Tamiya Frog RC Car: The 1983 Classic and Its Re-Release
The Tamiya Frog is a 1/10 two-wheel-drive electric racing buggy first introduced in 1983, known for its distinctive shape and strong off-road performance in its day. Tamiya re-released it as kit 58354 with the same basic structure: an ABS space frame chassis with a low battery position, independent suspension with front double wishbones and rear trailing arms, horizontally mounted aluminium oil dampers at the rear, a polycarbonate body, three-piece wheels and an RS-540 motor. It measures about 410 mm long and 240 mm wide.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
Re-release specs
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Kit number | 58354 |
| Length / width / height | 410 / 240 / 145 mm |
| Drive | Rear 2WD |
| Chassis | ABS space frame |
| Suspension | Front double wishbone; rear trailing arm with oil dampers |
| Tyres | Front 21/73 mm grooved; rear 51/88 mm spike |
| Motor | RS-540 type |
From Tamiya and dealer listings.
Why it’s a classic
In the early 1980s, the Frog brought serious off-road performance to a kit that hobbyists could build at home. Its unusual body and low centre of gravity made it stand out on tracks. Many people who grew up in that era built one, which is why the re-release was popular with returning hobbyists. Another Tamiya classic is covered in Tamiya Sand Scorcher.
Building tips
- Follow Tamiya’s step-by-step manual closely.
- Fill dampers carefully and bleed air.
- Paint the polycarbonate body from the inside before trimming.
- Fit a reliable modern ESC, servo and 2.4 GHz radio.
- Check that the drivetrain spins freely before the first run.
General kit-building tips are in buildable RC cars.
Driving
The Frog is fun on dirt, grass and gravel at moderate speeds. It’s a vintage design, so it doesn’t handle like a modern race buggy, and big jumps can break parts. Enjoy it for its looks and character.
Upgrades
- Ball bearings throughout.
- A brushed ESC with reverse, or a mild brushless setup.
- Better tyres for your surface.
- Spare body to protect a nicely painted one.
Original vs re-release
Original 1983 Frogs are collectors’ items, valued for originality and condition. The re-release is the practical car to build and drive. If buying an original, check for missing parts and cracked chassis pieces.
Choosing electronics
The re-release is designed around a brushed 540 motor, which suits the car’s character. A brushed ESC with LiPo cutoff and reverse, a standard steering servo and a basic 2.4 GHz radio are all it needs. Brushless conversions are possible but stress the vintage-style drivetrain, so keep power modest if you want the car to last. A 2S LiPo or a NiMH pack that fits the battery space works well.
Painting the body
The Frog’s body looks best in its classic livery with the original-style decals. Wash the polycarbonate body, mask the windows, and spray polycarbonate paint inside in thin coats, then back it with a darker colour for depth. Apply decals carefully on the outside after removing the protective film.
Display
Many owners build a Frog partly for display. A clean, period-correct build on a shelf is a reminder of the early days of RC racing.
Keep the manual and spare parts bags together; Tamiya part numbers make ordering replacements much easier later.
Driving it on a dry dirt track brings out its best, just as it did in the 1980s.
FAQ
When was the Tamiya Frog released?
1983, with a later re-release (58354).
Is the Frog 4WD?
No, it’s rear 2WD.
What motor does it use?
An RS-540 type motor.
Is it good for racing today?
It’s a classic for fun, not modern racing.
More on this topic: the complete RC Cars guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
