1. Polistil Slot Grand Prix Racing
2. Polistil Slot Grand Prix Tickets
3. Pista Polistil-slot Grand Prix
4. Polistil Slot Grand Prix Golf
5. Polistil Slot Grand Prix Figure Skating

The detail in Slot Cars is amazing. Many cars now have working front & rear lights. Scalextric celebrated 60 years in 2017 and are a world leader in both analogue and digital racing.

Policar has succeeded in creating a significant following with this series of classic Grand Prix offerings. The Lotus 72 has established itself as a staple of many enthusiasts collections and the most often question asked is “When is the next one?”.

• Polistil 4XL Grand Prix 960681-43 Slot Car Set. Incl 4 pcs Formula Racing Looping Cross Track. Adaptor Color Box Product Length Dimensions: 82x42x8.5cm Product Weight (gr): 0.06839151 Warranty: No Warranty Gender: Boys Manufacturer Minimum Age: 6+.
• Lot of 28 Polistil slot car tracks with barriers - 12 Straights and 16 curves. Polistil Suzuki #7 Barry Sheene grand prix motorcycle model - Scale 1/15.
• Polistil Vintage Slot Cars Lot Very Rare!!! $150.00 + $35.00 shipping. 7pc Rare POLISTIL Italian Italy Grand Prix HO Scale F-1 F1 Indy Cars Marlboro A+.

That next one has arrived.

Enter the March 701. Historically speaking this car started out very promising, but over the course of the season failed to keep up with the advancements other teams were making. Researching this car is easily enough accomplished and you can start HERE. There is an excellent image gallery that might hint to the number of these models Policar can produce in the future. The Jackie Stewart winning Spanish Grand Prix model is already planned.

Quick Data
Height – 33 MM
Length – 127 MM
Width – 61 MM (@ Outside Rear Wheels)
Wheel Base – 76.25 MM
Weight – 47.5 Grams
Non-Magnet Model

If you are new to our hobby then allow me to welcome you to one of the most interesting series of slot cars we have to offer. The brand Policar is a longtime household name in Europe and the brand was recently revived just a couple years ago. The big attraction to the brand is this series of classic Grand Prix models due to the attention to scale detail and the precision one of a kind running gear employed inside.

The term “Eye Candy” is often used with these models and rightfully so. Given the design must allow us to race and adjust it, the detail level they are able to accomplish is impressive to me. Some do not care for the driver helmet/head but it doesn’t bother me. At SPEED where it belongs, they look just fine.

Markings and finish are good as it gets in our hobby.

Not many may know much about this car, but over here there is no ignoring the STP that adorns it. This is a very striking paint scheme that is going to catch the eye of many of you.

Mechanically speaking this model is basically the same as the Lotus before it. That means taking it apart is a very delicate process and you should be aware of that before you start. My advice? If you don’t need to open it…don’t.

Removing the front screw and the 3 small brass screws in the rear allow you to gently remove the body.

Inside we see a now familiar sight. Standard Policar motor and the gearbox system.

*NOTE* This model is NON-MAGNET with no traction magnet

For an in depth look at these, CLICK HERE for the Policar PDF file. It’s for the Lotus, but starting on page 5 it describes this system which is the same.

9 tooth pinion installed on the motor drives the gearbox.

Motor is 25,500 @ 12 VDC. I have tested a fair number of them and this is the common average. The motor is a little too hot for my taste, but for most it seems to be just right.

The option of using set screws for setting the front axle height still employed. You will need M2 sized screws as shown here.

Aftermarket tires are readily available.

Tire sizes same as Lotus.

With the availability of spare parts now common, tuners can race a little harder knowing they have the resources to make repairs. Body parts not yet available, but the gears and such are. Here is a good selection for an example. Check your local/favorite dealer.

I have yet to order any as my models are still going strong with no signs of issues. Given the length of our home track, the gearing it comes with works just fine. My major change is tires.

HRW Review Video

Lap times for this car are right with the Lotus models.

Polistil Slot Grand Prix Racing

Having collected all prior models in this series, the choice to add another was almost automatic. The fun factor these cars deliver is near the top of the list for our small road racing course. The close wheel to wheel action is just what we enjoy with these models and this latest arrival provides all of that and more.

-Harry

This review proudly brought to you by SCALEXTRIC / Hornby America

Polistil (initially called Politoys) was a toy company headquartered in Milan, Italy, with production center in Chiari, near Brescia. Polistil specialized in diecast metal and plastic vehicles of all sizes. The company also made toy and model tanks, dolls, robots and TV tie-ins. After a 33-year span, and a collaboration with Tonka, Polistil went out of business in 1993, but now is a brand under the May Cheong (Maisto) Group, along with the name of former competitor Bburago. Traditionally, the principal Italian competitors to Polistil were Mercury, Mebetoys, and the shorter run Ediltoys.

History[edit]

The origins of Politoys as a company are somewhat unclear. The company began as Politoys APS about 1960, and started production of 100 plastic cars in 1:41 scale (Sinclair 1979, pp. 387–388). Some of these were contemporary cars and some were veteran vehicles – like an Alfa racing car from the late 'teens and an 1899 French Gobron Brillie (Smeed 1980, p. 35). As the 1960s progressed, some models were produced in fiberglass – tougher than the plastic and less prone to warping. Following trends set by fellow Italian trailblazer Mercury, and Corgi Toys, Dinky Toys, Norev, and Solido, the company changed over to diecast metal vehicles in 1964 or 1965 (Rixon 2005, p. 36, Sinclair 1979, p. 387). About 1970, the company name was changed to Polistil, possibly because of the similarity with the name of the British Palitoy (Breithaupt No Date; Force 1992, 208–209). Still, some early toy boxes had the names 'APS', 'Polistil'. 'Politoys', and 'Policar' all on the box simultaneously (as seen on the blue Penny series boxes and in that order).

The company's main research and design center was in Milan. Larger toys for children were produced here, including large trucks and dolls. Most vehicles were made at the Chiari, Brescia manufacturing center which focused on the production of diecast vehicles (Polistil 1975).

Whereas more collector driven lines such as Rio Models or Brumm made the same models sometimes for decades, David Sinclair says that Polistil was more likely to confront market trends more directly – changing model lines every two or three years (Sinclair 1979, p. 387). As seen below, Polistil kept track of its vehicle lines using sets of capital letters followed by numbers, and not the use of series of numbers only.

M-Series[edit]

Most, but not all, of Polistil's lines were prefaced with letters: CE, RJ, S, MS, etc., but the company did not start with the beginning of the alphabet. With Politoys’ diecast 1:43 scale M-Series starting 1965, the company arguably became one of the most respected names of the decade in accurately diecast vehicles along with French Solido, fellow Italian Mebetoys and German Schuco (Rixon 2005, p. 80). Dinky and Corgiwere also strong competitors and Politoys never matched their success in the United States nor did they produce as wide a range of models as those two leaders in the field.

Politoys’ 1:43 scale diecast M-Series line was introduced in 1965. The company had previously focused on plastic. The M series were precisely detailed with a wide range of offerings. Sixteen vehicles were introduced in the first year, with numbers starting at 500. The cars had many moving parts (normally 2 doors, hood and trunk opened) and the engines and even undercarriage had good detail. Plastic seats almost always tilted forward, and on some models they were covered with a fuzzy material that imitated velour.

Though companies like Corgi claimed to have the first model with all opening features in their 1963 Chrysler Ghia L6.4, Politoys M was the first diecast line where (for a time) all apertures opened on every model ! (Politoys 1968; Rixon 2005, p. 79; Gardiner and O'Neill 1996, pp. 72–73). This contrasted with Dinky and Corgi which tended towards the 'toy' market with gimmicks and TV and movie vehicles. Politoys, however, went for consistent realism.

Another unique advertising angle of Politoys M was to emphasize how they could be taken apart. One ad in the American market by U.S. representative Lynn International showed the 518 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III (Mulliner Park Ward 'slant eye' version) in pieces and asked 'How can a boy own a Rolls Royce..be a collector and a mechanic all at the same time! With Politoys M, that's how' Below, the ad continued, 'Assembled just like the big ones – real solid – with 52 parts, most of which you take apart piece-by-piece with the twist of a screwdriver, then put back together again...' The ad then concluded, 'That's Politoys. Collect them. Tinker with them. Play with them.' (Politoys by Polistil no date).

By the late 1960s, the M-Series range had expanded to 37 models:

• 500 – Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT
• 501 – Maserati 3500 GT Coupe
• 502 – Siata Coupe Fiat 1500
• 503 – Mercedes-Benz 230 SL
• 504 – Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta
• 505 – Autobianchi Bianchina Panoramica
• 506 – Alfa Romeo Giulia SS
• 507 – Ford Cortina
• 508 – Innocenti Morris IM 3
• 509 – Lancia Flavia Zagato 1800
• 510 – Opel Kadett Coupe
• 511 – Fiat 600
• 512 – Fiat 500 Giardinetta
• 513 – Fiat 850
• 514 – Alfa Romeo 2600 Coupe GT
• 515 – ISO Rivolta Coupe GT
• 516 – Alfa Romeo Giulia Zagato
• 517 – Fiat 850 Coupe
• 518 – Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III 'Slant Eye'
• 519 – Ford Taunus 20 M.T.S.
• 520 – Lancia Fulvia Coupe
• 521 – Opel Diplomat 8V
• 522 – Primula Bianchi
• 523 – Alfa Romeo Giulia T.I. Super
• 524 – Simca 1500
• 525 – Ferrari 'LeMans' Peninfarina
• 526 –
• 527 – Porsche 912
• 528 – Fiat 1500 GT Ghia
• 529 – Alfa Romeo Giulia Canguro 600
• 530 – Alfa Romeo 2600 Zagato
• 531 – Alfa Romeo Giulia 'Gazella'
• 532 – Alfa Romeo GS Zagato
• 533 – OSI 1200 Coupe
• 534 – Ford Lola GT
• 535 –
• 536 – Dino 'Ferrari'
• 537 – Alfa Romeo 2600 Pantera
• 538 –
• 539 – Lamborghini 350 GT+

Numbers 526 (Fiat 1100), 535 (Porsche 904), and 538 (Volkswagen 1600 TL) are not mentioned in this data from an original catalog sheet as they were introduced later (Politoys 1968). The M-Series obviously concentrated on Italian vehicles. For example, 76 percent of this catalog's models were Italian, 37 percent alone being Alfa Romeo. Unique models produced that were not found elsewhere were the Iso Rivolta seen above, a later Chevrolet Corvette Pininfarina Rondine Coupe, and the first Lamborghini – bugeye – 350 GT (Rixon 2005, p. 37).

From the start, the M-Series had tremendous competition. During the 1960s, each diecast model company had a unique approach and a unique market. Dinky and Corgi generally had different market areas, but were more popular in the U.S. French Dinky and Solido were more popular in France. Tekno was a Danish mainstay as were Gama, Schuco, and Marklin in Germany. More importantly, the Italian market was full. Mercury had been a leader of the Italian diecast industry for a long time, but no sooner had Politoys brought out the M-series, they were joined by Mebetoys and Edil, the latter only briefly, but the competition with Mercury and Mebetoys – who often offered similar models – was a challenge. Furthermore, Mattel's Hot Wheels diminished the American market after 1967.

Similar to Corgi, Dinky, and Mebetoys, Politoys M used jewels for headlights, while French Solido chose more realistic clear plastic lenses. Still Politoys often had delicately rendered headlight bezel surrounds and other carefully done details (Gardiner and O'Neill 1996, p 72). While competitor Solido’s niche in the diecast market was offering unique wheel styles for each model, the M-Series’ generic wire wheels were not authentic to real vehicles, but were quite attractive, classy and typical to the look of the time. By 1968, the company had also experimented with plastic wheels on low-friction axles – similar to changes made by Dinky, Corgi, Lonestar and others in reaction to the success of Hot Wheels. These added to the play value but detracted from the realism. As the 1960s progressed, Politoys produced more sports and exotic cars and fewer mundane everyday cars. This was the same tactic used by Solido at the time, but Corgi, Dinky, and French Dinky continued to offer many common sedans.

Variations in 1:43 scale[edit]

In 1968, the 500-series started including models labelled as 'Export.' These were slightly cruder than the M-series, with fewer opening features. By 1970, Politoys has 'used up' the numbers from 500–599, including some metal versions of models previously produced in plastic.

Later 1:43 scale series were the E, EL and HE. Some of the early models in these series were still up to the Politoys M in detail like the well done Lamborghini Espada and Islero (which had folding headlights)(Gardiner and O'Neill 1996, p. 73). Body details were often very good with clever features, such as the Alfa Romeo Alfasud with complete ski equipment on the roof. On later 1970s issues like this one, however, the models sported toy-like generic chrome plastic wheel designs that were pretty ugly. The EL-Series was much better than the E in this regard. David Sinclair, an Erie, Pennsylvania, importer who was responsible for starting much of the diecast car collecting hobby in the states noted that one interesting model in the EL line was an AMC Gremlin (Sinclair's 1977; Levine 2009). It was unique enough to see any American cars in European diecast, much less an AMC model!Starting in 1967, Politoys also offered its 1:66 scale Penny series to compete with smaller Matchbox and Majorette, probably aimed at the American market, but the new series never gained their popularity so most were sold within Italy (Breithaupt No Date). Mint boxed examples are thus difficult to find (Rixon 2005, 54).

In the late 1970s a variety of previous Polistil castings were shipped to Mexico and sold as the McGregor brand (Force 1992, 208). McGregor sold both plastic and diecast versions of Polistil toys and models were usually marked with both the Politoys and McGregor names. Some models also seem to have made their way to the U.S.S.R. to be molded there in plastic, like the Maserati Mistral.

A Pioneer in Larger Scale[edit]

By the early 1970s, Polistil diversified somewhat, offering slot cars and larger scales in metal. In 1973, the 1:24 scale S series (1:22 scale was used as well) competed directly with the new Martoys (later to become Bburago) (Rixon 2005, p. 14). Politoys was one of the first companies to move into this larger and more lucrative size, thus was a trend setter for larger diecasts that is still popular today. Though proportions on the larger scale Polistil vehicles was sometimes slightly off (so were some of the Martoys, and both Bburago and Maisto later improved), creative presentation made up for it. For example, rally vehicles such as the Lancia Fulvia polar expedition were stunning. This car featured white and brown paint speckled across the entire car – simulating snow and dirt.

The TG series of even larger 1:16 scale cars such as the Alfa Romeo 1750C, BMW 328 roadster, Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari GTO, Ferrari 250 California roadster and the Morgan Plus 8 were introduced about 1980. Some of these models, however, did not have the details of competitors Bburago or Maisto. The Morgan, for example is beautiful with opening doors, but the tires are hard plastic, not rubber; the steering wheel and front wheels are fixed; and the hood does not open, saving the cost of additional parts. The Alfa Romeo 1750, however, did come in two versions; top up and top down. By the late 1980s, though, the larger models were the backbone of Polistil sales, while it would last, and the 1:43 size was now being left to higher end collector brands like Eligor, Vitesse, and venerable Solido.

The MS and MT series of 1:15 scale Motorcycles also appeared about 1980. Racing series (see next heading) of all scales became a forte. A variety of trucks and tanks (the 'CA' series) and other military vehicles were offered. One very nice military offering was an Afrika Corps BMW motorcycle with sidecar in desert beige. TV and movie figures and vehicles also appeared but were not as popular as those offered by Corgi Toys or Dinky Toys, and are somewhat more rare today. Batman, Superman, and Disney vehicles were examples. In addition, Mego and Lion Rock military action figures were marketed under the Polistil name.

The J series were larger colorful toy-like trucks which used more plastic for bodies and larger plastic wheels. One example was the J85 Mercedes-Benz Unimog dump truck.

Polistil Slot Grand Prix Tickets

A Racing Emphasis[edit]

One area where Polistil probably did better than any of the competition was in racing vehicles of various scales, mainly covering Formula 1, and at reasonable retail prices. The F and FK series were in 1:32 scale and first introduced in 1970 and ran until about 1980, changing wheel designs as the years passed. The 1:41 scale CE series appeared in 1978 and featured Renault, Ligier, Lotus, Brabham, Alfa Romeo and Williams, among others. Oddly, a few tractors also appeared in the CE series (Force 1992, 81–88).

The RJ series (Penny Series) carried at least 45 Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars, while the TG and L series were 1:16 scale. Like many other teams, the fascinating Tyrrell 6-wheel F1 car appeared in two different scales.

At the end of the 1970s, Polistil started mass-producing electric racing car tracks. They were very popular in Europe.^{[citation needed]}

The End of Polistil[edit]

By the late 1980s, Polistil had released over 500 different vehicles of all sizes (Force 1992, 62–89). In the late 1980s, the larger scales were marketed in the U.S. in a new relationship with Tonka. Apparently, Tonka had purchased Polistil. Vehicle boxes remained red at this time, but were now labeled Polistil/Tonka. This included larger 1:14 scale cars. Unfortunately, competition with newer and upcoming Bburago, Maisto and mail order firms like Franklin Mint Precision Models provided a surge in competition in the larger scales and contributed to Polistil's demise. By 1993, just as the demand for 1:18 scale models was starting to peak, Tonka dropped the name, dropped Italian production, and venerable Polistil was gone.

Chinese Polistil Reappears[edit]

Pista Polistil-slot Grand Prix

In 2014, the Polistil name was relaunched by the May Cheong Group. Now Polistil sells different products: slot car systems, radio controlled cars, die cast models of construction machinery, tractors, caricature cars, Formula One cars and so on. So, this is an interesting case where the Asian toy giant is responsible for resurrecting two well-known Italian brand names – Bburago and Polistil, but the products are now made in China, and no longer in Italy.

On the boxes now is printed 'Manufactured by: Polistil International LTD, Hong Kong', or 'Manufactured by: Most Success Trading LTD, Hong Kong'. The new company was apparently created in Hong Kong on August 27, 2013 (Hong Kong Business Directory n.d.).

References[edit]

Polistil Slot Grand Prix Golf

Polistil Slot Grand Prix Figure Skating

• Breithaupt, Doug. No date. Penny, Politoys or Polistil, Delightful Diecast Under Any Name. Webpage dedicated to Politoys. [1]
• Force, Edward. 1992. Classic Miniature Vehicles Made in Italy. Schiffer Publications.
• Gardiner, Gordon, and O'Neill, Richard. 1996. The Collector's Guide to Toy Cars: An International Survey of Tinplate and Diecast Cars from 1900. London: Salamander Books, Ltd. ISBN0-517-15977-5.
• 'POLISTIL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED'. Hong Kong Business Directory. n.d. [2]
• Jeffrey Stein Sales. 5 June 2014. Polistil Shipment News. [3]
• Levine, R. F. 2009. David Sinclair in the Driver's Seat. Lake Erie LifeStyle, web published December 1. [4]
• Polistil. 1975. Hardbound Polistil catalog. [5]
• Politoys by Polistil. No date. Newsprint ad with Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III Mulliner Park Ward. Ad by U.S. Representative Lynn International Ltd. 200 Fifth Ave, New York, NY.
• Politoys M. 1968. Single sheet brochure produced by Politoys APS.
• Rixon, Peter. 2005. Miller's Collecting Diecast Vehicles. London: Miller's, A Division of Mitchell Beazley.
• Sinclair, David. 1979. Scale 1:43, a Survey for Collectors, in Automobile Quarterly, Vol. 17, No. 4, pp. 384–399. Princeton, New Jersey: Automobile Quarterly, Inc. in Association with the Princeton Institute for Historic Research.
• Sinclair's Auto Miniatures. 1977. Typewritten sales flyer.
• Smeed, Vic, general editor. 1980. The World of Model Cars. London: Bison Books, A Chartwell Book. ISBN0-89009-324-5.