Tamiya Cars Are Back: Ferdie Kahn and The Brickyard Bring Collectors Together
In Manila, the revival of Tamiya cars has ignited excitement among both veteran collectors and newcomers. At Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Ferdie Kahn, the owner of The Brickyard, recently hosted an indoor “build-and-race-your-car” event, showcasing the enduring popularity of Tamiya cars. These remote-controlled and mini-four-wheel drive cars, once beloved in the 1990s, are making a major comeback, bringing a wave of nostalgia to many.
Ferdie Kahn: Turning a Lifelong Passion Into a Thriving Business
For Kahn, Tamiya cars have always been more than just toys—they’ve been a lifelong passion. What began as a childhood hobby has evolved into a full-fledged business. Since 2018, Kahn’s flagship store at Glorietta 2 has been a hub for enthusiasts. The store’s grand opening even featured Shunsaku Tamiya, the son of Tamiya Corporation’s founder. “It was my hobby as a kid, and I’ve always known there’s a strong following for Tamiya,” Kahn explained. 
His goal for The Brickyard was clear: to create a community space for builders and racers to come together, share their passion, and introduce the joy of Tamiya to a new generation of collectors and competitors alike.
Tamiya’s Filipino Icon: The Jeepney
One of the most popular models at The Brickyard is Kahn’s own creation, the Jeepney. “Our red Jeepney version became one of Tamiya’s best-selling models,” Kahn shared proudly. Today, the model is on display in Tamiya’s flagship store in Tokyo.
Looking ahead, Kahn teased the development of a new Filipino-inspired Tamiya model. “We’re working on a design for a special Philippine car, something that represents the Philippines through its colors or symbols like the Philippine eagle,” he said.
A Thriving Tamiya Racing Community
Kahn is also passionate about racing, hosting competitions that allow local racers to qualify for international tournaments. “Tamiya racing has an incredible following in the Philippines,” Kahn said. “At our local races, we often get 500 to 700 racers, all intensely focused on their cars.”
The Philippines will host the prestigious Tamiya World Challenge again in 2026, after hosting it successfully in 2009. Meanwhile, Filipino racers continue to perform well on the global stage, competing in events in Japan, the U.S., and Thailand.
Starting Small: Entry-Level Tamiya Kits
For newcomers to the hobby, Kahn recommends starting with mini-four-wheel drive kits, which are affordable and accessible. “A starter kit costs around P650 to P1,100, while more advanced remote-controlled cars for competitions go for around P15,000,” Kahn explained.
Current trends in Tamiya racing include partially upgraded cars, which allow beginners to gradually improve their vehicles. Box-tub races, where participants race cars built directly from the box without modifications, are also growing in popularity.
Building a Passionate Community
Kahn believes that The Brickyard is about more than just selling cars. It’s about building a passionate community. “It’s great to see people fulfilling their childhood dreams of owning and racing Tamiya cars,” Kahn said. “I’m living the dream of a million people, and that’s what makes this business so special.”
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