Scalextric Le Mans Set: The Ultimate Tribute to Endurance Racing
The Le Mans Set: A Story of Endurance, in a Scalextric Box
Some toys are more than just plastic and cardboard—they become a shared memory. For a whole generation of us who loved cars in the 60s and 70s, the Scalextric Le Mans set was exactly that. It wasn’t just another product you bought off a shelf; it was an event. To open that big, beautifully illustrated box was to unpack the entire spectacle of the world’s greatest endurance race. This wasn’t about a simple lap race. This was about strategy, survival, and the epic, day-into-night drama that made the 24 Hours of Le Mans the ultimate test in motorsport.
A Rivalry for the Ages, Replayed on the Carpet
To understand why the first Le Mans set from 1968 was so special, you have to understand the story it was selling. This was the peak of the “Ford vs. Ferrari” war. It was a real-world clash of titans that had everything: corporate grudges, national pride, and breathtakingly beautiful machines. Scalextric, in a moment of marketing genius, put that entire conflict in the box.
The C68 set gave you a classic choice: power or beauty? On one side was the Ford GT40, a monster of a car whose aggressive look was perfectly captured by the model. On the other was the stunning Ferrari 330 P4, perhaps one of the most beautiful cars ever to race. When you set them on the track, you stepped into the middle of a famous feud. Every corner became a new chapter in the story, and you were the one who got to decide how it ended.
- Do handle original 1960s cars by the chassis, not the body – old plastic can crack easily.
- Do store cars in a cool, dry box – sunlight fades vintage paintwork fast.
- Don’t polish the decals; they lift with friction. Use a soft dry brush instead.
- Don’t run rare originals on modern high-voltage power packs; keep them display-only.
The Race Evolves, and So Does the Set
One of the cleverest things Scalextric did was not let the set grow stale. Motorsport moves fast, and the heroes of 1968 were history by the early 1970s. So, the Le Mans set evolved, too.
Around 1973, a new version (C73) appeared, featuring the champions of a new era. The cars in the box were now the fearsome Porsche 917K and the nimble Matra-Simca MS670. The Porsche 917 was a legend in its own right, a wildly powerful car that had finally delivered Porsche its long-awaited first victory at Le Mans. The Scalextric model was a thing of beauty, often appearing in the iconic light blue and orange of Gulf Oil, a livery that still quickens the pulse of any racing fan. Its track-mate, the Matra, was the French hero. Powered by a screaming V12 engine, its victories in 1972 and 1973 were hugely celebrated in France. This was a brilliant move by Scalextric. It meant the Le Mans set always felt like it was part of the current racing scene, not just a throwback to past glories.
A Look Inside: The Technology of a Classic
The brilliance of the Le Mans set lay in how the different parts worked together to create an immersive experience.
The Track and Layout: This was no simple oval. The set came with a large number of pieces designed to create a circuit that rewarded both speed and skill. There was always a long straight, your very own Mulsanne, where you could squeeze the controller and feel the car build speed. But this was balanced with a challenging infield of curves, hairpins, and often a chicane. Some sets included banked corners, which were crucial. They allowed you to carry more speed through the turn, but only if you found the perfect line. It was a layout you had to learn.
The Cars and Motors: The models themselves were a huge leap in realism for the time. Underneath the accurately moulded bodies, the chassis was a simple but effective design. The real heart, though, was the motor. Most of these cars used a Mabuchi E55 motor or similar. What you need to know is that around 1972, Scalextric started fitting five-pole motors in its premium cars instead of the older three-pole versions. This was a big deal for racers. A three-pole motor gives its power in three pulses per revolution, making it feel punchy but sometimes jerky. A five-pole motor delivers five smaller pulses, resulting in a much smoother delivery of power. This meant you could feather the throttle with more precision, a vital skill for a long race.
The Controllers: Driving was an entirely hands-on affair. The early mechanical controllers were simple devices. A spring-loaded plunger pressed a contact against a wire-coil resistor. It was basic, but you felt a direct physical connection to the car. The connection was raw and physical. There was no subtlety to it: more pressure meant more power. You felt every bit of it as a raw vibration and a loud buzz in your hand. It was a noisy, physical experience—nothing like the silent, perfect control you get today.
- Do clean the track rails gently with isopropyl alcohol – never sandpaper them.
- Do check braids under each car – flattened or dirty braids cause power loss.
- Don’t overlubricate gears; a single drop of light oil is plenty.
- Don’t force track joins – warped sections will cause dead spots mid-race.
The Collector’s View: Hunting for a Legend
Today, these sets are cherished pieces of history, and finding a good one is a serious hunt. A true collector isn’t just looking for the cars; they are looking for the complete story.
The box is paramount. The artwork was a huge part of the magic, and a set with a crisp, complete box is the holy grail. Inside, all the original paperwork, from the assembly instructions to the little service sheet for the motors, must be present. The cars themselves are closely inspected. Common issues include broken wing mirrors, missing headlight covers, and perished rubber tyres that have gone hard and cracked over 60 years. On the track, the biggest enemy is time. The metal rails can oxidise, creating a dead spot where the cars just stop. This requires patient, careful cleaning to bring the track back to life.
For restorers, the challenge is what makes it fun. Sourcing a tiny, original wing mirror for a C68 Ferrari or a specific tyre type for a Porsche 917 is a rewarding treasure hunt that connects you with a global community of fellow enthusiasts.
- Do keep all original paperwork – it adds major value at auction.
- Do photograph your set’s condition before restoration.
- Don’t repaint vintage cars – it destroys authenticity and collector appeal.
- Don’t replace parts with modern reproductions unless clearly noted.
The Le Mans set endures because it was more than just a product. It was an experience, a history lesson, and a test of skill all in one. It captured the soul of the world’s greatest race and allowed you, for an afternoon, to be a part of its legend. That’s a kind of magic that never fades.