The Perfect Father’s Day RC Car Gift: Our 2026 Guide
Looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift for an RC car fan? You’ve come to the right place. Father’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday 21st June and if your dad, grandad or partner is into radio controlled cars, Cleveland Models in Middlesbrough has everything you need to make it a memorable one.
Whether he’s a complete beginner, a seasoned Tamiya builder or a nitro enthusiast, we’ve put together this gift guide to help you find something he’ll genuinely love.
Under £25: Starter Gifts and Stocking Fillers
Not sure of his exact setup? These gifts work for almost any RC car owner and are guaranteed to go down well.
A ballrace kit is one of the best value upgrades any RC car owner can make and most hobbyists always have a use for one. Available for a wide range of Tamiya chassis and other popular models, they’re a thoughtful gift that shows you know a little something about the hobby.
A spare NiMH battery pack is another brilliant practical gift. Extra run time is always welcome and it’s the kind of thing hobbyists put off buying for themselves.
Under £50: Mid Range Gifts with Real Impact
A LiPo battery and charger combo is a fantastic upgrade gift for anyone still running NiMH. The jump in performance is immediately noticeable and it’s the kind of present that gets used every single time he goes out driving.
A quality servo upgrade is another great option for the more experienced hobbyist. Better steering response makes a real difference to how any RC car drives and it’s an upgrade many owners keep meaning to make but never quite get around to.
Under £100: Serious Upgrades
For a bigger budget, a set of Tamiya TT-02 option parts makes a brilliant gift for anyone running a TT-02 chassis. Oil filled dampers, aluminium motor mount and steering parts are all popular choices that will transform the car’s performance.
A new radio set is another upgrade worth considering for someone whose transmitter is getting on a bit. Modern 2.4GHz radio systems offer better range, improved response and interference free operation compared to older equipment.
The Big One: A Brand New RC Car
If you really want to splash out, nothing beats a brand new RC car as a Father’s Day gift. Here are our top picks at different price points:
For a brilliant beginner or casual driver, the FTX Carnage 2.0 is a superb ready-to-run 4WD electric truck that comes complete with battery and charger. Great fun straight out of the box.
For the Tamiya fan, one of our Tamiya Truck RTR Combos is an unforgettable gift. A pre-built Tamiya 1/14 scale truck ready to drive is something any Tamiya enthusiast would be absolutely thrilled to unwrap.
For the serious hobbyist, browse our full range of Tamiya kits with MFC sound units for a build project that will keep him happily occupied for weeks.
Not Sure Which Father’s Day RC Car Gift to Choose?
If you’re not sure exactly what he needs, pop into Cleveland Models in Middlesbrough before Father’s Day and have a chat with our team. We’re always happy to help you find the right gift for any budget and any level of hobbyist. Alternatively give us a call on 01642 241511 and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Father’s Day 2026 is Sunday 21st June. Order online now with free UK P&P on all orders over £75, or visit us in store at 311-321 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough.