Ray Spear 18099: Body and VZ Chassis Kit Guide
Ray Spear, Tamiya item 18099, pairs a compact, futuristic body with the VZ chassis. The standard kit is more specific than a generic “VZ starter”: its white chassis, yellow detail parts, three-piece body, super-hard tyres and 3.5:1 gears are all part of this release. This guide helps you decide whether those details suit the car you want to build, and separates what is supplied from the styling possibilities shown in Tamiya's product photos.
The Ray Spear body is a small project of its own
Designer Takayuki Yamazaki gave Ray Spear a narrow, thrusting race-car shape and compact rear wing. Tamiya identifies three body sections: the main shell, wing and canopy. The canopy has detailing on its inner face, and you can omit it if you want to fit a figure. That is a presentation choice, not a need to modify the drivetrain. The kit supplies metallic decoration stickers, including a carbon-fibre effect. Photos on Tamiya's page show painted and unpainted examples; a photographed paint finish does not mean the box includes paint or that painting is needed for a stock build.
Tamiya states the ABS body is 9 g. That published body figure should not be mistaken for the complete running weight of the car. The VZ frame, batteries, motor, wheels and any later additions all contribute to the finished weight. If you choose Ray Spear for its design, enjoy the distinct shell without turning a product-page weight into a prediction about lap times. Our decal guide has general tips if the visual finish is the part of the build you care about most.
What comes under the body?
The VZ chassis is a compact single-shaft layout. On 18099, Tamiya specifies a white ABS chassis, yellow ABS A parts and low-friction 620 plastic bearings moulded in POM. It lists a 3.5:1 gear set and includes a motor. The six-spoke wheels have a spiral pattern and carry super-hard, small-diameter low-profile tyres. This tyre type is a meaningful stock-box detail; it is not something every VZ kit necessarily shares. The published assembled dimensions are 158 mm long, 98 mm wide and 40 mm high.
Tamiya highlights the VZ bumper and rear-stay design as adaptable for setup changes. Those attachment options are useful later, but the first build should establish how the supplied car fits and runs before choosing extra parts. If you already own option hardware, check the actual compatibility list and body clearance. Our VZ compatibility guide deals with those questions across VZ kits. Ray Spear's product page supplies the facts for this particular box.
Building Ray Spear without mixing up versions
Item 18099 is a snap-together assembly kit with its motor included. Two R6/AA/UM3 batteries are required separately. Start by identifying the white chassis and yellow A parts, then follow the gear and axle order in the kit instructions. Check the tyres sit evenly on the spiral wheels and that the body, wing and canopy attach as intended. If you leave the canopy off for a figure, keep the removed piece in the box so it does not get lost. Test free wheel rotation before installing batteries.
Do not assume a more elaborate painted product photo describes the box contents, or that Ray Spear contains a tuned motor because of its low profile. It includes a standard motor described by Tamiya simply as “motor.” If you later replace it, choose a compatible single-shaft Mini 4WD motor. Tamiya's VZ dimensions and body weight are references; an individual finished car should be checked after assembly, especially when entering a class with dimensions or body rules.
Why choose this VZ kit?
Ray Spear is a good match for a builder who wants a VZ car with a modular canopy, sharp original body design and stock super-hard tyres. Its 3.5:1 gearing is another concrete comparison point against a kit with different included gears. Someone primarily looking for an older Vanquish-derived silhouette may prefer Neo-VQS; the body is the deciding difference, not a guaranteed speed ranking. For a VZ car on the bench, focus on careful assembly and measured testing rather than claims based on shape alone.
See Ray Spear 18099 at Monkee Mods for the current listing and availability.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove the canopy?
Yes. Tamiya presents the separate canopy as removable and suggests leaving it off when fitting a figure. A figure is a separate styling addition.
Does the 9 g figure describe the whole car?
No. It is Tamiya's stated body weight. The completed machine weighs more after the chassis, motor, wheels and batteries are present.
Source checked 26 September 2026: Tamiya's official item 18099 page. The store page supplies live product availability.