Kyosho Optima 4WD Buggy Re-Release Kit Unboxing

We just got the new Kyosho Optima 4WD buggy re-release kit in our hands and are eager to bring back all those old cherished moments or for those new to the Optima, create some new one. The Optima was one of Kyosho‘s most successful vehicles and helped bring many new drivers in to the hobby when it was released back toward the end of 1985. This kit promises the same vintage experience, but with some improvements to make the build and driving experience better, with improved fit and finish. Let’s take a closer look.

Taking a look at this box is like going back in time. The retro livery is awesome and the sides show all the details.

Looking inside is where the fun really ramps up. Let’s face it, the build is part of the fun and the same style of packaging is all right there. The main components are all labeled and easily identifiable. The clear body is ready for painting and the smaller screws and hardware are in bags underneath.

The Optima can be built with either a drive belt or chain drive. The chain drive helps complete the classic vintage design, but wasn’t designed to handle the power of even the most tame brushless motors of today’s modern systems, so making the right decision is a matter of creating a driveable buggy or something that will probably adorn a display case.

One of the most important items is tires and these big pin donuts are ready to take on the loam and throw some roosts with rubber that is surprisingly soft with grippy feel- at least when touching them with your hands.

Molded plastic white wheels have all the fine detail to complete this vintage build.

The decal sheets have a ton of detail and include the color-blocking panels to help you match the livery on the box. Grab a can of white paint and then start applying these decals.

All of the additional parts are bagged and labeled to correspond with the manual and should help make the build go easy.

The main plastics get their own bags and Kyosho even supplied a few spare pieces of hardware. I wish today’s manufacturers would bring back the spare parts bag. There’s nothing worse then loosing a small e-clip or some other tiny piece of hardware to disrupt a build.

This buggy is going to be a fun build and we can’t wait to get started. Keep in mind, you’ll still have to add your own electronics and radio gear, but this buggy is destined to hit the dirt in all it’s 80’s glory. Make sure you check out the full review in RC Car Action coming soon!