STAYING ON TRACK - COLLECTING SCALEXTRIC

I never cease to be amazed by how one seemingly insignificant conversation can have such an impact on the subjects I choose to explore for readers of this column. Or how much of a minefield it can open up, revealing in full my ignorance of the chosen topic.

This was the case recently with Scalextric cars. I had of course heard of them but when a little research threw up the term ‘slot car’ I knew I was in for trouble.

‘Slot cars’, of which Scalextric is just one version, are miniature powered cars or other vehicles whose movement is guided by a groove or ‘slot’ in the track on which it runs, held in place by a pin or blade on the underside of the car.

Whilst they are sometimes used to form part of scenic traffic layouts the vast majority are used in the (very) competitive hobby of slot car racing.

As one might expect nowadays, there are several clubs and websites dedicated to the sport.

In the case of Scalextric, it wasn’t until 1957 that Minimodels (UK) took the decision to convert its Scalex 1:30 clockwork racers to electricity, unveiling their new product at Harrogate Toy Fair. Thus what we know and love as the famous Scalextric was born.

Along with rival company, Victory Industries, which introduced its VIP line around the same time, Scalextric began using the newly developed plastic-molding technology to provide controllable slot racers for the mass market. The cars had authentic sturdy tin-plated bodies and were soon converted to the now familiar 1:32 scale.

Vince Albani, who hails from Norfolk, has a Scalextric collection of 850 cars that he began amassing as a child in 1967, and collectors can make a killing.

The first set to go on sale, which included a Ferrari 375 and Maserati 250F, cost the princely sum of £5 17s 6d (£5.87½p). Still in its original box it can now fetch £500.  

It was, however, in the 1960s that plastic models came onto the market, and because of their less durable nature they are much rarer and therefore the most collectable. A 1964 C70 Bugatti Type 59 can be worth as much as £3,000.

Unlike some of its competitors, Scalextric concentrated most of their efforts on producing Grand Prix racing models.

It is generally accepted that there was a dip in quality in the 1970s and 80s, but with the increased interest of serious adult collectors there has been a shift towards quality in recent years.

For those thinking of starting a collection, basic sets can be had for around £50, and the latest models of cars being driven by Button, Hamilton and their ilk cost around £35 each. As is often the case with collectables, unused vehicles, still in their original boxes will always fetch higher prices, and are of most interest to investors.

Colour can also be a major factor, with yellow models tending to be the rarest.