Cobra,

go for the HPI rush. Nitro Tek might be ok, but you dont see parts for them in shops often and I dont think there are many people on RCU who own one.

the body shell would be made out of Polycarbonate - known in the US (and therefore the RC community as a whole) as Lexan.

HPI have a rep for making very well put together models. (I have the Savage 25) that are suitable for a beginner, but have world beating potential in the hands of an experienced driver. Parts and Hop ups (upgrades) for HPI kit are also easy to come by.

you will be hard pressed to break into Nitro RC for £200 - especialy if you plan on buying in the UK. With the strong £ you will get more for your money if you can place the order in the US, just dont forget to factor in shipping and VAT in case cusoms catch on. (some packages go through and dont get charged, some do. Its a bit of a lottery)

Remember that as well as the car its self you will need, fuel, batteries for the reciever, batteries for the transmitter, glow plug heater, spare glow plugs, and a fuel filler bottle. You will also find things like a temp gun and glow plug spanner useful too.

Ahab.