Beautiful car!
I've got an old Salute (basically the same car w/ a very period "spaceship" body) that doesn't just sit on the shelf. A few months ago I lent it to a friend new to RC to run at an EPR winter race - and the solid old car survived just fine. (not so sure about the other racers though...)
BTW, let me know just what parts you need for the rear 'box, as I may have the spares you need. If I've got what you need, I'll give them to you for postage seeing as everyone's helped me and
my school project out so much. all good.
Cheers,
Ty