IMMORTAL SLOT CARS
Scalextric really knew what they were doing when they decided to release the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang. The Mustang and Camaro have to be Scalextrics most liveried slot cars and therefore arguably, their most successful. Of all the Camaro liveries that Scalextric have released, the Bob Jane Camaros of the ATCC 1971 and 1972 have to be the most popular in Australia. The number 7 car is particularly rare in mint condition and since today is Australia Day, what better livery to feature in Immortal Slots?
This from Darren House on the history of the Camaro: 'The Camaro was an instant race track success, with Jane winning the 1971 ATCC title after scoring wins in three of the seven rounds (Sandown Park, Mallala and Oran Park), two second places and a third place. He finished six-points ahead of the 1969 Trans Am Mustang of arch rival, Allan Moffat.'
Bob Jane: 'It was a fantastic car; it just had that much power. It had 600-plus horsepower (448kW) and 600-plus ft/lbs (814 Nm) of torque. The problem with the 427 was it used to eat gearboxes. It was so powerful there was no gearbox built in that era that would stand the torque.'
Bob Jane reflecting on Sandown in 1971: 'I went around Peters Corner (onto the back straight) and second (gear) disappeared," said Jane. "It didn't matter, third was fine. Next time around the first corner I'm leading, I go back to third gear from top to go past the pits. Third disappears. I've got one gear left -- top. To go around Peters Corner in top it would go splutter, fart, jerk, jerk and I still stayed in front. This thing went half the race in top gear, which is totally amazing, but that's what torque can do for you.'
The #7 C2413 Scalextric 1971 Camaro has a real presence on the track, the orange paint job is beautifully deep and glossy. Decal quality is very good and if you have a Scalextric Camaro you'll know they are a VERY hard car to beat on any plastic track. In fact it's quite ironic that one slot that can compete with this slot stunning performance is the Scalextric Ford Mustang.
The #7 Camaro is getting very difficult to get in mint condition but occasionally one turns up on Australian ebay. Expect to pay between $AU125 and $AU150 for one, you won't regret it!
The C2696 Scalextric 1972 Camaro is not as popular as the earlier #7 Camaro despite having slightly more detail. For one, the #76 car has Camaro logo on the bonnet and drivers doors which I like. The slot was released in November 2005 as a limited run of 1,500 units. The #7 car can still be purchased for approximately $AU60 from some Australian slot shops.
Watch Bob Jane in the #7 Camaro on YouTube here: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=xeJPfh9zZBM
You can read more about Bob Jane on Unique Cars in 'Past Blast' section: http://www.uniquecars.carpoint.com.au/
You can find a desktop wallpaper of the Camaro here: http://manicslots.blogspot.com/2007/11/manicslots-wallpapers.html
ManicSlots Collectibility Score: #7 Camaro, Extremely High!
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