1979 Tamiya Toyota 4x4 Pickup 58025
The Tamiya Toyota 4x4 Pickup was equipped with Tamiya’s first three-speed, radio-controlled transmission. In keeping with the manufacturing traditions of the day, most of this truck's chassis and running gear are metal.
RADIO-CONTROL
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6/29/20242 min read
In 1979, Tamiya revolutionized the RC car industry with the release of the Toyota 4x4 Pickup 58025. This iconic model has become a beloved classic among RC enthusiasts and collectors. With its impressive features and realistic design, the 58025 was an instant hit. In this article, we'll delve into the history and background of this legendary model.
In the early 1970s, Tamiya, a Japanese model kit manufacturer, ventured into the RC car market. Their first RC model, the Porsche 934 Turbo RSR, was released in 1976. The success of this model paved the way for the development of more RC cars, including the Toyota 4x4 Pickup. The 58025 was part of Tamiya's "Scale Model Series", aiming to replicate real vehicles with precision and accuracy.
The Toyota 4x4 Pickup 58025 was designed to replicate the real-life Toyota Pickup, a popular vehicle in the late 1970s. The RC model boasted impressive features, including:
4WD capabilities
Sturdy ladder-frame chassis
Realistic bodyshell with detailed exterior and interior
Functional suspension and steering
540 motor and 3-speed transmission
The kit was originally priced at around $150 in 1979, equivalent to approximately $500 today.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, other RC manufacturers released models that were similar to the Toyota 4x4 Pickup 58025. Some notable examples include:
Nichimo's Toyota Hilux 4x4 (1979)
Kyosho's Toyota 4x4 Pickup (1980)
Marui's Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 (1981)
While these models shared similar features, the Tamiya 58025 remained the most popular and sought-after model.
The Toyota 4x4 Pickup 58025 has become a prized possession among RC collectors. Recent sales of vintage models include:
A mint-condition, never-assembled kit sold for $2,500 on eBay in 2022
A fully restored model sold for $1,800 on RC forums in 2020
A rare, still-sealed kit sold for $3,000 on a collector's website in 2019
The 1979 Tamiya Toyota 4x4 Pickup 58025 is an iconic RC model that has left an indelible mark on the hobby. Its durability, realism, and off-road capabilities made it a beloved classic, and its influence can still be seen in modern RC cars. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the hobby, the Toyota 4x4 Pickup 58025 is an RC model worth appreciating and celebrating.