Tamiya Ferrari 360 Modena Challenge (TA-04)

The Ferrari 360 Modena Challenge was introduced in 1999 as a one-make race car derived from the road-going 360 Modena. Developed for the Ferrari Challenge series, it featured weight reduction, uprated brakes, stripped interiors, and racing safety equipment. Though visually close to the road car, the Challenge variant was a factory-built racer, offering privateers a turnkey entry into Ferrari’s prestigious customer racing ladder.

Tamiya captured this icon in 1/10 scale on their TA-04 chassis, the first of their dual-belt 4WD touring platforms with a bathtub-style frame. Known for its balance, smooth belt-driven drivetrain, and responsive handling, the TA-04 became a staple for both competitive racing and detailed scale models. Its adaptability made it a strong base for Tamiya’s licensed supercar bodies, including Ferrari’s 360 Modena Challenge.

My build keeps things clean and purposeful. I fitted it with a brushed Tamiya Sport-Tuned motor for lively but manageable performance and finished the polycarbonate shell in pure Rossa Corsa—airbrushed to a deep gloss. Unlike the box art, I left off the sponsor decals, stripes, and race numbers, allowing the Ferrari’s curves to stand alone in their most timeless form.