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Scalextric Porsche
Triang, England, 1960, Toy
Scalextric Porsche
Scalextric Porsche
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Location
Category
Museums & Galleries Item
Item no
20782
Title
Scalextric Porsche
Description
Scalextric model car in original box. The car is a green convertible with a clear plastic window shield. A small model driver sits on the left seat in white shirt and blue cap.
The text on box reads 'Tri-ang Scalextric Reg'. The bottom of box has a cardboard insert and includes four rubber tyres with plastic hub caps, two clear plastic headlights and two red plastic headlights.
Artist / maker
Triang, England
Date
1960
Size
12.5 x 5.2cm
Type
Toy
Location
Museum of Childhood
Accession number
MC14.2001
The C61 Porsche Spyder was one of the earliest Scalextric models, featuring in their second edition catalogue in 1961.
The Scalextric slotcar racing system was developed in the 1950s by Fred Francis. Model racing cars run along a grooved track, the current being provided from beneath the track itself.
Scalextric was developed in the 1950s by Fred Francis. Through his small company, Minimodels, Francis introduced a line of toy cars called Scalex in 1952. They were metal model racing cars with a unique type of clockwork motor. Understanding the need to develop and create new products, Francis adapted his cars to have electric motors - he named these electric cars Scalextric (Scalex - Electric). Later in 1957 Scalextric caused a sensation at the Harrogate Toy Fair. Now the cars ran on grooves, not rails, and picked up an electric current from beneath the groove with the aid of a 'gimbal' wheel.
Demand was so great that Minimodels could not produce the sheer number of sets needed. In 1958 Francis decided to sell out to the Lines Bros company, who operated under the name of Tri-ang. Today, Scalextric is made by Hornby.
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