Experience high-performance driving with the nostalgic avant-garde design and functional beauty of the 1/12 scale FANTOM EP 4WD. In August 1983, a mere six months after its debut, a new Kyosho machine blew its more established rivals away at the 5th JMRCA 1/12 Electric Racing Car Japan Nationals, held at a specially built track at Nakayama Racecourse, Chiba Prefecture. RC on-road racing was changed for a generation by the 1/8 FANTOM 20 EXP 4WD engine racing car, and its bloodlines ran strong in the FANTOM EP 4WD.

The FANTOM EP 4WD revives its glory days as the first on-road racing model and 9th addition to the Kyosho Vintage Series. The 1/12 on-road racing scene featured various designs such as 3-point suspension and 4-wheel independent suspension, 4WD ladder-chain drive + front one-way bearing system that generally didn't produce front-drive but drove the inside wheel when power was applied through turns for stable cornering and minimal drive loss. The FANTOM EP 4WD pioneered specs such as the FRP chassis that created a suspension effect that delivered optimal weight balance on the inside wheel.

The 2020 version model recreates the look and feel of the original and maintains the superior cornering speed and stability, even on low grip surfaces, with its part-time 4WD and front one way. As with all Vintage Series models, each critical component is consistent with the original design but has been improved to handle the latest power sources and deliver the FANTOM's distinctive sharp handling and control on modern RC circuits.

The world's first electric car to use a ladder chain drive and front one-way bearing. The mechanical plate has also been machined with a mounting hole where a Kyosho LeMans 240S speed controller (No: 37051, sold separately) can be mounted in place of a rotary speed controller. Reproducing the original Le Mans 480 T's dominant power and performance, the Le Mans 480T Brushless Motor (No.37033) with a long shaft to fit the Fantom is available as an option.

Kit includes the BW Spider body that delivered victory on debut at the Japan Nationals in 1983. Its short nose design and excellent aerodynamic balance produced high downforce for quick steering characteristics. Wing (No.EFW001) is also available as an option.

BW Spider On-Road Body

Kyosho Fantom EP 4WD 1/12 scale on-road kit with the BW Spider body that delivered debut victory at the 1983 Japan Nationals.

Fantom EP — chassis top view with chain drive

Top-down chassis view showing the FRP chassis, ladder chain drive system and front one-way bearing arrangement.

Fantom EP — motor mount and differential detail

Detail view highlighting the CNC machined motor mount, rear axle height adjuster, and 48-pitch gear differential.

Fantom EP — side profile

Side profile of the Fantom EP showing the low centre of gravity chassis and short-nose BW Spider body aerodynamic design.

Fantom EP — chain drive and one-way bearing

Close-up of the ladder chain drive and integrated machine cut steel one-way bearing holder for improved durability.

Fantom EP — CNC motor mount

Hard-anodised white CNC machined motor mount with lower mounting position achieving a low centre of gravity.

Fantom EP — unpainted BW Spider body

Unpainted clear BW Spider body showing its short nose design and aerodynamic balance for high downforce.

Fantom EP — front suspension and steering

Front suspension and steering detail, including the independent servo saver mount plate and CNC-cut FRP components.

Fantom EP — pre-glued tyres and wheels

Pre-glued rubber sponge tyre set on super tough nylon wheels, showing the different front and rear tyre diameters.

• Chain Driven 4WD System
• Aerodynamic body built for extreme grip at high speeds
• Multiple CNC machined metal parts — precision CNC machined motor mount hard anodised in white (clear); stamped FRP components upgraded to CNC cutting
• Rear axle is height adjustable — chassis height can be adjusted 1.3mm up/down by reversing mounting direction; wheelbase can be changed 1mm by swapping left and right adjusters
• Smooth performance with a 48-pitch gear differential incorporating ball bearing
• Stamped FRP components and independent servo saver mount plate included as standard
• Full metal ball bearings — full bearing specifications; screw uses hex type
• Pre-glued tyres with rubber sponge inserts for increased grip and resistance to wear
• Integrated machine cut steel one-way bearing holder (upgraded from original resin front sprocket) for superior durability
• Latest super tough nylon wheels for increased durability

• 1x Chassis kit
• 1x Adhesive Shaped Tyre Set
• 1x Unpainted Body
• 1x Decals
• 1x Wheel Wrench (12/4.0)
• 1x 5.5/4.5 Wrench

• 2Ch Receiver (46x34x18mm) & Transmitter w/ Batteries
• ESC (40x40x26mm)
• Servo (35.5x15x28.6mm)
• Motor
• 7.4V LiPo Battery (138x48x23mm)
• Compatible Charger
• Paints

This body shell comes completely unpainted and may or may not require body post holes to be drilled. Only use a polycarbonate style paint such as the Tamiya PS series to finish these bodies, as standard paints will not adhere and/or cause damage to the body shell's surface.