cheap alternative for classic F1 (50-60's) ?

[demether]

Hi

A few years ago, I bought a scalextric ferreri sharknose. I really like this car, one of my favorite.

But I almost never use it, because I have only one (so I cannot build a race class for my friends who are not slot race enthusiasts), and because I'm always afraid to destroy it.

So I'm wondering if any cheaper alternative exists. I don't want the greatest looking cars. I want fun to drive, sturdy cheap "cigar" cars. (Something in the style of C group Carrera Profi cars, for people who knows them : basic looking but recognizable, super fun to drive cars)

Does there something exist ? In 1/32 or 1/24 (since this kind of car is narrow, it will be perfect on 1/32 artin track no matter the scale).

Thank you !

[btaylor]

How cheap is cheap? i have found several of these a lot cheaper than this,and they can be made to run pretty good.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1960s-1 ... 4183407139

[demether]

Cheap ? I'd say 20euros (around 30USD) if bought in Europe, 20USD if bought in USA (because of the shipping and possible VAT).


thanks

[demether]

Well, maybe at least some tips on some kind of cheap universal slim chassis I could put under a lexan/styrene body, then ?

[Retro Racer 44]

That one on Ebay would be over $100 Canadian by the time I paid the cost in USD + shipping and import fees. I can think of a lot of better slot car deals. Now if I could find one or two in a garage sale, it would be well worth the effort to restore it.

[LAMing]

Back in the 1990s, MRRC offered several 60s era F1's: Sharknose, Porsche, Lotus, Eagle, BRM, etc. These had steering fronts, low-tech motors, and were quite fun. I used them to do what you're describing to do. They were nicely detailed, but not overly delicate. They often needed some weight to help hold them in the slot, given the shallow guides on them. Watch eBay, perhaps some will surface and you can nab 'em for a song!

[demether]

Thanks for the idea ! But honestly, here in Europe I think that used slot cars prices are a bit crazy...Everyone believe that they own the ultra rare collectors gem :/


edit : I took a quick look, prices for used F1s are between 80 and 100 usd... :mrgreen:

[chappy]

For a quick lightweight chassis to fit under your f1 cars , that meet your price requirements, check out Penelope Pitlane. They make an assortment of sizes for wheelbase and chassis width, and they are in your neck of the woods if your in Europe. I use them and I am in Canada, shipping is very reasonable and I get them in a week or less from Steve.
Worth a look
Bob

[demether]

Thanks, but call me a cheapskate, my price requirements are for complete slot cars :mrgreen:

But I have to admit that the 22£ nice complete metal chassis kit is probably one of the best offers I saw for now.

[dreinecke]

If budget is the issue, get someold Policar GP's - just prepare to do LOTS of tuning...

[Alaskaracer]

I also did the policar f1 deal, I used ninco classic axles, wheels, tires and NC1s

[demether]

Maybe it's just impossible ! Thanks for all your help anyway !


edit : by the way I took a look on prices for Policar or polistil f1, they are also pricey. That's the problem I talked about. Now with "vintage" fashion, everybody thinks they can change dust and old plastic in gold :lol:

[chappy]

I think John is talking about Phil Smith, Scaleslotcars,,,, He purchased all of the stock from a chap who did pass on.
Mind you, I havent seen anything under £20.00, plus shipping.
In europe I would do the swap meets, some good deals to be had.

[demether]

I have nothing against swap meets and garages sells, but there is nothing around 200kilometers from where I live, sadly. Deep south, in the middle of swamps, corn fields and pine forest I said :mrgreen:

So everything specific I need for my hobbies are bought online, sadly. Only basic supplies come from hardware stores.

[LAMing]

Take a look at these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-1-32-CO ... 3ce41bcb00

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Greenhills-Airf ... 2ed1b515c7

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3x-Scalextric-T ... 2c83d6b6f8

If the above are still out of your budget range, then it will likely be very tough for you to come up with a vintage F1 stable.