Brands
HSP RC cars
By Paul Walsh Last reviewed
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HSP cars were a common sight in the UK in the late 2000s: 1/10 nitro buggies and trucks at a fraction of the price of the big names, plus electric versions as brushless became affordable. RC Mods sold HSP cars and parts, and many of the old site's car links point here.
HSP in brief
HSP is a Chinese manufacturer of budget RC cars, mainly in 1/10 and 1/8 scale, in nitro and electric versions. The same chassis were sold under several model names and, in some markets, other brand names, so you'll find many apparently different cars sharing parts.
Common models
These are the HSP models RC Mods carried parts for:
| Power | Model names and numbers |
|---|---|
| Nitro | Bazooka 94081, Tornado 94083, Rapido 94086, Pacesetter 94102, Backwash 94166, Monster 94188, Meteor 94285, Kingliness 94286 |
| Electric | On-road 94103, XSTR 94107, Brontosaurus 94111, Flying Fish 94123 |
Model numbers and parts varied between versions and years, so check yours against the manual or the sticker on the chassis before ordering.
Finding parts
- Use the part number from the exploded diagram in the manual; descriptions alone are unreliable.
- Parts interchange between many HSP-based models.
- Upgrades such as aluminium parts were widely made and still turn up.
Reliability
HSP cars gave a lot of car for the money, but quality was inconsistent. Common issues were loose screws (use thread lock on metal-to-metal joints), weak servos, plastic gears and, on nitro cars, engines that needed careful running in. Our guides to RC car maintenance and nitro vs electric RC cars cover what keeps them running.
Should you buy one now?
Second-hand: fine if cheap and you enjoy fixing things. Check the engine has good compression and the drivetrain spins freely.
New: a Traxxas or Arrma ready-to-run costs more but is tougher and much better supported with UK parts. See best RC cars for beginners, and use RC car troubleshooting for an HSP that won't behave.
All the makers are on the brands page.
RC Mods is not affiliated with or endorsed by HSP.
Frequently asked questions
Are HSP cars any good?
They offered a lot for the money, especially nitro cars. Build quality and electronics were inconsistent, so expect to replace parts. Many owners enjoyed them as a cheap way into nitro.
How do I find the right HSP part?
Use the part number from the manual's exploded diagram. HSP parts are usually listed by five-digit numbers, and the same chassis was sold under several model names.
Should I buy a second-hand HSP nitro car?
Only cheaply, and only if the engine turns over with good compression and you're happy to tinker. Factor in a glow starter, fuel and possibly a new engine.