I actually do think I have CAT like that in my vintage collection
Must say those cars were highly sophisticated! First thing I noticed was the very special driveshafts and the one-ways out in the rims. My first thought was "This must have been one hell of a fast car when nothing breaks!"
One of my first RC cars was the Kyosho Progress 4WDS, it was very complex but a totally hopeless car in so many ways!
Jokes aside, why not use telescopic shafts today? Still friction and no gain? Plus more heavy and complex...
Sometimes the KISS principle applies of course. The Veteq was a good example of that...