Tamiya 58734 1/10 CITROEN DS (INCL ESC) (MB-01)

This assembly kit creates an R/C model of the Citroen front-wheel drive saloon car DS which was honored with third place in the 1999 Car of the Century awards. In 1955, the Citroen DS was announced in Paris and it was sometimes dubbed the "spaceship'' for its aerodynamic design. This model artfully captures that legendary styling with a lightweight polycarbonate body, based upon the compact 2WD of the MB-01 chassis. Chrome plated wheels are paired with radial tires.

The MB-01 Chassis

The compact, 2WD MB-01 chassis gives a choice of three types of wheelbase, and front- or rear- wheel drive system. This model employs a front-wheel drive setup. The 4-wheel double wishbone suspension features symmetrical structure and friction dampers. Unitized sections such as motor mount, final gears and suspension facilitate ease of assembly and effective maintenance. What is more, without removing battery pack, motor and R/C equipment setups from the center frame, simply change attachment directions of final gears and steering linkage to switch between front- and rear-wheel drive; low or high motor position can be chosen for rear-wheel drive cars.

- Bathtub type chassis
- Front-midship motor, front-wheel drive
- 4-bevel differential gear
- 3-piece steering tie-rod
- 4-wheel double wishbone suspension
- Friction dampers
- Gear ratio = 5.83:1 (using kit 29T pinion)
- Type 540 motor
- ESC included for export

A look from the back really shows off the elegant, sloping form of the car and its tail.

A closer look at the wedge-shaped nose, which has a metal-plated bumper part.

Roof rear lamps are another charming feature of the unique DS body.

The rear bumper is also metal-plated, and stickers are used for combination lamps and the Citroën emblem.

Plated dish wheels are paired with treaded 60D radial tires.

The compact MB-01 chassis. For this model, it is assembled with a long wheelbase (239mm) and given wide front tread.

A 3-piece steering tie-rod is combined with a front-left servo.

Wide front tread is achieved with long wheel hubs and axles.

The four-wheel double-wishbone suspension uses symmetrical arms.

The motor sits in the front right, and provides power via a short propeller shaft.

The motor mount is assembled as a unit, and secured to the chassis using two screws.

The 4-bevel gear differential is the same as that on the TT-02; this chassis is compatible with TT-02 Hop-Up Option differentials.

The flip-up battery holder gives quick access.

With spacer attached to the sub deck, the wheelbase is set to Long (239mm).

A close-up on the rear double wishbone suspension, which uses friction dampers.

This versatile chassis can be assembled into three wheelbases and two drivetrain layouts.