What Famous RC Cars Have There Been?
RC cars aren’t just for the track or the garden – every now and then, one zooms into the spotlight and captures the imagination of the wider world. In this week’s Pit Post, we’re taking a look at some of the most memorable RC cars that have made a name for themselves outside of our hobby – whether in films, on the news, or in pop culture.
They might be fictional, action-packed or even downright ridiculous, but these RC cars all share one thing: they left a lasting impression. And while RC is a brilliant hobby for people of all ages (and makes a cracking gift for kids!), it’s always fun to see how our favourite machines are represented on the big screen or in real life.
Before we asked our followers to share their favourites, we put together a few ground rules to save some arguments:
🔹 It can be fictional and far-fetched (hello, Hollywood).
🔹 It must be controlled by some sort of transmitter – doesn’t have to be a traditional RC handset.
🔹 It must have at least four wheels (sorry, drones!).
🔹 And lastly, it must be something that’s recognised worldwide.
So, without further ado – here’s our list of iconic RC cars that went beyond the hobby and into the spotlight.
RC – Toy Story
RC might look like a wild little toy, but don’t forget – Woody used him to push Buzz out the window and save him at the end! That final chase scene is pure RC action, and RC really shifts for a toy car.
The design was based on old Tyco and Nikko models from the 90s. He wasn’t the main character, but his big role in the dramatic ending made him a fan favourite – and he even showed up on loads of Toy Story merchandise.
Image credit: Disney Pixar Animation Studios
Curiosity – Mars Rover
Definitely the most expensive RC car on this list! Curiosity is controlled by NASA engineers from Earth and has been exploring Mars since 2012.
It was Launched 26 November 2011 and Landed on Mars 6 August 2012. The mission was to explore the Martian surface and investigate whether Mars ever had the conditions to support microbial life. Curiosity is about the size of a small SUV – 3 metres long and 2.7 metres wide – and weighs around 900 kg. It runs on a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG), which uses heat from decaying plutonium – much more reliable than solar panels for long missions. It can reach a blistering 0.14 km/h (or 0.09 mph). Curiosity is equipped with a robotic arm, a drill, 17 cameras, and a full science lab (including instruments to test soil, rock, and atmosphere samples). Since 2012 to 2025 is has covered over 30 km (18+ miles) across the Martian surface. It is controlled by scientists and engineers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) – there’s usually a 13–24 minute delay in communication. Not bad for a long-distance RC!
Image Credit: NASA
Back to the Future – Time Machine Test
One of the most iconic scenes in cinema history – Doc Brown sends the DeLorean down the car park using a remote control, and boom – it disappears through time!
Of course, in reality, it’s not really an RC car… but in the film world, it definitely counts. It’s dramatic, clever, and unforgettable – just like a great RC moment should be.
Image credit: Universal Pictures
The Dead Pool – Killer RC Car
This entry is probably remembered more for its RC car scene than for the film itself. The title The Dead Pool often gets confused with the Marvel character Deadpool, but the two have nothing in common.
In this action-packed scene, Clint Eastwood’s character is chased through the streets by a small but speedy RC car that’s carrying a bomb. It’s completely over-the-top and farfetched – but also brilliant fun to watch, especially for RC fans.
The actual film prop used was an electric-powered Associated RC10, but in the movie, sound effects made it seem like a roaring nitro. It’s an iconic moment in RC film history!
Image credit: Warner Bros
Terminator 2 – Hallway Racer
Here’s a personal pick, but we think it deserves a spot. In one scene, young Dyson is zooming an RC car through the halls of his house – just like many of us did growing up.
That Nikko car is still remembered by fans, and in 2020, the original film prop was auctioned off. It’s probably the most valuable second-hand Nikko in history!
Image credit: Tri-star Pictures
Malcolm – The Tamiya Sand Scorcher
The Aussie film Malcolm is a cult hit among RC fans. It’s about a quiet genius who teams up with two criminals and uses his skills – and RC gadgets – to pull off clever heists.
The Tamiya Sand Scorcher gets loads of screen time, including in one of the main robbery scenes. It’s not just a great RC moment – it’s a key part of the film’s plot!
Image credit: The Hoyts Group
Home Alone 3 – The Tyco Mutator
The third Home Alone film might not be as loved as the first two, but it still reached a big audience – and it featured an RC car at the heart of the story.
The villains hide a stolen microchip inside the Tyco Mutator, and the car is used throughout the film. It wasn’t a massive hit, but the RC connection earned it a place on our list.
Image credit: 20th Century Fox
Next weeks Hot Topic will be:
What RC phrase or joke do you think needs to be immortalized on a tee?
What RC-related phrase, joke, or one-liner deserves to be immortalised on a t-shirt? 🤔 Whether it’s something you shout at the track, a running joke in your pit crew, or just a clever pun that RC fans would love — drop it in the comments! 💬👇
Let’s see who can come up with the funniest, most relatable, or downright legendary RC quote. We might even feature the best ones in an upcoming design!
We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rcclubhub.
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Check out our Cool Wall here: https://www.rcclubhub.co.uk/index.php/rc-pit-post/the-cool-wall
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ClubHub Steve