Ready, Set, Race! – The story of Scalextric

Developed in the late 1950s, Scalextric provided the entry to car ownership for many children across the world where it taught the most important skills including throttle control, patience, maintenance and finesse. The famous racing game was manufactured in Havant for more than a decade after being invented by toy maker / engineer B. Fred Francis using an electric motor installed inside Scalex tin cars, which were in turn produced by Minimodels Ltd.

The first Scalextric set was made in 1956 in England and unveiled a year later at the Harrogate Toy Fair, it was targeted at children although adults also were attracted to the product due to the speed, competition and the models initially produced based on Formula 1 cars.

In 1960, plastic bodies replaced the original tinplate examples at a scale of 1/32 and the premise of the product has remained the same throughout. Cars have become quicker, circuits more reliable and simpler to put together, while just like in real motor racing tyre technology in addition to further set-up options ensure Scalextric remains fresh for future generations.

The toy was an instant success and its popularity led to the development of a much larger Minimodels factory in Fulflood Road, Leigh Park. Minimodels was a major employer from 1961 until the factory’s closure in 1970, at which time it employed 1,200 people. As of 2023, it is owned by Hornby Hobbies of England and still captivates the racing minds of children and adults alike.