Best Scalextric sets

Scalextric sets still exist, but it’s not the mess of wires that it used to be – and it won’t produce that exciting ‘eau de transformer’ smell it used to, either. Scalextric can still give you some simple analogue fun but now it packs in some serious tech – giving you everything from brakes that work to the ability to change lanes and even record lap times.

Here you’ll find a list of our favourite current Scalextric sets, from the bog-standard ones that bear a passing resemblance to sets you may remember, to others that sit somewhere between racing games and train sets. Keep reading to find out how you can upgrade your existing gear.

For in in-depth review of a modern Scalextric set, check out our review of the Scalextric Sunset Speedway set.

The best Scalextric sets

Best Scalextric cars:

As we know, racing your favourite cars in miniature is what Scalextric is all about. Along with classics, there is always a supply of dribble-inducing machines to let loose on your miniature version of Silverstone. We've picked some of our favourites.

How to convert your existing Scalextric sets

Got a dusty Scalextric set in the loft? It turns out you can make it work with the new kit we’ve written about above – but you will need to fork out for a few bits and pieces.

First, your cars will need digital chips to bring your existing cars into the 2020 era. These add-ons bring the tech behind the ability to use KERS and change lanes. You can get them here.

Next, you’ll need to get bits of track that support the new functionality, and you can get that direct from Scalextric here.

Lastly, an ARC Pro powerbase will be the new brain behind the latest set-up – and you’ll need to buy some new, wireless hand controllers with the ability to brake and boost.

Can you use your old cars and track with the new Scalextric sets?

You can use your old Scalextric sets if you like, but not with the new-fangled digital ones, and you lose the digital elements such as lane changing and fastest times, too. However, you keep the wireless controllers. Some more recent cars can be made ARC PRO compatible, but you’ll need to retrofit them with a microchip and optical sensor.

Old track can be merged with new track as well; you just need to buy a cheap adaptor to link to the two connection types together. And significantly, you keep most of the digital features when using both your new and old track together; lap times will be logged, and laps will be counted. If your original track is clean and in good order, it’s fine to use both.

Aaron Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.

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