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The History of SCX

Image of Matt TaylorMatt Taylor looks at the history behind this iconic brand.

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SCX started in 1962, manufacturing slot cars under the Scalextric brand for the Spanish market. This was for the same company as Scalextric, but due to issues of importing goods into Spain at the time, it was more cost effective to produce cars themselves for their own market. They started production of their own cars in 1966, which differed from the ones offered by the UK Scalextric brand. This continued until 1992 when they went their separate ways. At this time Exin (who owned the SCX brand) decided to sell the cars around the world including the UK. Gaugemaster became the distributor of SCX in the 1990s, soon becoming the second biggest slot car brand at the time in the UK, behind Scalextric and before Fly Car Model and Ninco entered the market. At the time it was agreed that SCX will use that name around the world, but ‘Scalextric’ in Spain. However, Scalextric would need to use the brand ‘Superslot’ for products in Spain and ‘Scalextric’ everywhere else, not confusing at all! In 1992, Exin (the owner at the time) needed to link a well-known household name with the SCX brand in order to get more exposure, and as they also owned the Matchbox brand, this was also included on the packaging.

This car is the SCX 83390.20 a Chaparral GT “Vintage”.

In 1994, Tyco took over Exin and production of SCX was moved to China. Because of this in 1994, the previous management team set up Ninco who became the main rival to SCX at the time. In the 1990s Ninco and SCX would supply their own track systems, with SCX’s advantage being that the track was made using the same connectors to Scalextric. So, compatibility was very easy with no adaptors needed, but once Scalextric changed to the ‘Sport’ track system to support digital slot cars which followed shortly afterwards, this older track (SCX or Scalextric classic) went away. Track can still be found at car boots, slot car swapmeets and online. But, as the track was typically left in lofts, garages etc, it started to rust and be thrown away. Twenty years on it is getting harder to find in good condition.

Tyco Club Mazda Scalextric 9315C.09

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In 1998 Tyco lost interest in the slot car market and Tecnitoys of Barcelona, took over the company. This continued for some time until 2012, but with the change in track as explained above, market share was lost.

However, SCX are now making a comeback. They now offer their own new track and digital system and are producing a range of GT and rally cars which are popular in the Spanish and UK markets. They are also going back to making iconic rally cars, like the newly released Toyota Celica SCXU10396, which is offering something a bit different to the typical cars available today.

SCXU10396, a new release from SCX.

I hope you liked my brief history of SCX as we are all looking forward to seeing what they can bring to market over the coming years.


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