Scalextric C64 Mini
The Scalextric C64 Bentley: A Heavyweight Hero in a Lightweight World
In the early 1960s, the world of Scalextric was a vibrant scene of modern racing. It was an era of nimble, lightweight Formula 1 cars. Sleek Coopers and shark-nosed Ferraris were the stars of the catalogue. So, when a huge, green, pre-war Bentley thundered onto the scene in 1962, it was something completely different. The C64 Bentley was an unexpected choice, a heavyweight classic in a field of featherweights. It is this unique character that makes it one of the most beloved and memorable models in the brand’s long history, a cherished link to a golden age of British motorsport.
A Different Kind of Champion
To understand why Scalextric chose to make the Bentley, you have to look at the time. By 1962, the company had fully mastered moulding cars in plastic. This allowed them to create far more detailed and realistic models than the early tinplate cars. The brand was building its identity. While the latest F1 cars were essential to appeal to kids, Scalextric also knew that it was often the fathers who were buying the sets.
The “Blower” Bentley was more than just a car; it was a legend. It recalled a romantic era of motorsport, a time of raw power and daring British racing at Le Mans and Brooklands. Though the supercharged Blower never actually won at Le Mans—it was the naturally-aspirated Bentley models that claimed victories in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, and 1930—the Blower captured the imagination with its sheer speed and the heroic exploits of Sir Henry “Tim” Birkin and the Bentley Boys. The car’s fame rests on legendary moments like Birkin’s epic duel with Rudolf Caracciola’s Mercedes at Le Mans in 1930, passing flat out with wheels on the grass, even though neither finished the race. Placing this vintage giant next to a nimble, modern Lotus in the catalogue was a stroke of genius. It gave people a completely different kind of racing dream to chase on the living room floor. It wasn’t just a toy; it was a piece of national heritage.
Top Tips – Do’s & Don’ts When Displaying Your Vintage Scalextric
- Do keep cars away from direct sunlight to prevent colour fading.
- Do handle chrome and decals with cotton gloves to avoid wear.
- Don’t leave cars on track rails under power – old motors can overheat.
- Don’t polish plastic bodies with harsh cleaners; use mild soap only.
Under the Green Paint: Design and Engineering
The C64 is a wonderful example of 1960s model-making. The body, moulded in a shade close to British Racing Green, captures the Bentley’s powerful shape. Unlike modern models made of many intricate parts, the C64 has a simple, sturdy one-piece body. The most delicate parts were the separate plastic pieces for the windscreen, the driver figure, and the folded-down roof cover, which are often missing on surviving examples. The bright, chrome-plated front grille and large headlights give the car its unmistakable face.
Underneath, the engineering was simple but strong. The car sits on an early style of plastic chassis. At its heart is the motor: a Johnson 111. This was a powerful, open-frame electric motor known for being noisy, tough, and full of torque. It was not a high-revving screamer like later motors. Instead, it provided sheer pulling power. This is a key reason for the car’s unique driving style. The wheels featured detailed spoked hubs, and the guide underneath was a simple round peg, which was standard at the time but offered less grip in the corners than the blade guides used later.
Top Tips – Maintenance & Care
- Do lubricate axle mounts and motor bearings sparingly with light oil.
- Do replace tyres with period-correct replicas for authenticity.
- Don’t over-tighten body screws; stress cracks are common.
- Don’t store in lofts or garages where temperature swings damage plastic.
The Driving Experience: Taming a Vintage Beast
Racing a C64 Bentley is a lesson in vintage driving. It feels nothing like a modern slot car. The moment you pull the throttle, you hear the loud, satisfying roar of the Johnson motor. The car surges forward with surprising speed. On a long straight, it is impressively fast, its weight and power giving it real momentum.
The corners, however, are where the challenge begins. The Bentley is heavy, its centre of gravity is high, and the old-fashioned guide peg doesn’t provide much support. You can’t drive this car like a modern one. Try to fly into a corner with the power down, and its heavy body will lurch right out of the slot. Instead, the Bentley teaches you how to drive with real skill. You learn to brake early, guide it smoothly through the curve, and only then power onto the next straight. Mastering this rhythm is incredibly rewarding; it feels less like playing and more like taming a classic beast.
️ Top Tips – Driving Do’s & Don’ts
- Do lift off early into corners and re-apply smoothly out of them.
- Do balance throttle control rather than relying on top speed.
- Don’t over-rev the Johnson motor – its torque, not speed, wins races.
- Don’t race on rough or uneven track sections; heavy cars deslot easily.
A Collector’s Guide: What to Look For
The C64 Bentley was produced for several years, so it is not the rarest Scalextric car. However, finding one in truly excellent, original condition is very difficult. Over decades of play, these cars have often suffered damage. For any collector wanting to buy one, here is a simple checklist of things to look for:
- Body Posts: These are the small plastic pillars that the body screws onto the chassis with. They are a known weak point and are often cracked or broken.
- Missing Parts: Check carefully for the three small, separate parts. Is the windscreen present and intact? Is the driver figure still there, and does he still have his head? Is the tonneau cover for the back seats present?
- Chrome Condition: The bright chrome on the front grille and headlights can become worn or tarnished over time. Bright, original chrome is a huge plus.
- Original Parts: Check if the motor is the original Johnson unit. The tyres are also often replaced, as the original rubber goes hard and cracks after 60 years.
- The Box: The ultimate prize is a car in its original box. The early boxes had beautiful artwork and are now very rare, adding a lot of value to the car.
Preserving a Piece of History
Looking after a vintage C64 requires a gentle touch. The old plastic can become brittle, so it’s best to store the car away from sunlight in a stable temperature. A soft cloth is all that is needed for cleaning. A tiny amount of light oil on the motor’s bearings and the axle mounts will keep it running smoothly. If parts are missing, the hunt to find original replacements can be part of the fun of the hobby. Thankfully, a strong community of collectors and specialist suppliers online makes it possible to find the parts needed to bring a well-loved car back to its former glory.
The Scalextric C64 Bentley is more than just a slot car. It is a challenge to drive, a beautiful object to own, and a direct link to a heroic era of British racing. It is a true heavyweight champion from the golden age of the hobby.