Most popular slot car
The Ford GT40 is beyond doubt the most popular slot car released in 2002.
Scalextric broke the sales records with this beautiful executed product. All the models of the five limited editions have been sold out!
Dispute between Ford and Ferrari
The real GT40 is designed as a result of a dispute between Ford and Ferrari during the sixties. There are three different versions of the Ford GT. If you are interested in the fascinating story of the GT40 I can advice you to read the following
books: Ford GT40 "Production and racing history individual chassis record" by Trevor Legate (Veloce Publishing, ISBN 1903706114), Ford GT40 "An Anglo-American supercar classic" by David Hodges (Motorbooks International, ISBN 1899870253) and the GT40 Photo Archive by Brian Winer (Iconografix, ISBN 1882256646).
Successful at Le Mans
The GT40 was very successful at Le Mans during the sixties. Scalextric offers the first three finishing cars of the Le Mans race in 1966. The black number 2 car driven by Chris Amon and Bruce McLaren, the number 5 car driven by Ronnie Bucknum and Dick Hutcherson and the number 1 car of Ken Milles and Dennis Hulme. If you compare the replicas with the original models you must admit that Scalextric did a perfect job.
John Wyer Automotive cars
The John Wyer Automotive cars with the eye-catching blue and orange Gulf sponsor are probably the most beautiful releases of the Scalextric company. Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi drove the Le Mans winner of 1968 with the number 9 car. In 1969 the number 6 car, driven by Jaccky Ickx and Jacky Oliver, won the race.
Unpainted slot cars
Because of the popularity of this model Scalextric decided to release a big number of unpainted ("Plain White") GT40's. In this way the customer can create its own race team. A model in any color you like, but it will be impossible to do a better paintjob than Scalextric itself.
The model shows a complete interior, a full driver-figure and many metal parts. We have seen that on almost all of the models of Scalextric since 2000. As said before, the finishing and the tampo-printing are perfect.
Handling is rather good
Although some people are not satisfied, the handling of the model is rather good. The Mabuchi motor (sidewinder), the excellent grip of the tires and the magnetic power are the ingredients to bring you to the finishing line in a record time. The self-centering guide is not functioning well. Scalextric recognized this problem and offers a redesigned guide.
Driving without a magnet is impossible
The slot car just weighs 71 grams. Most recent models are a bit heavier. Driving this model without a magnet is almost impossible. If you do not use a magnet you have to add some weight. Those who have no mental problems with magnetic power can choose between two magnet positions. In the middle of the chassis you find a pocket for a round magnet. The bar-magnet is positioned just in front of the motor. Do not use both magnets because it will damage your motor.
Limited edition models
Scalextric offers all the limited edition models in a special dark blue box with steel axles and metal wheel bearings. All models are available in the standard versions and are cheaper than the special editions. The performances of these two versions are the same.
Knocked down competitors
With the release of the GT40 Scalextric has knocked down his competitors. This is another victory for the company with the long history in tabletop model car racing.
Jan Willem van Capelleveen
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