MODELS

Raco cars are probably the most popular 1/4 scale cars ever built in the U.S. Many models were made including: (Click on names for pictures)

                                       - GN Challenger / Grand National
                                       - Indy Car
                                       - Stadium Truck
                                       - Stadium Car
                                       - Outlaw late model
                                       - IMSA GTP
                                       - Jac-Rabbit / Super Mod
                                       - Super Mod 2
                                       - Sidewinder

DESIGN

Raco manufactured a VERY unique chassis that was a very rigid and solid modular design. All cars came with a Quickchange rear end housed in a plastic gearbox, with the exception of the Sidewinder. Cars also included independent suspension.

HOP-UPS

There were various aftermarket parts for Raco cars available through 3rd party manufactures.

                                      - Hydraulic front disc brakes
                                      - Carbon fiber Indy car rear wing
                                      - Diff for all plastic gearboxes
                                      - Aluminum Quickchange rear
                                      - Ground effects kit for GTP car

Click HERE for hop-up pictures

HISTORY

Raco started out in the mid 80's and was founded by Jon Rahe with a local silent partner. They operated out of Santa Ana, California. They took the hobby by storm with their introduction of the Jac Rabbit. An offroad buggy that was fast and affordable. Unfortunately, Raco is no longer in business. I believe they shut down around 1997. Raco did sell their rights to the original sidewinder with the straight axle to Danny's Quarterscale in 1994.

INFO

Here are some of the original specs.

Fully Adjustable Four Wheel Independent Suspension with oil-filled coil over shocks spring rate, ground clearance, front wheel caster and rear wheel angle can be adjusted to any track conditions
*
Zenoah Max Power 140 engine, 1.4 cu in (22.5 cc) 1.8 HP, fan cooled, solid state ignition, all position diaphragm carb and chrome cylinder, extremely reliable.
*
All Gear Drive, fully enclosed, hardened steel gears, Quickchange 5:1,5,5:1,6:1,6,5:1 7:1 and 8:1 gear ratios available.
*
On Board Starter, with the engine mounted recoil starter. The car can be started in seconds without removing the body.
*
Gas Powered, using regular gas and 2 cycle oil in a 1:40 mix - very economical to run.
*
Automatic Clutch, the fully enclosed centrifugal clutch allows easy starting, stopping and idling
*
Disc Brake, authentic, positive action.
*
Compatible with the most currently available 2 channel radio systems.
*
Fully Assembled.
*
Note: Not included in kit, but required for competition: servos (3 Futaba S-3302 ), 5 cell (6V nicad) battery and a 2 channel radio (transmitter and receiver) system.

My thoughts

An American legend, Raco is the only U.S. 1/4 scale manufacturer that made a chassis with a modular design. This feature created an extremely rigid frame that was inexpensive to repair. The downside is that it made it difficult to work on the car. As a matter of fact, it felt like you had to almost completely disassemble the chassis to remove the engine on Indy and Super Mod 2 cars! The Quickchange is what really sets this car apart from the rest. It came standard on all cars and worked exceptionally well. Raco made a fast, reliable car that is a pure joy to drive. They also brought to market a great value to quarterscale with their cars. Raco also supplied quickchange gears and engines to other local manufacturers, really helping the hobby to grow. I consider Raco the most important manufacturer during this era.