This Gulf-Livery Porsche 917 Is Hiding A Fun Little Surprise Underneath - story Go to full screen story Fullscreen

This Gulf-Livery Porsche 917 Is Hiding A Fun Little Surprise Underneath

While the 917 dominated Le Mans back in the day, this particular example lets you savor the endurance race in a rather unique way

by Amrit Balraj on August 13, 2024, 19:30

There is an adage ’’Boys never grow up, their toys just get bigger". I am not sure who said it originally, but after discovering this truly unique slot racing track, I can see how it could be true. A 1:32 scale replica of the Le Mans circuit as seen in the 1971 Steve McQueen film with the same name. This incredibly detailed two-lane track comes with miniature vegetation, pit stops, buildings, crew, and advertising from real companies that sponsored the teams that took part in the event back in the day. The best part is the entire structure is housed within a replica Porsche 917K body, with its iconic Gulf-Racing livery.

If you have an idea or want one made for yourself, David Beattie is the man to seek out. He is the founder of Slot Mods, a company based out of Detroit that puts in an unreal amount of hours putting together these bespoke creations.

  • This slot racing track was sold on Bring A Trailer for $205,000
  • This was commissioned by the previous owner to David Beattie, founder of Slot Mods.
  • It is a 1:32 scale replica of the Porsche 917k race car, with Gulf-Racing Livery

The Racetrack Comes With 19 Slot Cars

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The slot cars are all replicas from the film which include a modified Ford GT40 camera car, a Lota T70, a Porsche 917, and the Gulf-Racing liveried 917k which was driven by Steve McQueen in the film. Another iconic Porsche 917K, adorned in red Salzburg colors, is also present. This particular one is a replica of the one that clinched victory at the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans with Hans Herrmann and Richard Atwood behind the wheel. Measuring 13 feet long by 6 feet wide, the track operates on a 120-volt power supply. There are 3 fighter plane-style toggle switches with flip covers that are used to power up the track. Up to two slot cars can be raced at a time, controlled by a pair of analog trigger-type controllers which add to the retro charm. Considering the 917k’s legendary prowess and place in automotive racing history, it is an ideal choice to be the inspiration for this creation.

The track is astonishingly detailed, even featuring a pit area filled with crew in different uniforms and plastered with miniature ads from Dunlop, Castrol, Martini, Agip, SEV Marchal, and others. The track features two hairpin turns and is bordered by various buildings, dense vegetation, and LED lighting. The hinged body covering the track can be lifted using a remote fob or surface switches, and the whole structure rests on a tubular frame propped on casters for convenience. The previous owner had it for 10 years as part of his collection after he commissioned Slot Mods to build it, before listing it on B.A.T. last year. It was sold for a whopping $205,000. Yeah, that’s the kind of dough it takes to play at this level.

Slot Mods Will Make You The Slot Car Track Of Your Dreams

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Slot Mods was founded in 2007 by David Beattie, a lifelong fan of motorsports of every genre. His bespoke creations are crafted with exquisite attention to detail and feature in some of the most curated collections on the planet. The company has created model reproductions of the Laguna Seca Raceway, the Quadrophenia - the world’s largest private slot racing setup, and several F1 tracks. The Slot Mods team is a blend of model makers, designers, and craftsmen with expertise in automotive design, engineering, and carpentry. Their process includes

  • Several consultations to get a grasp of your vision

  • Concept visualization through CAD drawings, 3D renders, and sketches.

  • Multi-stage manufacturing process which involves bringing together multiple disciplines of engineering

  • Professional installation and setup

  • A grand unveiling and celebratory inaugural race

Slot Mods draws inspiration from their clients, motorsport history, and the emotional power of nostalgia. During the build, you can follow up closely with the team and request that the track be exactly as per your vision. Or you can trust the process and leave it to the expert hands of David’s team. Either way, be prepared to be blown away. Don’t forget to check out the P.O.V. style GoPro footage below.

Amrit Balraj

Amrit Balraj

When not reading up or watching videos about obscure and rare automobiles, Amrit spends his free time planning imaginary road trips on some of the best driving roads in the world, preferably in an old truck with a motorcycle strapped to the bed. Read full bio