Redcat SixtyFour-18 1/18 Lowrider: Features, Hopping System & Buying Guide

The Redcat SixtyFour-18 brings one of the most recognizable styles in American custom car culture to a surprisingly small RC platform. Built around an officially licensed 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS, this 1/18-scale hopping lowrider can raise individual wheels, perform three-wheel maneuvers, lift its front end, and cruise slowly with its suspension changing position along the way.

At just 297mm long, it is considerably smaller than Redcat's original 1/10-scale SixtyFour. But the smaller dimensions do not mean fewer tricks. In one important respect, the SixtyFour-18 actually offers more suspension control than its larger predecessor.

So what makes this miniature Impala different from an ordinary RC car? How does its five-servo hopping system work? And is the $299.99 asking price justified? Let's explore the engineering, driving experience, scale details, and practical considerations that define the Redcat SixtyFour-18.

What Is the Redcat SixtyFour-18?

The SixtyFour-18 is a ready-to-run, two-wheel-drive RC lowrider modeled after the 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS. Rather than focusing on acceleration, off-road capability, or lap times, it recreates the distinctive body movements associated with full-size lowrider cars.

A traditional RC touring car is designed to maintain stable contact with the road. The SixtyFour-18 takes almost the opposite approach. Its suspension is intentionally adjustable, allowing the driver to change the car's stance and create dramatic movements using dedicated controls on the transmitter.

Its most recognizable tricks include:

• Front-end hopping: lifting and dropping the front of the vehicle.
• Three-wheel motion: raising one corner to create the signature lowrider stance.
• Independent suspension positioning: controlling the front and rear corners individually.
• Laid-out cruising: lowering the body for a classic lowrider appearance.
• Moving stance changes: adjusting suspension height while driving slowly.

The result is closer to a miniature interactive custom car than a conventional performance-focused RC vehicle. Its attraction lies in timing, presentation, suspension movement, and the visual character of the Impala itself.

Why the 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS Is a Natural Lowrider Choice

The 1964 Chevrolet Impala has become one of the defining vehicles of lowrider culture. Its long body, broad proportions, recognizable roofline, and extensive chrome detailing provide an ideal canvas for custom paint, wire wheels, adjustable suspension, and dramatic ride-height changes.

Lowriding is not simply about making a car sit closer to the pavement. It is a style of automotive craftsmanship built around personalization, presentation, and controlled movement. Custom interiors, detailed trim, distinctive wheels, and suspension setups are all part of the experience.

The SixtyFour-18 captures several of these visual signatures in miniature form. Its licensed body features chrome-style bumpers, grille and trim details, side mirrors, door handles, interior decoration, and whitewall tires mounted on lowrider-style wheels.

These details matter because the vehicle spends just as much time being admired as it does moving. Even when parked, it has the proportions and presence of a miniature custom Impala rather than a generic RC chassis with a decorative shell.

There is also a nostalgic appeal to the concept. Small hopping lowrider toys and hand-built motorized model cars have existed for decades, but the SixtyFour-18 combines that experience with modern proportional driving and a dedicated multi-function radio system.

Five Servos, Four Suspension Controls: How the Hopping System Works

The mechanical heart of the SixtyFour-18 is its five-servo layout. Four servos operate the adjustable suspension, while a fifth handles steering. This arrangement gives the driver control over the body's attitude rather than simply switching between high and low ride heights.

Independent Front Wheel Lift Changes Everything

The major improvement over the original 1/10 SixtyFour is the ability to raise the left and right front wheels independently. The larger SixtyFour uses a single front hopping actuator, while the smaller SixtyFour-18 gives each front corner its own micro servo.

That difference expands the number of stances the car can produce. Instead of treating the entire front axle as one unit during a lift, the driver can raise one front corner, balance it against the rear suspension, or coordinate multiple corners for more expressive movement.

The rear suspension also has independent left and right control. Together, the four suspension servos give the SixtyFour-18 the ability to reproduce a variety of lowrider poses on command.

Is It a Real Hydraulic Lowrider?

The motion imitates the effect of hydraulic lowrider suspension, but the RC car does not contain a miniature hydraulic pump, fluid reservoir, or hydraulic cylinders. Its movements are generated by electrically powered servos and mechanical linkages.

This approach makes sense at 1/18 scale. Servo control is compact, repeatable, and suited to a portable ready-to-run vehicle, while still creating the characteristic movement that defines a hopping lowrider.

How to Make the Redcat SixtyFour-18 Hop and Three-Wheel

Successful hopping is not simply a matter of pressing every suspension control to its maximum position. The relationship between the rear suspension height and the front-end movement plays an important role in how the car lifts and settles.

Getting a Clean Front-End Hop

1. Place the vehicle on a flat, smooth surface with enough space around the front bumper and rear suspension.
2. Raise the rear suspension to establish the hopping stance.
3. Activate the front hopping control and observe how the front end rises and returns.
4. If the front remains elevated or the vehicle rests against its rear structure, lower the rear suspension slightly.
5. Adjust the timing and rear height in small increments until the motion becomes more controlled and repeatable.

The important detail is the rear height. Raising the rear to its absolute maximum can interfere with the way the front drops back down. A slightly lower rear position can produce a cleaner hopping cycle.

This is primarily a matter of suspension geometry and weight balance, not a reason to immediately replace the battery or modify the servos.

Three-Wheel Motion and Fine Adjustment

Three-wheel motion is one of the signature visual tricks of a lowrider. By coordinating individual suspension controls, the SixtyFour-18 can lift a corner and create the familiar diagonal body stance.

The independent controls make small adjustments possible. If a rear wheel binds against the body or the car pulls unexpectedly while cruising in a raised position, reduce the relevant suspension height until the wheel rotates freely. Radio endpoint adjustment can also help limit excessive movement.

Avoid forcing the suspension against a mechanical stop or continuing to drive when a tire is rubbing. That creates unnecessary load on the small servos and linkages.

Understanding the LR6-18 Six-Channel Transmitter

The SixtyFour-18 includes the compact LR6-18 six-channel radio system, designed specifically for its lowrider functions. Compared with the larger SixtyFour transmitter, the smaller radio is easier to transport, while retaining dedicated controls for suspension movement.

The left-side controls operate the front suspension, and the right-side controls operate the rear. Individual inputs can raise or lower the corresponding corners, while the dedicated side buttons provide paired suspension movement.

Pressing both paired-lift buttons raises the front and rear suspension together, creating a high-riding stance.

Mode 1 vs Mode 2

The transmitter includes two operating modes that change the behavior of its center function buttons.

To change modes, turn off the transmitter, hold both center function buttons, and turn the transmitter back on while keeping the buttons pressed. A single beep indicates Mode 1; two beeps indicate Mode 2.

Mode 1 is useful when you want more direct control over the timing of suspension movements. Mode 2 makes it easier to trigger a recognizable three-wheel pose without manually coordinating every corner.

Redcat SixtyFour-18 Specifications

The SixtyFour-18 combines a small two-wheel-drive platform with electronics dedicated to suspension movement. Here are the key specifications for evaluating the vehicle.

Redcat SixtyFour-18 vs SixtyFour 1/10: Which Should You Buy?

The SixtyFour-18 is more than a reduced-size version of the original SixtyFour. The two models appeal to the same lowrider interests but offer different advantages in size, electronics, and suspension control.

The Case for the 1/18 SixtyFour

The smaller model is particularly appealing when storage, portability, and convenient indoor use matter. It can be carried with other small-scale RC vehicles and displayed in spaces that would be inconvenient for the larger car.

Its independent front suspension also gives it a genuine functional advantage. If experimenting with different lowrider stances is part of the attraction, the SixtyFour-18 provides control options that are not simply inherited from the larger model.

The Case for the 1/10 SixtyFour

The original model remains attractive for enthusiasts who want a larger physical presence. It offers more visual impact in a display, larger-scale detailing opportunities, and the distinctive feel of operating a substantial RC lowrider.

Ultimately, this is less about which car is universally better and more about how you want to enjoy it. The SixtyFour-18 favors accessibility and compact performance; the 1/10 model emphasizes size and presence.

How Fast Is the Redcat SixtyFour-18?

The SixtyFour-18 has been clocked at approximately 2mph (3.2km/h) in a short outdoor speed test. That is extremely slow by conventional RC car standards, but speed is not the purpose of this model.

A hopping lowrider benefits from controlled, deliberate movement. Driving slowly makes it easier to perform suspension tricks, display the car's stance, and coordinate steering with height adjustments.

Think of the car as a moving scale display that can interact with its surroundings. A desk, smooth indoor floor, hobby shop counter, or miniature street scene can provide a satisfying driving environment without requiring a dedicated RC track.

The low speed also helps distinguish the SixtyFour-18 from small RC drift cars. Although both can be enjoyed in limited spaces, a drift car is built around controlled tire slip and cornering. The SixtyFour-18 is built around stance, suspension articulation, and hopping.

Battery, Weight Distribution and Runtime

The SixtyFour-18 comes with a 7.4V 750mAh 2S LiPo battery and a USB charger. The battery is mounted toward the rear of the chassis, where its mass contributes to the vehicle's weight distribution.

This arrangement matters because hopping is a combination of suspension actuation, mechanical leverage, and vehicle balance. The car has substantial rear weight, including dedicated rear ballast, which helps create the conditions for lifting the front end.

Battery selection is therefore different from upgrading a conventional high-speed RC car. Increasing capacity may provide more stored energy, but adding unnecessary mass or changing battery position can alter the way the car responds during hopping.

Should You Upgrade the Stock 750mAh Battery?

For owners who want an additional battery, the first priority is a correctly matched standard 2S LiPo with appropriate dimensions, connector configuration, and weight.

A compact 900mAh option provides 20% more nominal capacity than a 750mAh battery at the same voltage. For example, the CNHL MiniStar 900mAh 2S 30C LiPo two-pack measures approximately 55 × 30 × 12mm and weighs around 39g.

It is a compact higher-capacity candidate rather than a verified direct-fit replacement. Its connector, polarity, installed clearance, and effect on weight distribution should be checked before use. The same principle applies to any aftermarket battery.

For a complete battery selection discussion, visit our Redcat SixtyFour-18 2S LiPo battery collection. You can also explore batteries for other models in our Redcat RC battery collection.

Four Colors, Magnetic Body Mounts and Scale Details

The SixtyFour-18 is available in four factory colors: Red, Blue, Lavender, and Orange. Each uses the same underlying chassis and electronics, so color choice is primarily about appearance and personal style.

The body is made from polycarbonate with attached detail sections, combining lightweight construction with detailed exterior styling. Chrome-style trim, decorated interior elements, whitewall tires, and lowrider wheels help deliver the unmistakable appearance of a custom Impala.

The body also uses a convenient magnetic mounting arrangement. The rear is secured magnetically, while the front locates through a tab-and-slot design. Removal begins at the rear, followed by careful disengagement of the front. The LED wiring should be disconnected carefully before lifting the shell completely away.

LED lighting is already installed, making the vehicle especially attractive for dim indoor displays and evening-style miniature street scenes.

Customization and Upgrade Potential

A scale lowrider is naturally suited to personalization. Paintwork, graphics, wheel styling, interior details, and carefully selected accessories can all contribute to a distinctive appearance.

For the SixtyFour-18, decorative graphics are among the most accessible customization ideas. More substantial modifications, including alternative body shells or different wheels, require attention to mounting points, wheelbase, offset, and suspension clearance.

Servo upgrades may also interest experienced RC builders who want to experiment with suspension response. However, greater rated torque alone does not guarantee a higher hop. Servo dimensions, operating voltage, travel, mounting geometry, linkage strength, and the capabilities of the stock electronics all need to be considered together.

Because the chassis contains several small actuators and moving components, even a seemingly simple modification can affect more than one part of the suspension system. Owners should establish a reliable stock setup before attempting mechanical changes.

Is the Redcat SixtyFour-18 Worth $299.99?

The SixtyFour-18 is not inexpensive for a 1/18-scale RC vehicle. At a US launch price of $299.99, it costs considerably more than many small ready-to-run RC cars, including some that offer much greater speed.

However, judging it only by its size and top speed misses much of what the vehicle is designed to deliver. Its value comes from an unusual combination of licensed scale styling, five-servo suspension control, independent front wheel lift, pre-installed lighting, a dedicated six-channel transmitter, and ready-to-run convenience.

Who Will Enjoy It Most?

• Lowrider enthusiasts: anyone interested in the distinctive culture, appearance, and suspension tricks of classic custom cars.
• 1964 Impala collectors: fans who appreciate a detailed licensed model that can also move and perform.
• Small-scale RC owners: hobbyists looking for an unusual indoor vehicle beyond crawling and drifting.
• Customization enthusiasts: builders interested in scale graphics, details, and carefully planned mechanical upgrades.
• Existing SixtyFour owners: collectors seeking a more portable companion with independent front suspension control.

Who Might Prefer Something Else?

If maximum speed, long-distance outdoor driving, drifting, or off-road performance are your main priorities, a conventional RC car will likely offer better value for your needs.

The SixtyFour-18 is a specialized vehicle. Its purpose is to recreate the experience of controlling a miniature hopping lowrider. For someone who enjoys that particular form of automotive expression, the price is easier to understand. For someone who wants a fast RC car, it is probably the wrong category entirely.

Redcat SixtyFour-18 FAQ

Does the Redcat SixtyFour-18 really hop?

Yes. Its front suspension servos can raise and drop the front end to perform hopping movements. The rear suspension height affects how the car lifts and returns, so the setup and timing matter.

Can the SixtyFour-18 do three-wheel motion?

Yes. Independent suspension controls allow the car to create a three-wheel stance, while the transmitter's second mode provides a convenient preset function.

Does the SixtyFour-18 use actual hydraulics?

No. It uses electronically controlled servos and mechanical linkages to recreate the appearance and movements of a hydraulic lowrider.

How fast is the Redcat SixtyFour-18?

A short speed test recorded approximately 2mph (3.2km/h). Its primary purpose is slow cruising and suspension performance rather than speed.

What battery does the Redcat SixtyFour-18 use?

It comes with a 7.4V 750mAh 2S LiPo battery and USB charger. Replacement batteries should match the vehicle's 2S voltage requirements and be selected with attention to connector, physical size, and weight.

Is the SixtyFour-18 suitable for indoor driving?

Yes. Its compact dimensions and low-speed operation make smooth indoor surfaces a natural environment. Use a clear, level area to avoid damaging the body or stressing the suspension during hopping.

Are the headlights included?

Yes. The SixtyFour-18 includes factory-installed LED lighting. Check the lighting connection when removing or refitting the body.

Is the SixtyFour-18 ready to run out of the box?

Yes. The vehicle comes assembled with its transmitter, 2S LiPo battery, and USB charger. Four AA batteries are required for the transmitter.

Final Thoughts: A Small Lowrider With a Distinct Personality

The Redcat SixtyFour-18 succeeds by focusing on something that most RC cars never attempt: making the suspension itself the main attraction. Its licensed 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS body delivers the classic look, while the five-servo system adds the freedom to experiment with hopping, three-wheel motion, and carefully controlled changes in stance.

Its most compelling advantages are the compact dimensions, independent front wheel lift, ready-to-run electronics, and the ability to enjoy lowrider movements without needing a large driving area.

The biggest trade-offs are equally clear. It is slow, specialized, and relatively expensive for its size. But those limitations are easier to accept once the car is understood as a miniature lowrider experience rather than a conventional RC performance vehicle.

For collectors, lowrider fans, and RC hobbyists who enjoy detailed mechanical movement, the SixtyFour-18 brings a distinctive new dimension to the small-scale RC world.

Looking for battery options? Explore the CNHL Redcat SixtyFour-18 LiPo battery collection for 2S battery selection and capacity guidance, or browse the wider CNHL RC car battery range.