The world of RC cars has come a long way since its early experiments in the 1950s. Ford Motor Company’s design competition was one of the first to showcase remote-controlled vehicles, with David Swinder of Warren, Ohio taking the lead with his winning entry – a sleek six-foot car complete with headlights, brake lights, and turn signals, all operated by remote control.
But that was just the beginning. Today, RC cars have evolved into a diverse range of types, catering to various skill levels and budgets. Off-road buggies, on-road touring cars, and drift machines are just a few examples of the wide selection available for enthusiasts. And customization options have expanded exponentially, with hobbyists now able to add body kits, paint jobs, and performance upgrades that were once unimaginable.
Advancements in technology have been truly remarkable. Brushless motors, LiPO batteries, and advanced electronics have made today’s RC cars faster, more powerful, and loaded with features. The boundaries of what’s possible with RC vehicles have been pushed to new heights, with creative designs that include amphibious models, stunt cars, and more. It’s a testament to the power of imagination and engineering prowess, as the world of RC cars continues to evolve and captivate enthusiasts of all ages.
The 60s – The Beginning
The 1960s marked the pioneering era of RC cars, with hobbyists in the UK leading the charge in experimentation. In 1966, Elettronica Giocattoli, an Italian electronics company, introduced the world’s first remote-controlled car, a nitro-powered Ferrari 250LM. Commercial production of RC cars began in Leicester by Mardave in 1967, followed by WEN and Model Car Enterprises, who introduced “pan cars” powered by 2-stroke model airplane engines.
On a different note – in the inaugural edition (September 1970) of ‘Pit Stop’ magazine, an article credited Bill Johnson of Burbank, California, with the creation of a pioneering model car known as the Bill Johnson Experimental Car in the early 1960s. While the exact date remains unspecified, the term “the early ’60s” suggests a plausible timeline of around 1963 or possibly earlier.
This exceptional creation was characterized as a 1:12th scale, radio-controlled race car powered by an internal combustion engine, meticulously fashioned from metal components. The vehicle featured an early Bonner reed radio control system and was ingeniously partitioned into two sections. The front section accommodated the radio, power pack, two servos, and front suspension, while the rear section housed the motor, rear end, rear suspension, and fuel tank.
For the engine, Bill Johnson opted for a gas powered Veco .19 engine for its versatile power delivery across various RPM ranges. Through a series of experiments, Bill tested different gear ratios, initially experimenting with a 4:1 direct drive gear ratio before ultimately settling on a 6:1 ratio. Employing rear tires with a diameter of 3+3⁄4 inches, Bill achieved an RPM range spanning 600 to 2,500 RPM, translating into an impressive speed spectrum of 6 miles per hour to an astonishing 29 miles per hour.
In 1968, Elettronica Giocattoli unveiled the Ferrari P4, a model that ignited widespread interest in RC cars across Europe and beyond. Though still considered expensive novelties at the time, hobbyists eagerly delved into customization, creating custom parts for their vehicles.
As the years passed, more manufacturers entered the market, and by the late 1970s, RC cars had become readily available in America. With advancements in technology and performance parts, RC cars have continued to gain popularity, evolving into one of today’s most beloved hobbies.
The 70s – Nitro, Electric, and Off-Road Era
The 1970s were a groundbreaking era for RC cars, witnessing the emergence of 1/8th scale nitro-powered vehicles, electric models, and off-road variations. This period marked significant technological advancements in engine design and body construction. The K&B Veco McCoy engine, featuring double pistons for enhanced performance, was a common choice during this time. Nitro cars utilized a unique blend of nitrogen, methanol, and lubricant for added power.
In 1971, Team Associated introduced its first RC vehicle, the RC1 on-road pan car, while other manufacturers were busy developing electric models powered by battery packs. Off-road cars also gained traction, as hobbyists explored the possibilities of driving over rough terrain. To accommodate the growing interest in RC car racing, manufacturers began producing kits with ready-to-run components that could be easily assembled by enthusiasts of all levels of expertise.
Overall, the 1970s were marked by significant advancements in the world of RC cars, laying the foundation for the immensely popular hobby that it has become today.
The 80s – Racing and Off-Road 4WD
The 1980s were a pivotal decade for RC cars, witnessing groundbreaking developments that revolutionized the hobby. One notable advancement was the rise of the 1/12th scale off-road racing car, which gained immense popularity with up to 400 racers participating in races. This period also saw the emergence of high-performance models with improved engine designs and body construction, pushing the limits of RC car technology.
Several US-based companies led the charge in producing top-performing RC cars during the 80s, with Team Associated at the forefront with its RC1 on-road pan car. These vehicles were powered by a combination of nitro engines, electric motors, and battery packs, delivering unprecedented speed and performance. Off-road cars also gained traction, allowing hobbyists to explore new terrains and elevate their RC experience to new heights.
Overall, the 1980s marked a significant technological shift in the world of RC cars, ushering in thrilling races and exciting adventures. It was truly a decade of fast racing cars and off-road 4WD machines, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the world of RC car racing.
The 90s – Next Level Racing and Touring Cars
The 1990s witnessed a remarkable evolution in the realm of RC cars, with advancements in technology that transformed the hobby. Brushless motors, which offered superior power and efficiency, started gaining popularity during this era, replacing traditional brushed motors in many high-performance models. Additionally, LiPO batteries became widely adopted, providing longer run times and higher voltage levels for increased speed and performance.
During the 90s, the concept of “ready-to-run” (RTR) RC cars gained traction, with manufacturers offering pre-assembled vehicles that were ready to hit the tracks right out of the box. This made RC cars more accessible to beginners and expanded the hobby to a wider audience. In addition, the popularity of RC car racing grew exponentially, with organized competitions and events taking place worldwide, attracting passionate enthusiasts.
The 90s also saw advancements in design and engineering, with creative and innovative body styles, suspension systems, and tire technologies being introduced. Customization options, such as aftermarket body kits and performance upgrades, became more prevalent, allowing hobbyists to personalize their RC cars to their preferences.
Overall, the 1990s were a transformative period for RC cars, with significant advancements in technology, accessibility, and customization options. The decade witnessed the rapid evolution of the hobby, setting the stage for the modern era of RC car racing and enthusiast culture.!
The 2000s – RTR, Rock Crawlers, and Short Course Trucks
Since the early 2000s, the RC car scene has been dominated by the rise of ready-to-run (RTR) models. These cars come pre-assembled, making it easy for beginners to jump right into the hobby without extensive building. However, don’t let their ease of assembly fool you – modern RTRs are packed with power and performance, boasting brushless motors and LiPo batteries that deliver maximum speed and runtime.
In addition to RTRs, rock crawlers have gained immense popularity among RC enthusiasts who crave a realistic off-road driving experience, check out our latest RC crawler review for more details. These cars are equipped with adjustable suspension systems, high ground clearance, and large tires, allowing them to conquer any terrain with ease.
Meanwhile, short course trucks have taken the on-road racing scene by storm with their powerful motors and sleek bodies. Teams like Team Losi Racing (TLR) have pushed the boundaries of RC performance, setting numerous records in recent years.
Overall, the past two decades have witnessed remarkable advancements in RC technology, from the rise of RTRs and RC kits to the popularity of rock crawlers and short course trucks. And it’s clear that this trend will continue to shape the future of RC car racing!
What Does The Future Look Like for RC Cars?
The future of RC cars is shining brightly with endless possibilities as technology continues to advance, so if anyone would ask you now if RC is a good hobby – it most definitely is, and we are just starting.
RC manufacturers are pushing the limits of what’s possible with cutting-edge materials like carbon fiber, aluminum, and titanium, resulting in innovative designs and features. Faster motors, advanced electronics, and longer run times are just some of the exciting developments we can expect to see in the coming years.
One particularly thrilling advancement is the emergence of autonomous vehicles in the RC world. These cars utilize sophisticated algorithms to navigate their surroundings without human intervention, potentially revolutionizing the way RC cars are used for racing, exploration, and beyond. The possibilities are vast, and the impact could be game-changing.
While we can’t predict with certainty what the future holds for RC fans, one thing is clear – it’s going to be an exhilarating ride! With continued advancements in technology, hobbyists will likely be able to achieve amazing feats with their RC cars in the near future. The potential for innovation and excitement in the RC car world is limitless, and we eagerly await what the future has in store!
