In the mid-1960s, it was a glorious time to be a kid. That’s when slot car motoring evolved into slot car racing, with cars and then track designed to go fast instead of replicating miniature city streets as they previously had. Along with that speed, slot car companies began churning out bodies inspired by Formula 1, Can-Am, and LeMans racing cars such as GT 40s, Ferraris galore, Porsches, and anything else that looked like it could be an extra from Speed Racer.
Modelant makes a miniature Lotus Mark III from that era, complete with a very British-looking chap at the wheel. It is so perfect for vintage-style slot car racing that it is the Model Car Hall of Fame Slot Car of the Year for 2024. The British Racing Green body, bright yellow wheels, and cozy red interior just scream style and speed. You can also get it in silver if that’s more your thing. Either way, the 1/32 slot car comes in an elegant wood box like a fine cigar. Unlike that cigar, you can smoke this one over and over again.
Lotus was in its heyday as a race car company, and the Mark III was one of their most successful models. Also, it was one of their craziest, with huge shark fins. Those appendages surely had some aerodynamic and handling benefits, but they also just looked so cool. Aside from actual wind tunnel testing (check out Windsible’s model car wind tunnel!), ripping this thing around a track is a good way to test its performance.
Regardless of your order of finish, this car is sure to be the topic of conversation at the slot car club. For that, the Modelant Lotus Mark III is the 2024 Inductee for the Model Car Hall of Fame’s Slot Car of the Year.
The Model Car Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held at the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany, on January 30, 2025. Thanks to everyone at Spielwarenmesse for having us as a part of their event.
