Nitro F1 RC Cars: Kyosho F-Ten, KF-01, the RB7 and Finding One Today
Nitro-powered Formula 1 RC cars were made in small numbers and are rare today; almost all current RC F1 cars are electric. Notable nitro examples include Kyosho’s F-Ten Formula Sports (1998, a 1/10 4WD kit with a GS-11R engine and recoil starter), Kyosho’s KF-01 (2010, a 1/10 2WD car with a belt-driven alloy plate chassis and Sirio 09 engine), and a 1/7 Red Bull RB7 nitro model sold as a magazine partwork. If you want one, expect to buy used from collectors and online auctions.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
Notable models
| Model | Year | Scale / drive | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyosho F-Ten Formula Sports | 1998 | 1/10, 4WD kit | GS-11R with recoil starter |
| Kyosho KF-01 | 2010 | 1/10, 2WD, belt drive | Sirio 09 |
| Red Bull RB7 (partwork) | 2010s | 1/7 | Nitro |
| Others (e.g. 1/8 F1 cars) | Various | 1/8 | Nitro |
From model archives and listings; details vary by kit version.
Why nitro F1 cars are rare
F1 cars are low, light and built for smooth tarmac, which makes them hard to package with a nitro engine, fuel tank and exhaust. Electric power fits better, is quieter for indoor and club tracks, and dominates F1 RC racing classes. Nitro on-road racing moved towards touring cars and 1/8 circuit cars instead. As a result, nitro F1 cars became niche products with short production runs, and most surviving examples are collectors’ pieces.
Buying one used
- Check the engine turns over smoothly with compression; ask when it last ran.
- Look for missing body parts, wings and wheels, which are hard to replace.
- Check the clutch, gears and belt (on belt-driven cars).
- Ask if spare parts are included; factory parts may be discontinued.
- Expect to replace old fuel lines, glow plug and radio gear.
Running a nitro F1
A nitro F1 needs a large smooth surface: an empty car park or an on-road track. Low ride height means any debris or bump causes problems. Follow normal nitro engine care: break-in, needle tuning, after-run oil and clean air filters. Nitro engine basics are covered in nitro RC cars.
Alternatives
Electric F1 cars are widely available, cheaper to run and easier to find parts for. For an engine-powered open-wheel car, larger gas-powered F1 models are another route; see gas-powered F1 RC cars. Nitro touring cars give a similar sound and on-road experience with better parts availability.
Collecting
Unbuilt kits and complete, original cars attract collectors. Keep original parts if you modify a car, and store it with fuel removed and after-run oil in the engine. Photos, manuals and boxes add value.
Engine care for an old nitro F1
An engine that has sat for years needs attention before running. Remove the glow plug and check that the piston moves smoothly; if it feels rough, flush the engine with after-run oil and turn it over by hand until it frees up, or have it serviced. Replace hardened fuel tubing and the air filter, fit a fresh glow plug, and check the clutch shoes and bell. Run it rich at first and let it warm up gently. Small on-road engines rev high, so careful tuning protects them.
Finding parts
Many nitro F1 parts are no longer made. Engine parts are often shared with other cars from the same era, and some suspension and drivetrain parts may come from related on-road kits. Owner forums and collector groups are the best sources for compatibility information.
FAQ
Are nitro F1 RC cars still made?
Hardly; most are found used.
What was Kyosho’s nitro F1?
The F-Ten (1998) and the KF-01 (2010), both 1/10.
Where can I run one?
On smooth tarmac or an on-road track.
Electric or nitro F1?
Electric is far easier to buy and run today.
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
