Japanese R/C model manufacturer Tamiya recently commissioned a 1:1-scale version of its iconic 1979 "Sand Scorcher" Volkswagen Beetle. Now that one of our childhood dreams is a reality, we would also like to announce our desire for a pony.
The Sand Scorcher, a detailed replica of a Baja Bug, was released in 1979 to accompany one of Tamiya's earlier models, a sand buggy known as the Rough Rider. Its suspension was patterned after that of a full-size Beetle, and because most of its components were made of metal, it was extremely rugged. R/C enthusiasts and Volkswagen geeks alike went nuts for it, and they still do — mint-in-box kits can command as much as $5000. The full-scale Scorcher was unveiled today at the Nurnberg Toy Fair in Germany; it accompanies Tamiya's release of an updated, 30th-anniversary version of the kit.
In other news, Hasbro has not responded to our pleas to commission a full-size, fully operational version of the cartoon (screw the movies) Optimus Prime. Pricks.
[The Hobby Company via PistonHeads]