The air smelled of burnt rubber and cheap plastic. Remember that, the pungent aroma of our childhoods. I hadn’t thought about it in years, not since my father finally relinquished his collection. Now, here I am, sniffing the sealed box of a Scalextric Porsche 911 RSR “Gulf” and transported straight back to those carpet-track battles.

This isn’t just nostalgia talking, though. Let’s be clear: this particular model is a stunner. The Gulf livery – those iconic blue and orange stripes – is flawlessly applied. Scalextric has a knack for this, especially compared to some of the… less detailed offerings from Carrera. The paint job alone practically screams Le Mans glory. The body is meticulously molded; the stance just right. The details, from the rear wing to the miniature side mirrors, are sharp and clean.

Inside, the mechanicals are precisely what you’d expect. The RX-42 motor provides ample power, perfect for tearing around a home track. The magnets are suitably strong, helping it hug the curves. And speaking of curves, a word on the scale. At 1:32, it means more exciting racing than the smaller, more fiddly 1:43 scale. You feel the car. You drive it.

However, I’ve noticed a slight wobble at high speeds. The rear wheels, while accurate in their detailing, are just a touch out of true. This isn’t a deal-breaker, mind you. A quick session with a truing tool – a common and affordable accessory – would sort that right out. Or, honestly, just live with it. It adds a little… character.

Compared to the older Scalextric Porsche 911s, like the 934, this RSR boasts a better chassis design, improving handling and reducing the likelihood of deslotting – a real frustration for any seasoned slot car racer. The modern slot car technology shines through, especially when compared to those vintage models.

So, who’s this beauty for? For the seasoned slot car enthusiast? Absolutely. For the nostalgic petrolhead longing to recreate the glory days? Without a doubt. But mostly? Get this for the kid (or the inner child) who wants to experience the thrill of racing. You won’t regret it. Find a good track, and get ready for some serious fun.