Traxxas 40th Anniversary: Slash, Rustler and Stampede 4X4 celebrate the brand’s 40 years

Photo: Traxxas (source)

Traxxas is blowing out forty candles and making sure everyone at the track knows it: the Texan brand is releasing three of its most emblematic machines as a 40th Anniversary series. The Slash 4X4, the Rustler 4X4 and the Stampede 4X4 Brushless are reaching dealers with a brand-new red, white and blue livery and a “1986 – 2026” badge applied to the hood and the sides.

Three 1/10 models in 40th Anniversary trim

The 40th Anniversary series does not change the chassis: these are the three shaft-driven 4WD platforms drivers already know, simply dressed in a specific painted body. So you get the Slash 4X4 short course truck (part no. 68454-4), the Rustler 4X4 stadium truck (part no. 67464-4) and the Stampede 4X4 monster truck (part no. 67454-4), all in ready-to-race Brushless form.

The livery uses North American graphic codes — stars, red and white stripes over a metallic blue background — with the anniversary crest stamped with the number 40. The bodies are supplied painted, trimmed and decalled, in the “clipless” format with no visible body clips that Traxxas has adopted on its current generation.

The Velineon VX3 driveline in common

Under the shell, the three trucks share exactly the same mechanicals: a Velineon V3200 brushless motor rated at 3200 Kv, a waterproof VX3 speed control with cooling fan, oil-filled differentials and GTR shocks. Traxxas quotes more than 35 mph on 2S LiPo and more than 50 mph on 3S, with the fully waterproof electronics the brand is known for.

Everything is controlled by the TQi Sport 2.4 GHz two-channel radio fitted with TSM, the in-house stability system that limits the car stepping out on slippery surfaces. The 2057 metal-gear steering servo is waterproof as well.

Part numbers and prices

• Slash 4X4 Brushless 40th Anniversary — part no. 68454-4-40TH — $429.95
• Rustler 4X4 Brushless 40th Anniversary — part no. 67464-4-40TH — $399.95
• Stampede 4X4 Brushless 40th Anniversary — part no. 67454-4-40TH — $399.95

What you still need to plan for

As with every ready-to-race model in the range, the LiPo battery (2S or 3S) and the charger are not included, and neither are the four AA cells for the transmitter. The vehicles are, however, delivered assembled, set up and supplied with maintenance tools. Founded in 1986 in Plano, Texas, Traxxas is using this anniversary to put back in the spotlight the three silhouettes that built its reputation with the general public.