One of Britain’s most recognisable toy brands is changing hands after nearly seven decades of racing success.

The famous slot-car maker Scalextric has been sold to a US-backed investment firm in a £20 million deal.

Fans of the game included the stars and celebrities of the 60s and 70s, from the Beatles and Peter Sellers to sporting giants such as Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart.

For many a youngster, it was their first real driving experience.

Racing ahead

The brand’s owner, the historic British model-making company Hornby, has agreed to sell the Scalextric business and its intellectual property to Purbeck Capital Partners, a family investment office run by American businessman Mark Brown.

The sale marks the end of an era for one of the UK’s most enduring toys, which has entertained generations of children and hobbyists since its debut in the 1950s.

Scalextric was originally invented by British entrepreneur Fred Francis, with the first electric slot-car set produced in 1956 before being launched to the public at a toy fair in Harrogate in 1957.

Combining the idea of scale models and electric toys, the name Scalextric was born.

The brand quickly became a household name, allowing players to race miniature cars around track circuits powered by electric motors.

The model-making firm Hornby later acquired the brand in 1968, integrating it into a portfolio that includes other well-known hobby names such as Airfix and Corgi.

Buy in

Under the terms of the new deal, Purbeck Capital Partners will acquire the business through a newly created holding company called Scalextric Motorsports.

The £20 million purchase includes an upfront payment of about £8.5 million, with the remainder to be paid in instalments from future cash flow.

Although ownership is transferring overseas, Hornby will continue to play a role in the brand’s operations, acting as an agent and using its existing infrastructure to support production and distribution.

The Margate-based toymaker said the sale would allow it to reduce debt and refocus investment on other parts of its business as it continues a wider restructuring effort.

In recent years, Hornby has faced financial pressure, including rising costs and supply chain challenges, with reported debts of more than £17 million.

The company has been working to stabilise its finances while reshaping its portfolio of hobby brands.

New destinations

For the new owner, the acquisition represents the first investment for Purbeck Capital Partners and a chance to develop one of Britain’s most recognisable names in home motorsport.

Brown, a former chief executive of US drinks company Sazerac, said he was excited to take on the brand and expand its appeal.

He described Scalextric as “an iconic British motorsport brand” that has brought families together for racing competition and fun at home for nearly 70 years.

Brown added that the aim is to build on the toy’s heritage while exploring new opportunities connected with motorsport and hands-on play at a time when many children spend increasing amounts of time online.

On track

The popularity of Scalextric has endured across generations, from the early mechanical sets of the 1950s to modern digital racing systems that allow multiple cars to compete on the same track.

Collectors still prize vintage models, and racing clubs dedicated to slot-car competitions remain active across the UK and internationally.

Despite competition from video games and other digital entertainment, the brand has maintained a loyal following thanks to its blend of engineering, skill and nostalgia.

The sale also reflects wider changes in the toy and hobby industry, where established companies are increasingly restructuring or seeking outside investment to compete in a rapidly evolving market.

For many enthusiasts, however, the biggest question is what the future holds for the beloved racing sets that have been part of British childhoods for decades.