Scalextric Grand Prix Series Racing Set

Category

Museums & Galleries Item

Item no

20755

Title

Scalextric Grand Prix Series Racing Set

Description

A toy racing set in original box.The Scalextric motor racing set; the Grand Prix edition. The box contains a Triang Scalextric catalogue detailing products you can purchase to go with the set, a straight track with grid lines, curved track, cardboard fence with brick pattern and mock posters for Shell. The box also contains track Cleaner, brown five amp plug, black five amp plug attached to coloured wires leading to switch, Shell Lubricating Oil for Scalextric Models and a blue plastic brush with black bristles.

Artist / maker

Triang, England

Date

1962

Size

46.5 x 52 x 8cm

Type

Toy

Location

Museum of Childhood

Accession number

MC10.2001

Scalextric is a major international brand of slot car racing that first appeared in the late 1950s and was developed 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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Sport and leisure > Activities > Toys