Lamborghini LP500S. The "Competition Special" kit in this guide was the 8th, and was essentially an improved version of the previously released Countach LP500S kit. It was clear by late 1978 that Tamiya was rapidly expanding into the R/C market. Flash forward to 2008, and Tamiya's plastic model kits are only 17% of their total sales. The remaining 83% is primarily related to Remote Control products. There were several companies who rapidly expanded into R/C in the late 70's and early 80's, but none did it in as many areas as Tamiya. Otaki, Bandai, Imai, and Fujimi, all tried briefly to compete with similar R/C kits from Japan, but today there is only Tamiya. Into the early 1980's, Tamiya continued to develop new R/C kits that used Aluminum and cast metal parts, but gradually the use of molded and composite construction parts became the norm. Modern kits have little in common with the early kits from Tamiya. Plastic molded bodies became extinct in the 90's after the last release of the 1/12th scale Hummer. Armor kits appear to be the last kits to retain Aluminum Chassis, Cast Metal Parts, and injection molded Bodies. This Lamborghini kit is one of Tamiya's kits from those days in the later 70's that hobbyists couldn't wait to get their hands on. A 540 motor, ball bearings, dual compound tires, and designed for high capacity ni-cads. On a really smooth surface, and a decent battery for motivation, these cars were fast. They looked good too! Really accurate scale and great detail was the result of the injection molded bodies based on Tamiya's world class model making skills. The only problem was when you hit anything. You pretty much had to pick up the pieces with a dustpan. The plastic had zero tolerance for impact. Of course, Tamiya had spares, but they were not cheap. Many of those original kits from the 70's have not survived, and any that have are worth a premium. A recent observation had someone selling a factory fresh (boxed) replacement body for a 1/12 Porsche RSR Turbo 934 selling in the $900.00 range. No car, just the body kit. That gives some indication of where complete unbuilt kits sell. Usually north of 1k (US). This "Competition Special" kit came along when Tamiya's first two Porsche kits were already obsolete, and later kits gradually went to composites. A classic kit that will always be sought after in the collector market.

** Kit Features **

** Forward And Reverse Variable Speed Controller

** RS540 Mabuchi Motor With Differential Gear

** A Hard Duralumin Chassis (thicker aluminum for "CS" kit)

** Die Cast Front Suspension Uprights ("CS")

** Front Dual Compound Rubber & Foam Tires ("CS") / Rear Foam Tires

** One Piece Scale Plastic Molded Body (Black)

** Silhouette Driver Figure And Interior

** Kit Pros And Cons **

Pros; One of the last first generation 1/12th scale R/C car kits produced by Tamiya in the 1970's. This kit had the thick Aluminum Chassis, Black ABS Plastic Scale Body, Big 540 Motor, Variable Speed Control, Cast Metal Suspension Uprights, AND Ball Bearings. In reality, this kit was the transition kit from "Old School", to the "New School" roadgoing car kits of today. If you do build one, the kit integrates well with modern technology. The scale body is in a totally different class when compared to modern Lexan (profile) bodies. Replacement mechanical parts are still available with little trouble. A great kit for the vintage 1/12th scale collection.

Cons; Unbuilt original kits from the 1970's are getting rare. Prices are very steep. If you do locate one, you hate to build it. The chassis technology is dated by modern standards. No suspension other than tires and chassis flex. Some parts (bodies) are extremely rare and expensive. Plastic molded body has the crash worthyness of an eggshell.

I hope you have found this latest guide to be helpful. As always, additional information and corrections are welcome. Keep an eye open for more kit guides in the near future.