TERRY SMITH looks at this interesting mash-up of new cars with old liveries.
The generic modern day F1 Cars from Policar have been on the market for around six months now. Although they are only available in plain colours so far, this will all change as Policar are about to release the GEMS series based on this capable slot car.
The Formula cars, which Policar call ‘Monopostos’ (single seaters), were the first to feature a Halo, look every part the modern Grand Prix machine. I’m sure they have found favour with lovers of current F1 machinery. However, up to now racers have had to decorate the pre-painted bodies themselves. Of course, it wouldn’t take much to turn a red car (POLCAR07-RED) into a Ferrari and I decorated a blue one (POLCAR07-BLUE) to look like a Red Bull.
Shortly, you will be able to purchase decorated versions, but there’s a big ‘but’. You see, ‘GEMS’ stands for Golden Era of Motor Sport, and what will be offered is a range of modern looking cars draped in historic liveries. No-one quite knows why they have chosen to do this, but it works!
The first two models will be a classic Benetton livery (POLCAR07A) as carried by the F1 Alfa Romeo Team in 1985 and the Orange Beta finish of a 1978 Surtees (POLCAR07B). Next up will be the Candy livery that adorned Senna’s s 1984 Toleman, and there are many other surprising finishes in store from Policar, watch this space.
These were how the Monopostos first appeared, painted but undecorated. Even more colours have been added since.
I decided to turn my blue car into a Red Bull. The decals are for an earlier car, but it still looks better than just plain blue.
Policar then decided on a different path, instead producing historic liveries. This is the Benetton colours from the 1985 F1 season, as worn by the Alfa Romeo team.
Going back even further is this Beta Tools livery as carried on the Surtees TS20 of 1978. While some may disagree, I think this works, and will bring us colourful and interesting grids once we can go racing again.