Vintage Slot Cars Find Their Groove

Slot Mods Raceways has joined forces with Tony Lauro’s Hot Shoe Studios to unveil a collection of limited-edition 1:2 scale art cars paying homage to the legendary Porsche 917K and Ferrari P4 Le Mans race cars. (Photo courtesy Slot Mods Raceways)

You may remember slot car tracks from your youth—but not quite like this.

Inside the clamshell hinged body is a crafted 1:43 scale wooden raceway, boasting period-correct features. (Photo courtesy Slot Mods Raceways)

Following the success of its previous Porsche 917 art car build, Slot Mods Raceways has joined forces with Tony Lauro’s Hot Shoe Studios to unveil a collection of limited-edition 1:2 scale art cars paying homage to the legendary Porsche 917K and Ferrari P4 Le Mans race cars.

“The collaboration between Slot Mods and Tony Lauro’s Hot Shoe Studios brings together two powerhouses in the automotive art world,” company officials state. “Slot Mods’ expertise in creating custom, high-quality slot car raceways meets the artistic vision of Tony Lauro, a master at capturing the essence of classic racing eras through his unique creations.”

The standalone centerpieces house a vintage slot car raceway inside.

“Our tracks are a fusion of art, engineering and history,” says David Beattie, Slot Mods USA founder and creative director. “Our goal is to infuse each art car with our signature style and passion for classic racing aesthetics. The result is a stunning blend of craftsmanship and artistry that will resonate with fans of vintage racing, automotive design and art.”

Slot Mods Raceways invites fans and aficionados to experience the thrill of Le Mans racing. (Photo courtesy Slot Mods Raceway)

Slot car and historical racing enthusiasts can choose from the iconic Gulf No. 20, Martini and Salzburg liveries for the 917K and have the choice of either a clean or race-weathered version for $85,000.

Each art car is handcrafted with composite body panels and features a handpainted exterior shell, constructed on a handcrafted tubular chassis. The vehicles have center-lock wheels, race-worn tires, and working headlights and taillights.

Inside the clamshell hinged body is a crafted 1:43 scale wooden raceway, boasting period-correct features such as signs, banners, aluminum Armco railing, trees and structures transporting enthusiasts back to a bygone era of racing heritage.

“Slot Mods Raceways invites fans and aficionados to experience the thrill of Le Mans racing in a whole new way with these exceptional limited edition interactive works of art,” the company notes.

By Jef White

Jef White is the executive editor of THE SHOP magazine.