The world’s first RC car was the Kyosho Optima, released in 1981. It was an iconic moment in the history of radio-controlled vehicles as it was the first mass-produced electric RC car available to consumers. This marked a big step forward in the hobby of radio-controlled cars, and it quickly took off in popularity.
The Optima was a 1/10th scale touring car that featured a number of advanced features for its time. It had adjustable spring rates, adjustable steering angles, four-wheel drive and an independent front suspension system.
The Optima even had a three-speed transmission that allowed for different levels of speed control. These features made the Optima stand out from other RC cars available at the time.
The Optima’s success led to a number of other manufacturers producing RC cars over the years. Kyosho continued to innovate in this field and produced several more models over the years, including their popular Inferno and Lazer series cars. Other brands such as Tamiya, HPI Racing, Team Associated and Losi also began releasing their own cars for consumers to enjoy.
Today, there are numerous types of RC cars on the market ranging from basic beginner models to full-blown competition machines that can reach speeds up to 100mph or more. The technology has come a long way since the days of the Kyosho Optima, but it is still very much alive and kicking.
Conclusion: The Kyosho Optima was truly revolutionary when it was released back in 1981 as it marked an important milestone in radio-controlled vehicles becoming mainstream. Since then, many other manufacturers have followed suit by releasing their own models with advanced features and capabilities that have allowed them to become one of the most popular hobbies today.
