Martini Porsche 935 Turbo
History & Significance
Released 10 August 1977 as Tamiya’s second-ever RC kit, following directly on the heels of the 58001 Porsche 934. It reused the 934’s chassis almost unchanged — different wheels, motor, and speed controller — letting Tamiya capitalize quickly on the 934’s popularity with a second Porsche release in RC’s first year. The hard-plastic body was adapted from a popular Tamiya static model kit.
Chassis Engineering
Uses the “934” chassis: a flat aluminium plate that provides much of the suspension function through flex rather than dedicated suspension components. A rear-mounted Mabuchi RS-380S motor drives the rear wheels through a 4.7:1 gearbox; front suspension is rigid, the rear is a coil-spring-suspended gearbox, with no dampers front or rear. Speed control is a mechanical two-forward/two-reverse resistor unit.
Variants & Re-releases
Shares its chassis platform with kit 58001 (Porsche 934), differing only in wheels, motor, and speed controller. No dedicated re-release of the 58002 itself is documented.
Manuals
Restoration Guide
A genuinely vintage (1977) kit. No specific documented restoration notes turned up in research, but as with any original-era survivor, aging elastomer/foam components and the resistor-type speed controller are the typical concern points collectors report.