BaT Find: Incredible Porsche 917 Le Mans Slot Car Raceway

Located in Waltham, Massachusetts, this 1:32-scale slot car raceway is an incredible work of art. The raceway is housed in a replica Porsche 917 body, finished in blue with period Gulf livery, and features a clamshell design that opens via remote control. The attention to detail is simply astounding, with hand-painted track surfaces, structures, signs, landscaping, and spectators creating a realistic and immersive racing environment.

The layout of the track measures an impressive 13′ long by 6′ feet wide, and is wired for use with a 120-volt power source. The track is constructed of wood and features Armco-style railings and grandstands. Trackside lighting illuminates the course, highlighting the details of the hand-painted centerline, shoulder stripes, and Armco-style railings. The player station is equipped with power switches and trigger-style analog race controllers that allow two cars to race simultaneously.

The course incorporates two hairpin turns and is bordered by trackside structures, lighting towers, hay bales, trees, and shrubbery. The pit area features crew stations, covered workshops, fenced car storage, and a two-tier grandstand that faces the straightaway. Outfield bleachers are situated in front of the player station and overlook the pit area, making for a truly immersive racing experience.

The attention to detail doesn’t stop there. The miniature figurines positioned around the course depict track workers, drivers, and spectators, adding another layer of realism to the racing environment. Corporate logos such as Shell, Agip, Champion, Girling, Bilstein, and Solex are displayed trackside, while period sponsor installations include an illuminated Esso oil man, the Martini barn, the Marchal elevated sign, and the Dunlop bridge with spectators positioned on the arch.

An assortment of 19 slot cars accompany the track, each finished in period livery and outfitted with a driver. The cars are a highlight of the raceway, with a GT40 modified as a camera car, a Ferrari 512 Coda Lunga, a Lola T70, a Porche 917 in Martini livery, and a Porche 917 in Gulf livery depicting the #20 car driven by Steve McQueen in Le Mans. Also depicted is the Porsche 917K wearing Salzburg livery that was driven to victory by Hans Herrmann and Richard Atwood at the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The replica Porsche 917 body that houses the raceway is a work of art in its own right. Constructed of composite material fitted over a tubular frame that rolls on casters, the shell is finished in Gulf livery with sponsor logos and features number 20 on the front, sides, and rear. The details are impressive, with functional headlights and taillights, a windshield wiper, side windows, simulated dual exhaust outlets, and a hinged fuel-filler cap. Black center-lock wheels are fitted with racing slicks that show wear.

The auction ends tomorrow, and it’s already reached $90,000.  Will the hammer price reach six-figures?  Follow along via BaT here!