RC10 Gold Pan Re-Release??!!

[Si Coe]

I could have swore that 5% figure came from Associated themselves talking about RC10 sales. In the US in the mid/late 80's RC10's sold for bashing as much as racing, and many people bought them over Tamiyas simply because it was an American brand.

Still won't touch Hornet sales worldwide but at that point in time for the US market it was the leader.

A re-re shouldn't hurt restoration. True vintage fans restore for the love of old cars and a reproduction, no matter how faithful isn't the real thing. All it will do is make parts more available and slash silly money prices for originals.
In fact, though its not talked about as much now more people restoring Sand Scorchers than ever. Its easier, and no longer the preserve of those with vast sums of money to blow on old kits.

There is most certainly a market for an RC10 re-re, but I question if this is a good plan for Associated. Trading on past success is all well and good, but a 25 year old design doesn't fit well when you are trying to convince people you are a cutting edge company. It works for Tamiya because they trade heavily on nostalgia as it is.