Ferdie Kahn Brings Tamiya Cars Back to Life in the Philippines
Tamiya cars, which captivated the Philippines in the 1990s, are experiencing a resurgence. At The Brickyard, located in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, longtime Tamiya enthusiast Ferdie Kahn hosted a “build-and-race-your-car” event, drawing collectors and racers alike. Tamiya’s remote-controlled and mini-four-wheel drive cars are once again fueling excitement among hobbyists, both young and old.
From Collector to Business Owner: Ferdie Kahn’s Story
Ferdie Kahn’s journey with Tamiya began as a childhood hobby and grew into a successful business venture. In 2018, he opened The Brickyard at Glorietta 2, with Shunsaku Tamiya, son of Tamiya Corporation’s founder, attending the grand opening. “Tamiya was my hobby as a kid, and I always knew there was a loyal following here,” Kahn said.
The Brickyard is designed to be more than just a retail space—it’s a hub where collectors and racers can come together. “I wanted to create a space where people could discover and enjoy Tamiya, whether they’re children or adults,” Kahn explained.
A Filipino-Inspired Success: The Jeepney Model
One of The Brickyard’s most popular models is the Filipino Jeepney, designed by Kahn himself. “Our Jeepney version became one of Tamiya’s top sellers,” Kahn shared. The model is now on display at Tamiya’s store in Tokyo, showing its appeal beyond the Philippines.
Kahn is also working on a new Filipino-themed Tamiya model. “We’re designing something that will represent the Philippines through its colors and symbols, such as the Philippine eagle,” he teased.
The Growing Passion for Tamiya Racing
Kahn has built a strong Tamiya racing community through his competitions, which allow local racers to qualify for international tournaments. “The dedication of Filipino racers is amazing,” Kahn said. “At our events, we often have 500 to 700 participants, all fully immersed in their cars.”
Filipino racers have made their mark internationally, competing in events in Japan, the U.S., and Thailand. In 2026, the Philippines will host the Tamiya World Challenge, further highlighting the country’s passion for the hobby.
Getting Started: Tamiya Kits for Beginners
For newcomers, Kahn recommends starting with mini-four-wheel drive kits. “You can get a starter kit for about P650 to P1,100, while more advanced RC cars for competitions cost around P15,000,” Kahn explained.
Recent trends in Tamiya racing include partially upgraded cars, which allow beginners to gradually enhance their vehicles. Box-tub races, where participants build and race cars straight out of the box without modifications, are becoming increasingly popular.
The Brickyard: Building a Community of Collectors and Racers
Kahn’s vision for The Brickyard is about more than just selling cars—it’s about creating a sense of community. “It’s wonderful 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 journey so rewarding.”
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