The Classic cars of Ninco

Beautiful vintage series

Many slot racers agree that the Classic cars of Ninco are a beautiful vintage series. The looks of the models are great but the drive-ability is a point of discussion.

Porsche 356

Some people say that the design of the Porsche 356 is a failure and others think that your driving quality is tested to the limit. The trick of the trade is that you have to choose the right controller.

Five types of Classic cars

Ninco has released five types of Classic cars: the Ferrari 166 MM, the Porsche 356, the Ferrari 250 TR, the Jaguar XK-120and the Cobra. From all vintage models are different versions available.

Ferrari 166 MM

The first original Ferrari 166MM has been produced at the end of the forties.
The first two models have bright colors (red and blue). The regular third model has a combination of two blue colors. The car is powered by a NC1 motor and has no magnet on board. Ninco has released a white special edition for the Catalunya-Costa Brava Rally. This RACC model was executed in two different prints. This special edition has a co-driver in the second seat.
1997 - 50116 Ferrari 166MM red
1997 - 50117 Ferrari 166MM blue
1997 - 50136 Ferrari 166 MM white "RACC Catalunya-Costa Brava Rally"
2000 - 50220 Ferrari 166MM Bicolor

Porsche 356A

Why did Ninco produce so many versions of a slot car that has such a poor performance on the track? The standard Porsche 356A slot car is small, very light without magnet. The car is over-powered by the NC1 motor.
Every little bump on the track let the car bounce up and down. If you use the popular 45-Ohm Parma controller it is very difficult to finish a lap without leaving the track. If you use a Ninco track it is wise to use the regular Ninco controller or the Vario 16.
Why did I buy a few models of this car? The answer is simple; the slot car has a big attraction to me. All versions of this model have their own attraction. The finishing of the body is great. The Porsche 356A has an attractive look, but for most slot racers this is only a show model. Some people say that the Porsche 356A performs as the best in the show-box.
1997 - 50125 Porsche 356A Speedster #356 white
1997 - 50126 Porsche 356A Speedster #38 green soft-top
1998 - 50155 Porsche 356A Speedster #67 Mile Miglia
1999 - 50177 Porsche 356A Coupe #10 red
1999 - 50178 Porsche 356A Coupe #11
2000 - 50198 Porsche 356A Coupe Evita #200 white
2000 - 50205 Porsche 356A Coupe Guatemala #153 silver
2000 - 50206 Porsche 356A Speedster #116 Sebring
2001 - 50237 Porsche 356A Speedster Silver

Ferrari 250 TR

Ferrari is the biggest name in motor sport. The Ferrari 250 TR fits perfect to the vintage line of Ninco. The finishing of the body is a little bit disappointing because the body does not fit perfect to the chassis. According to me the car has a cheap plastic appearance because of the chosen colors. Of course, it is possible to repaint the model. New decals will make the finishing touch. The rims and exhaust pipes are very nice details. The Ferrari 250 TR performs pretty well on the track.
1998 - 50150 Ferrari 250 TR Testa Rossa #18 red
1998 - 50151 Ferrari 250 TR Testa Rossa #21 yellow
2000 - 50221 Ferrari 250 TR Testa Rossa LM58 #22 white

Jaguar XK-120

The Jaguar XK-120 has been manufactured between 1949 and 1954. Ninco chose for models that joined the famous road race Liege-Rome-Liege. The red "roof" model has a spare tire on the back of the car. The white #17 car has only a driver. The other two versions have a co-driver figure with a road map in his hands.
1998 - 50159 Jaguar XK-120 Marfil #17
1998 - 50160 Jaguar XK-120 Liege-Rome-Liege #39
2000 - 50216 Jaguar XK-120 Roof #3 red

Cobra

Many manufacturers (such as Reprotec, Scalextric and M.R.R.C.) released the Cobra. This beautiful sixties model appeals to almost everyone.
The car shows some attractive chrome parts. The colors and classic white stripes on the body create the right racy look. The rims and tires look cheap compared to those of the Cobra model of M.R.R.C.

Powered by NC2 motor

The Cobra's are the only classic cars that are powered by NC2 motors. The model needs the weight of the motor for its down-force because the Cobra does not have a magnet. Three types have been released of the Cobra 427. Only seventy-five people are lucky to own a model of the fourth Ninco Cobra. This black limited edition "Fira De Cornella" model was released for a Spanish model show.
2000 - 50195 Cobra 427 silver
2000 - 50196 Cobra Goodwood 64 #23 red
2000 - 50207 Cobra Black #51

The Vintage cars on the track

As said, the classic cars of Ninco use special handling on the track. It is important to choose the right controller. I have tested all five types on my Ninco track. For this test I used three controllers: the standard Ninco controller, the Vario 16 and the Economy Controller (45 Ohm, for Ninco sets #216-N) of Parma.
The Jaguar is my favorite classic car on the track. It is no coincident that the longest model of the vintage line performs the best. Like other long wheel-based Ninco cars, such as the Callaway C12 Aspen Knolls, it is possible to slide around the corners. All controllers from the test can handle the Jaguar.
The Ferrari "Testa Rossa" is great while using the standard controller. It is possible to use the Parma controller, but it is impossible to make the quickest lap-time.
The Porsche 356A and Ferrari 166MM are relatively small slot cars that do not like to be controlled by Parma. The Vario 16 is the best controller for these types of cars.
The standard Cobra has a NC2 motor. Many slot racers remove the NC2 and put a NC1 in the car, because they think that the car is overpowered by the NC2. If you use the NC1 in a Cobra than do not use the Parma controller.

Controller Test (Lap times in seconds)

Conclusion

The Classic cars of Ninco are all very attractive. For handling the cars you need to be experienced and you must use the right controller. I believe that the vintage cars of Ninco have to belong to the collection of every serious slot car enthusiast.

More information

Ninco Slot Cars