MRC Bullit EP - From Jean-Michel Claudel

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MRC was a French manufacturer in the 80’s. The Bullit was design by Jean Michel Claudel. We had the chance to contact him in 2012 for an interview about his buggy.

RC4ON: “Jean-Michel, when did you get the idea to build this car ?”
JMC : “During may or june 1979”

RC4ON: “How to develop this kind of project ?”
JMC: “I used a minimum of tools and spent a lot of time behind the workbench. A lathe machine operator help me for some parts. Several plans were drawn and many tests during races at Martigue (France) reach to the final car”

RC4ON: “Prior to joining MRC, you worked at Micro Racing a Swiss RC company. Why did you not designed the Bullit in this company ?
JMC: “It was the time for me to find a kind of independence. My ideas were more appreciated by MRC, which wanted to produce a new range of cars for the market. It was a challenge, because MRC had the plan to work on 1:12 scale on-road EP car. They were not ready to include off-road buggy in there range.”

RC4ON:”Is the name “Bullit” a reference to the film with Steeve McQueen ?
JMC:”Absolutely, but there is two ‘T’ for the movie Bullitt. Moreover I was strongly inspired by ‘The love bug’ from Disney for the body.”

RC4ON:”You were far from imagining that the bullit would have such success?”
JMC:“Today I’m well aware. 35 years later, we are still talking about the Bullit. At the beginning, I worked hard for its success and MRC distributors network were contribute too. In France they were race dedicated to this car, many beginners started into rc hobbies with a Bullit and I’m particularly proud.”

RC4ON:”Thank you very much Jean-Michel”

The bullit were mostly nitro engine, but this is a rare electric version with genuine motor and mechanical speed controller.