Tamiya Porsche 934 (1976) 50th Anniversary 47524 Review: Rear-Motor Chassis, Scale Engineering & Real Driving Character

The Tamiya Porsche 934 (1976) 50th Anniversary (Item 47524) is a rear-motor, longitudinal 1/10 touring chassis designed to replicate the mechanical layout of the original Group 4 race car — not just its appearance.

Some long-time Tamiya fans celebrated the scale-accurate layout. Others were far less impressed. Comments ranged from “beautiful tribute” to “not enough for a 50th anniversary.” A few questioned the price, comparing it to modern race kits that offer carbon chassis and brushless-ready electronics at similar cost.

That split reaction says more about the modern RC market than it does about this kit. Today, value is often measured in lap time and upgrade potential. This chassis measures value in authenticity.

The Body: 1976 Kremer Racing Porsche 934 Recreated

Beyond the chassis, the visual identity of the Porsche 934 (1976) 50th Anniversary edition is equally significant. The polycarbonate body recreates the Kremer Racing Porsche 934 that competed in the 1976 DRM (German Racing Championship).

The Vaillant-inspired green livery returns, echoing one of the most recognizable Group 4 Porsche race cars of the era. Separate plastic components are included for the rear wing, side mirrors, and light cases, elevating the scale fidelity beyond a simple molded shell.

For finishing accuracy, Tamiya specifies PS-54 Cobalt Green for the body and TS-102 Cobalt Green for the rear wing and mirrors, ensuring color consistency between lexan and plastic components.

This is not a generic 911 body on a random chassis — it is a specific historical race car recreated with intent.

Magnetic Body Mounts & Collector Details

One of the most discussed innovations in this release is the magnetic body mounting system. Builders can choose between traditional body posts with holes (for active driving) or magnetized mounts for a clean display configuration.

For collectors and “shelf queen” enthusiasts, this eliminates visible body holes while maintaining structural stability.

Each kit also includes a unique numbered plate, reinforcing its limited-edition identity. Combined with white commemorative packaging inspired by Tamiya’s first Porsche 934 kit, the presentation is clearly aimed at long-time fans.

TRF Dampers and Premium Running Gear

This edition features high-spec TRF (Tamiya Racing Factory) dampers and stabilizers, along with universal drive shafts for efficient power delivery.

The gearbox and turnbuckle aluminum components are finished in dark titanium anodizing, adding subtle visual refinement without resorting to excessive chrome or flashy detailing.

Two-piece mesh wheels with metal-plated rims are paired with medium-narrow racing radial tires (Item 51023), reinforcing the scale touring aesthetic.

A Purpose-Built Rear Longitudinal Layout

At the heart of this release is a rear-mounted, longitudinal motor configuration. Unlike typical shaft-driven touring platforms, the motor is positioned behind the rear axle line, closely resembling the real 934’s drivetrain placement.

Power transfer follows a staged mechanical path: pinion gear to spur gear, through a prop shaft, into secondary gearing, and finally into a gear differential based on the proven TB-05 design. All gears are 0.4 module, including newly designed 66T spur gears. Around the gearbox, aluminum components add structural rigidity.

This layout is not about efficiency alone — it is about visual and mechanical authenticity. When viewed from below, the drivetrain does not look generic. It looks intentional.

Trailing Arm Rear Suspension: Scale Over Convention

Instead of using a double wishbone setup at the rear like most modern touring cars, Tamiya implemented trailing arms molded from carbon fiber reinforced plastic. This mirrors the suspension style of the real Porsche 934.

Trailing arms inherently change weight transfer characteristics. Combined with the rear motor bias, this geometry suggests a chassis that will rotate differently compared to mid-motor or neutral touring platforms.

The standard wheelbase is 230mm in this trailing-arm configuration. Interestingly, the lower deck can be reconfigured for a 251mm wheelbase using a double wishbone rear setup, though that requires a separately sold body.

This flexibility hints that Tamiya may expand this chassis concept beyond the 934.

The Plastic Chassis Debate

Much of the online reaction centered not on the layout — but on the materials.

Some comments praised the engineering detail, calling it “a fascinating chassis” and applauding the scale-correct philosophy. Others criticized it for not going far enough:

• Calls for full aluminum construction
• Demands for brushless-ready race-level specification
• Complaints about price relative to materials

The criticism reflects a broader tension in RC culture today. Many modern drivers measure value by lap-time potential or upgrade paths. This chassis does not aim to dominate a club race grid.

Instead, it celebrates 50 years of mechanical storytelling.

The glass fiber reinforced lower deck integrates the main and rear frames, creating a strong yet lightweight base. It is engineered plastic — not toy plastic. Whether that justifies the premium price depends on what the buyer expects.

Why Equal Width Wheels?

Another discussion point was wheel width. Many expected wider rear wheels for a more aggressive stance.

However, the kit uses equal-width wheels front and rear. Tamiya has indicated this choice supports balanced handling rather than pure aesthetics. Wider rear wheels are available separately for those who prefer a fuller arch appearance.

This again reinforces the theme: the car was tuned for drivability, not static display dominance.

Driving Character: What to Expect

Rear motor placement combined with trailing arms and a relatively short 230mm wheelbase suggests a lively chassis.

Expect pronounced weight transfer under throttle. Expect lift-off rotation. Expect a car that rewards smooth steering and measured throttle input.

This will not behave like a neutral TT-02. It will not mask driver input the way a modern carbon touring platform might.

Instead, it should feel mechanical — communicative — and slightly old-school in the best possible way.

Battery Compatibility and Real-World Fitment

Official demonstration builds show the LF2200 6.6V stick-style pack installed. Its rounded side profile resembles classic NiMH packs.

However, examination of the battery tray design reveals that retention occurs via a top hold-down system rather than side contouring. The tray walls are straight, and the floor is flat.

This means both traditional stick-format batteries and modern rectangular 2S hardcase LiPo packs can install securely, provided they stay within standard stick-pack dimensional envelopes.

A moderate 2S setup enhances responsiveness without overwhelming the rear-biased chassis. Extreme power systems, however, may alter the balance that defines this design.

For a dedicated battery compatibility breakdown, see: Best 2S LiPo Battery for Tamiya Porsche 934 50th Anniversary (47524)

How It Compares to Other Tamiya Platforms

Who Is This Car Really For?

Collectors who owned the original 934. Porsche fans who appreciate mechanical accuracy. Drivers who value character over outright speed.

If you are seeking the fastest touring car per dollar, there are alternatives. If you are seeking a thoughtful tribute that reinterprets a historic layout with modern refinement, the 47524 Porsche 934 50th Anniversary stands apart.

It is not a race weapon. It is a mechanical celebration.

FAQ – Tamiya Porsche 934 50th Anniversary (47524)

Is this a re-release of the 30th anniversary version?

No. While the body shell is based on the previous 934 tooling, the chassis platform is entirely new and features a rear longitudinal motor layout and trailing arm rear suspension.

Is the chassis suitable for racing?

It is capable of club-level driving, but the design prioritizes scale accuracy over modern competition geometry. It will feel different compared to mid-motor touring chassis.

Why is the motor mounted so far back?

To replicate the drivetrain layout of the real Porsche 934. The rear-biased placement influences weight transfer and rotational characteristics.

Can I run a standard 2S LiPo battery?

Yes. The battery tray supports standard stick-format dimensions, including modern rectangular 2S hardcase LiPo packs.

Is this made in Japan?

Production origin depends on Tamiya’s manufacturing allocation. Like many current releases, components may be produced in Japan or overseas facilities.

Is it worth the price?

That depends on your priorities. If you value mechanical authenticity, collector appeal, and anniversary significance, it carries unique value. If you are seeking pure racing performance per dollar, alternatives may offer higher spec at lower cost.

Is This the New TA Series?

This is not a TA-series evolution. The architecture is unique to the 50th Anniversary 934 platform and does not follow TA05, TB-05, or TT-02 lineage directly.