Tamiya will unveil a limited edition re-issue of its iconic Sand Scorcher r/c car at the Nurnburg toy fair tomorrow - alongside an amazing full size replica built by German VW specialists Bug Box.

The new 1:10 scale Sand Scorcher will be available at Tamiya dealers later this month, but if you want one (and we know you do!) it might be worth having a word with your local stockist in advance, as it's reckoned the kits are likely to run out fast. We're told the R.R.P. will be 299, which includes radio and batteries, etc, and at that price we're tempted to buy a couple ourselves - one to leave safely packaged in the attic, while we relive our misspent childhood with the other in the PH car park.

Although the Sand Scorcher is to all intents and purposes a straight re-issue of the 1980s classic, the latest kits feature a raft of significant upgrades such as a reinforced duralumin and FRP chassis tub, newly designed die-cast front and rear suspension wishbones for greater strength, up-rated dampers and a transparent waterproof case for the batteries and r/c bits. (More info here.)

If you want a full size Sand Scorcher, you'll need to splash out a bit more cash. Bug Box reckons its replica - which includes many specially commissioned parts - has set the company back the thick end of 50,000.