Powertrack
File:MBL.jpeg File:Logo P.jpeg
Powertrack (UK) and Speedtrack (US) are brandnames for Matchbox's foray into toy slot cars. Introduced in the late 70's Powertrack/Speedtrack featured cars that could be seen in the dark as the cars had headlights. Matchbox's H0/00 (approx. 1/64th) cars were smaller than Scalextric 1/32 scale cars.
In the UK, Powertrack was a more affordable product than Scalextric and traded heavily on the Matchbox brand. With the smaller size the layouts could be quite complex yet still fit in the typical 8' x 4' board size. Additionally, it did not sit out of place with H0/00 railway sets and Matchbox's own 75 die cast range. Coupled with very dynamic packaging, the Powertrack Product was a big turn on for a seventies child.
With the collapse of Lesney/Matchbox in the early eighties, the last official year of production appears to be 1982. Various attempts to buy the Lesney stock and continue selling the products were tried but subsequently died out. Most notably, Proops Brothers, of Tottenham Court Road, London packaged together sets in plain boxes and sold existing sets with all sorts of car combinations. Latterly, several vehicles appear from time to time rebranded as 'Counterlane' but these too were short lived.
No longer in production, cars and sets can be purchased via ebay with some rarer cars commanding keen prices.
POWERTRACK SETS
Powertrack sets came in different sets featuring different cars and track type.
In the UK this consisted of:
- Powertrack PT-1000 - Grand Prix (Launched 1978)
Set comprised: 1 x McLaren F1, 1 x Ferrari F1, 8 x 90 degree 9" Curve, 1 x 9" 6V Track Terminal, 1 x 9" Straight, 2 x 6" Straight. 6V 'Grandstand' Battery Box and 2 x Hand Controllers. 8 Crash Barriers, Sticker Sheet & Bridge supports.
Factoid: This is Powertrack's only UK Battery powered set. The cars do not have headlights. RRP in 1979: £14.99.
- Powertrack PT-2000 - Monza (Launched 1978)
Set comprised: 1 x Porsche 911, 1 x Chevrolet Corvette, 8 x 90 degree 9" Curve, 1 x 9" 6V Track Terminal, 1 x 9" Straight, 2 x 6" Straight. 6V Mains Transformer and 2 x Hand Controllers. 8 Crash Barriers, Sticker Sheet & Bridge supports.
Factoid: One of the most popular sets Powertrack produced with 2 of the most ubiquitous cars. RRP in 1979: £19.99.
- Powertrack PT-3000 - Super Sport (Launched 1978)
Set comprised: 1 x Jaguar XJ Series, 1 x BMW 320i, 9 x 90 degree 9" Curve, 2 x 45 degree 9" Curve, 1 x 9" 6V Track Terminal, 5 x 9" Straight, 2 x 6" Straight. 6V Mains Transformer and 2 x Hand Controllers. 12 Crash Barriers, Sticker Sheets & Bridge supports.
Factoid: Quite an expensive set when released that put it in direct competition with Scalextric. RRP in 1979: £29-99.
- Powertrack PT-4000 - Le Mans Set (Launched 1978)
Set comprised: 1 x Porsche 936, 1 x Renault Alpine, 11 x 90 degree 9" Curve, 1 x 9" 6V Track Terminal, 2 x 45 degree 9" Curve, 11 x 9" Straight, 2 x 6" Straight. 6V Mains Transformer and 2 x Hand Controllers. 12 Crash Barriers, Sticker Sheet & Bridge supports.
Factoid: A premium product but at the time the track layouts supplied eclipsed most rivals. RRP in 1979: £39-99.
- Powertrack PT-5000 - Indianapolis (28ft) (Launched 1981)
Set comprised: 1 x Triumph TR7, 1 x BMW 320i, 8 x 90 degree 9" Curve, 1 x 9" 6V Track Terminal, 2 x 45 degree 9" Curve, 3 x 9" Straight, 2 x 6" Straight, 1 x Banked Curve (with supports). 6V Mains Transformer and 2 x Hand Controllers. 12 Crash Barriers, Sticker Sheet & Bridge supports.
Factoid: This is one of only 3 sets launched in the UK after the original Powertrack launch of 1978. (The others were Race & Chase & PT-8000). RRP was £34.99.
- Powertrack PT-6000 - Race and Chase (American Cop Car) (Launched 1979)
Set comprised: 1 x Police Car, 1 x Corvette Stingray, 6 x 90 degree 9" Curve, 1 x 9" 6V R&C Track Terminal, 1 x Tip Bridge 9", 2 x 9" Straight, 4 x 15" Straight, 6 x Aprons, 4 x LH End Pieces, 2 x RH End Pieces. 6V Mains Transformer and 2 x Hand Controllers. 4 Crash Barriers, Sticker Sheet & Bridge supports.
Factoid: Far and away the biggest selling Set in the UK. Stole a march on any other slot racing system and even Scalextric were slow to catch up. UK RRP in 1979: £29-99.
- Powertrack PT-6100 - Race and Chase (German Porsche Police Car) (Launched 1979)
Set comprised: 1 x Porsche Police Car, 1 x BMW 320i, 6 x 90 degree 9" Curve, 1 x 9" 6V R&C Track Terminal, 2 x Straight 9", 1 x Tip Bridge 9", 2 x Crossovers 15" , 2 x 15" Straight, 6 x Aprons, 4 x LH End Pieces, 2 x RH End Pieces. 6V Mains Transformer and 2 x Hand Controllers. 4 Crash Barriers, Sticker Sheet & Bridge supports.
Factoid: This is the only Powertrack/Speedtrack/Powertrack Plus set released that included 15" Crossover Tracks. This set was not launched in the UK. The Box artwork is in German but this product may have also been distributed widely across Western Europe.
- Powertrack PT-8000 - This set featured 4 lane racing (Launched 1981)
Set comprised: 1 x Porsche 911, 1 x Triumph TR7, 1 x Fiat Abarth, 1 x VW Scirocco, 16 x 90 degree 9" Curve, 16 x 45 degree Curve 12", 4 x 45 degree 9" Curve, 2 x 9" 6V 4 Lane Track Terminals, 6 x 9" Straight, 4 x 15" Straight, 4 x 6" Straight, . 6V Mains Transformer and 4 x Hand Controllers. 16 Crash Barriers, Sticker Sheet & Bridge supports.
Factoid: The ultimate Powertrack set still fetches good money on E-bay. Although prohibitively expensive for a slot racing set, it undercut Scalextric's 4 lane set by nearly £40. This is the only Powertrack set worldwide that employed 12" outer curves to enable 4 lane corners.
The cars listed are those that appear on the box artwork and are generally proven to be sold with the set. However, Matchbox often replaced at least one car depending on immediate stock levels. The blue Porsche 911, dark blue Fiat Abarth, yellow Escort, red Escort and red & White Scirocco are all known to be substitute cars. The car most often replaced appears to be the Gold Scirocco.
UK RRP in 1981: £79.99.
POWERTRACK PLUS SETS
In 1982, Matchbox unveiled Powertrack Plus in the UK. The cars were operated from 12V and were much faster. A magnet on the underside of the 'gearbox' increased grip to the track and the higher voltage was more tolerant of larger track layouts.
Powertrack Plus sets had upgraded transformers, hand controllers and track terminals which featured different connectors that were not compatable with the 6V systems. Curiously, the 12V terminal had no facility for powering the lap counter though. All other track remained the same stock parts but were repacked with Powertrack Plus branding.
A number of new parts were created for Powertrack Plus. A Chicane 'loop the loop' and 'self supporting' banked curve featured in the PP-9000 set, while crossover tracks and a crossover 'flying jump' were included in the PP-3000.
Aside from magnets the cars also had wider pickups on the underside. They also had torquier motors and a different pinion gear and crown wheel. Essentially, every Powertrack Plus car was a revamped Powertrack car body shell with the new Chassis.
It is worth noting however that the 'Super Boss' and 'Bandag Bandit' were only ever launched in the UK in 12V form.
- Powertrack PP-2000
Set comprised: 1 x Jaguar XJ Series, 1 x BMW 320i, 6 x 90 degree 9" Curve, 1 x 9" 12V Track Terminal, 1 x 9" Straight, 2 x 15" Straight. 12V Mains Transformer and 2 x Hand Controllers. 6 Crash Barriers, Sticker Sheet & Bridge supports.
Factoid: Introduction to 12V racing. RRP in 1982: £24.99.
- Powertrack PP-3000
Set comprised: 1 x Renault Elf, 1 x Porsche 936, 10 x 90 degree 9" Curve, 1 x 9" 12V Track Terminal, 1 x 6" Straight, 1 x 24" Flying Jump, 1 x 9" Crossover. 12V Mains Transformer and 2 x Hand Controllers. 8 Crash Barriers, Sticker Sheet & Bridge supports.
Factoid: The only UK set to include the 9" Crossover track. The black & white markings on the Flying Jump and Crossover track were spray painted on and not stickers. RRP in 1982: £34.99.
- Powertrack PP-4000
No official details uncovered so far. However, it is referenced in the Powertrack Plus Instruction Manual of 1982. This is likely to have been a Race & Chase set with the Police car and most likely the Silver Chevrolet Corvette (in lieu of the Corvette Stingray). The basis for this comes from the Catalogue number assigned to these cars relative to the other Powertrack Plus cars. Tantalisingly, the track layout may well have been based on the US Copter Chase set, introducing both the Cross Road and Turn Off tracks to the UK. Those items were first referenced in the UK at the same time.
Factoid: There are 2 versions of the 12V Hand controller. One has a Race & Chase style button to reverse the current direction, the other has no such button. Evidence indeed that Matchbox were well under way with launching this set.
It is possible this set was due for release just when Matchbox 'hit the wall' - any further information welcome.
- Powertrack PP-9000
Set comprised: 1 x Triumph TR7, 1 x Porsche 911, 8 x 90 degree 9" Curve, 1 x 9" 12V Track Terminal, 4 x Straight 9", 1 x Straight 6", 1 x 15" Loop the Loop, 4 x 45 Degree Bank Curve 9", 4 x Straight 15", 12V Mains Transformer and 2 x Hand Controllers. 8 Crash Barriers, Sticker Sheet & Bridge supports.
Factoid: The only UK set to include the Loop. The Loop was painted red on the exterior. The loop was also a chicane and was a very cool addition to the range. The Banked Curve supplied with this set was a 'Self Supporting' type made of 4 x 45 degree sections. It did not need the sculptured entry & exit tracks or additional support of PT-208. RRP in 1982: £59.99.
(This contributor had this set in 1982 and it rocked!)
SPEEDTRACK SETS
Released in the USA at virtually the same time as Powertrack in UK. All these items were 6 Volt and curiously did not feature the stunning box art work of the European products. They also did not include the vac-formed plastic liner to house all the parts. Instead, parts were bagged and packaged loose in similar size cartons. However, in terms of content they were excellent value for money - possibly because of the competition from rival H0/00 sets from AFX & Tyco.
In the US, the following Speedtrack sets were available from 1978:
- Grand Prix 150
- Monza 200 (Set No 14-3621)
- Le Mans 300
- International 1000
- Hulks Race
- Spiderman Race & Chase
- Copter Chase
- Race & Chase
By 1981, the name 'Speedtrack' has been dropped in favour of 'Powertrack'. The following sets had been added for the US that were similar to UK 'Powertrack Plus' sets but lacked the 12V system. Curiously, though cars were provided with slim (6v) pick ups they incorporated the magnets and gearboxes of UK 12V Cars. This 'hybrid' was denoted as a 'Positraction' car and advertised as compatible with other H0/00 slot racing systems, most notably 'AFX' & 'Tyco'.
There are inconsistencies with this information, not least because to date no US magnet car has appeared on E-bay and the ubiquitious Porsche 911 & VW Scirocco supplied in 3 of the sets have not surfaced either. It is possible that Matchbox cut back its operations in the US and just supplied the Slipstream, Tyrone Daredevil and Race 'N' Chase sets, the cars supplied all being non Positraction cars.
The cars supplied with these sets were catalogued at the same time as 'Positraction' cars but have all surfaced on E-bay. The firm conclusion is Matchbox never got round to introducing 'Positraction' to the US.
- Slipstream Racing
- Tyrone Malone's Daredevil Race N Chase (13.5 Ft of Track)
- Jump Cross Championship
- Pro 8 Challenge
- World Class Racing
File:World Class Racing 2.jpeg
Did this set ever get past the pre-production photo? None have been unearthed on E-bay. Interestingly, the PP-9000 was launched 1 year later in the UK and featured an extended version of this layout. Is this evidence that Matchbox had begun reducing their US involvement during 1981/82?
Race 'N' Chase Sets
- Race and Chase - This set featured a Bandit car and an American police car. The unique feature of this set was that the cars could u-turn and jump using a tilting bridge. Cars could u-turn and jump.
- Race and Chase - This set featured American Racing trucks and featured Tyrone Malone on the box.The unique feature of this set was that the cars could u-turn and jump using a tilting bridge. This did not appear until 1981
- Copter Chase - This set incorporated both the 'Flat Intersection' and the LH & RH Switch track sections. The only set to do so worldwide. It featured the regular US cop car chasing a Black Chevy van and a Helicopter, which ran along on a conventional chassis disguised as a black plinth. The contents of this set are so unique and quite rare that it may command a premium over every other Powertrack/Powertrack Plus & Speedtrack set.
- Spiderman Race and Chase - This set featured 12.5 feet of track a Spiderman car and a Black Villain van. Released in 1979 it was one of only 2 sets to ever feature the Cross road section.
- Hulk's Race - This was a basic set featuring a cardboard city scape and a 6V battery box. It featured the Incredible Hulk's van and Escort vehicles.
Powertrack Cars
| Car | Paintjob | Part No | Voltage | lights | Magnet | Number on Car | Featured in Sets | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 Ferrari | Red Goodyear Modelled on a car driven by Clay Reggazoni in 1976) | PT-101 | 6V | No | No | 2 | PT-1000 (UK) | File:F1 Ferrari Speedtrack.JPG |
| F1 McLaren | Red Marlboro Modelled on a car driven by James Hunt in 1977) | PT-102 | 6V | No | No | 1 | PT-1000 (UK) | File:F1 McLaren Speedtrack.JPG |
| Porsche 911 | Green with Valiant and Kremer livery: Gold and orange flashes. | PT-103 | 6V | Yes | No | 5 | PT-2000 Monza (UK) PT-8000 (UK) | File:Green Porsche Speedtrack.JPG |
| Chevrolet Corvette | White with red and blue stripes flashes | PT-114 | 6V | Yes | No | 4 | PT-2000 Monza (UK) | File:White Corvette Speedtrack.JPG |
| BMW 3.0CSL | Orange Jagermeister Livery | PT-105 | 6V | Yes | No | 54 | PT-3000 (UK) & PT5000 (UK) | File:BMW 54 Speedtrack.JPG |
| Jaguar XJ Series II | White with blue and red stripes (Part of British Leyland cars) | PT-106 | 6V | Yes | No | 1 | PT-3000 (UK) | File:White Jaguar Speedtrack.JPG |
| Porsche 936 | White with Martini and a Black helmeted driver | PT-108 | 6V | Yes | No | 20 | PT-4000 Le Mans (UK) | 
|
| Renault Alpine Number 5 | Yellow with black stripe, number 5 WITHOUT AIRBOX | PT-107 | 6V | Yes | No | 5 | PT-4000 Le Mans (UK) | 
|
| Renault Alpine Number 11 | Yellow with black stripe, number 11 | N/A | 6V | Yes | No | 11 | PT-4000 (UK & Europe) | 
|
| Chevrolet Corvette Stingray | White with Yellow stripes | PT-114 | 6V | Yes | No | No | Race & Chase PT-6000 (UK) | File:Yellow White Corvette Speedtrack.JPG |
| Police Car Chevrolet | Blue & White - Police on sides and boot/trunk | PT-113 | 6V | Roof Light | No | N/A | Race & Chase PT-6000 (UK) | File:Police USA Speedtrack.JPG |
| Fiat Abarth 131 | Light Blue with yellow roof and yellow wheel arches | PT-112 | 6V | Yes | No | 23 | PT-8000 (UK) | File:Lt Blue Fiat Speedtrack.JPG |
| Fiat Abarth 131 | Dark Blue | PT-112 | 6V | Yes | No | 23 | Some PT-8000 | File:Dk Blue Fiat Speedtrack.JPG |
| Triumph TR7 | Silver with red quarter light and bumpers Triumph logo on bonnet | PT-111 | 6V | Yes | No | 50 | PT-8000 (UK) | File:Grey TR7 Speedtrack.JPG |
| Triumph TR7 | Silver with Black quarter light and bumpers | PT-111 | 6V | Yes | No | 50 | PT-5000 (UK) | File:TR7.jpeg |
| VW Scirocco | Gold | PT-110 | 6V | Yes | No | 43 | PT-8000 (UK) | File:Gold VW Speedtrack.JPG |
| VW Scirocco | Red & White | PT-110 | 6V | Yes | No | 22 | Some PT-8000 (UK) | File:White VW Speedtrack.JPG |
| Ford Escort MK II | Red and black striping around side | PT-109 | 6V | Yes | No | 8 | Some PT-5000, PT-6000 & PT-8000 | File:Red Escort Speedtrack.JPG |
| Ford Escort MK II | Yellow | PT-109 | 6V | Yes | No | 12 | Some PT-8000 | File:Yellow Ford Escort Speedtrack.JPG |
| Porsche 911 | Gulf blue with red stripe down middle of car | PT-103 | 6V | Yes | No | 5 | Some PT-8000 (UK) | File:Blue Porsche Speedtrack.JPG |
| Saab 900 | Green with Blue and Red Lighting marks on bonnet and wings | PT-116 | 6V | Yes | No | 3 | No Set Recorded | File:Green Saab Speedtrack.JPG |
Powertrack Plus Cars
| Car | Paintjob | Part No | Voltage | lights | Magnet | Number on Car | Featured in Sets | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche 911 | Red with adverts for ESSO on roof and bonnet (hood) and Michelin on wheel arches, Kremer on Spoiler | PP-131 | 12V | Yes | Yes | 45 | PP-9000 (UK) | 
|
| Triumph TR7 | Green with black stripes through middle of car | PP-132 | 12V | Yes | Yes | 7 | PP-9000 (UK) | 
|
| Police Car Chevrolet | Dark Blue and White - Police stickers on sides and front hood | PP-133 | 12V | Roof Light | Yes | N/A | Probably PP-4000 but no evidence as yet. | 
|
| Corvette | Silver with red and blue stripes along sides and through middle of car | PP-134 | 12V | Yes | Yes | 6 | Probably PP-4000 but no evidence as yet. | 
|
| BMW 320i | Cream with red and black stripes | PP-135 | 12V | Yes | Yes | 8 | PP-2000 (UK) | File:BMW 8 Speedtrack.JPG |
| Jaguar XJ Series II | Blue with Yellow, orange and black stripes, on wings and boot. | PP-136 | 12V | Yes | Yes | 95 | PP-2000 (UK) | File:Blue Jaguar Speedtrack.JPG |
| Renault Alpine | Yellow with ELF livery, red stripe | PP-137 | 12V | Yes | Yes | 4 | PP-3000 (UK) | 
|
| Porsche 936 | White with BP livery red helmeted driver | PP-138 | 12V | Yes | Yes | 71 | PP-3000 (UK) | 
|
| Saab 900 | Red with Black and White Stripes - zig zags on front hood, roof, and trunk; Blue and Black Checker on sides; Number 138 on sides and front hood | PP-139 | 12V | Yes | Yes | 138 | No Set Recorded | File:Saab900.JPG |
| VW Scirocco | Yellow with pink and brown stripes, number 3 | PP-140 | 12V | Yes | Yes | 3 | No Set Recorded | 
|
| Chevrolet Corvette Stingray | Red with Yellow Stripes | PP-141 | 12V | Yes | Yes | 2 | No Set catalogued | 
|
| Fiat Abarth 131 | White with Red & Blue Top & Side Striping | PP-142 | 12V | Yes | No | 05 | No Set Recorded | File:Fiat Abarth.JPG |
| Ford Escort MK II | Gold | PP-143 | 12V | Yes | Yes | 12 | No Set Recorded | 
|
| SuperBoss Truck | White with red and blue stripes along side | PP-158 (UK) | 12V | No | Yes | None | No Set Recorded | 
|
| Bandag Bandit Truck | Black with yellow and blue stripes along side | PP-159 | 12V | No | Yes | None | No Set Recorded | 
|
Speedtrack Cars
| Car | Paintjob | Part No | Voltage | lights | Magnet | Number on Car | Featured in Sets | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 320i | Orange Jagermeister Livery (With dorsal fin on roof) | 14-37-41 | 6V | Yes | No | 54 | Slipstream | File:BMW 54 Speedtrack.JPG |
| Funny Car AKA 'Catch Me' | White and Yellow with 'Catch-me' on side & rear of car | 14-34-42 (US Dealer Catalogue) | 6V | Yes | No | Not Numbered | Race & Chase 6000 (US) | 
|
| Chevrolet Corvette | White with red and blue stripes flashes; 4 is in US style Spangles | 14-37-27 | 6V | Yes | No | 4 | Le Mans 300 (US) International 1000 (US) |
File:Corvette.jpeg |
| F1 Ferrari | Red Goodyear Modelled on a car driven by Clay Reggazoni in 1976) | 14-37-43 | 6V | No | No | 2 | Grand Prix 150 (US) International 1000 (US) |
File:F1 Ferrari Speedtrack.JPG |
| F1 Texaco Number 9 | Red and White, Texaco on rear wing, Number 9 | 14-37-30 | 6V | No | No | 9 | No Set Recorded | 
|
| F1 Goodyear (McLaren) | Light Blue and Yellow; Goodyear on rear wing, Number 33 | 14-37-44 | 6V | No | No | 33 | Grand Prix 150 (US) International 1000 (US) |
|
| Elf Number 2 | Dark blue and white, Elf on rear wing, Number 2 | 14-37-29 | 6V | No | No | 2 | No Set Recorded | 
|
| Ford Escort MK II | Red | 14-37-49 | 6V | Yes | No | 4 | Hulk's Race (US) | File:Escort4.jpeg |
| Ford Escort MK II | Yellow | 16-66-01 | 6V | Yes | No | 12 | No Set Recorded | File:Yellow Ford Escort Speedtrack.JPG |
| Police Helicopter | White & Red With 'Police' written on side | N/A - See text | 6V | No | No | N/A | Copter Chase | 
|
| Hulk Van | Lime Green with the Hulk writing and figure on side | 14-37-50 (US Dealer Catalogue) | 6V | No | No | No | Hulks Race (US) | 
|
| Jaguar XJ Series II | Yellow with black and white stripes (With dorsal fin on roof) | 16-62-01 | 6V | Yes | No | 1 | Slipstream | 
|
| Pinto "Sportsman" | Dark Blue with STP/Ford logos on bonnet | 14-37-25 (US Dealer Catalogue) | 6V | No | No | 2 | Appears on Box artwork of Grand Prix 150 (US) | File:Blue Pinto Speedtrack.JPG |
| Gremlin "Sportsman" | Yellow (Simlar build to Pinto above) | 14-37-26 (US Dealer Catalogue) | 6V | No | No | 4 | Appears on Box artwork of Grand Prix 150 (US) | 
|
| Police Car Chevrolet | Blue & White - Police on sides and boot/trunk | 14-37-48 | 6V | Roof Light | No | N/A | Race & Chase 6000 (US) Copter Chase (US) |
File:Police USA Speedtrack.JPG |
| Porsche 911 | Gulf blue with red stripe down middle of car | 14-37-28 | 6V | Yes | No | 5 | Le Mans 300 (US) International 1000 (US) Monza 200 (US) |
File:Blue Porsche Speedtrack.JPG |
| Renault Alpine Number 5 | Yellow with black stripe, number 5 WITH AIRBOX | 14-37-45 | 6V | Yes | No | 5 | T.B.A | File:Alpine.jpeg |
| Spiderman car | Red with a little seated spiderman figure | 14-37-51 | 6V | No | No | No | Race & Chase Spiderman set (US) | 
|
| Spiderman car | Blue with a little seated spiderman figure | 14-37-51 | 6V | No | No | No | Race & Chase Spiderman set (US) | File:Bluespider.jpeg |
| SuperBoss Truck | White with red and blue stripes along side | 14-37-01 US | 6V | No | No | None | SpeedTrack Tyrone Malone Dare Devil Diesel Race & Chase set (US) |
|
| Bandag Bandit Truck | Black with yellow and blue stripes along side | 16-64-01 | 6V | No | No | None | SpeedTrack Tyrone Malone Dare Devil Diesel Race & Chase set (US) |
|
| Triumph TR7 | Silver with silver quarter light and bumpers No.20 on bonnet | 14-37-53 | 6V | Yes | No | 20 | No Set Recorded | File:TR720.jpeg |
| Villain Van | Black with Villain in white captial letters on side. | N/A | 6V | No | No | N/A | Spiderman Race & Chase (US) Copter Chase (US) | 
|
| VW Scirocco | Red & White | PT-110 | 6V | Yes | No | 22 | No Set Recorded | File:White VW Speedtrack.JPG |
Positraction Cars
| Car | Paintjob | Part No | Voltage | lights | Magnet | Number on Car | Featured in Sets | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3.0CSL | Silver with blue & red striping and 'Powertrack' on rear wing | 16-37-01 | 6V | Yes | Yes | 21 | No Set Recorded | File:BMWS.jpeg |
| Jaguar XJ Series II | White & Dark Green; Mid Green British Leyland & Logo | 16-38-01 | 6V | Yes | Yes | 3 | No Set Recorded | File:JAG.jpeg |
| Porsche 911 | Metallic Silver with Metallic red stripe down middle of car | 16-39-01 | 6V | Yes | Yes | 5 | Jump Cross Championship (US) World Class Racing (US) | File:P911.jpeg |
| Saab 900 | Red with White Arrow On Bonnet and White Rear; Number 8 on sides and roof. | 16-36-01 | 6V | Yes | No | 8 | No Set Recorded | File:SaabT.jpeg |
| VW Scirocco | White with Red & Blue Diagonal Striping | 16-40-01 | 6V | Yes | Yes | 66 | World Class Racing (US), Pro-8 Challenge (US), Jump Cross Championship (US) | File:Sci.jpeg |
Track (Powertrack)
| Part number | Description | Sets used on | Length | Country of origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT-203 or 14-52-22 | Straight Terminal point (for 2 cars) | Powertrack , Circuit Electrique , TurboRennen | 9" or 22.9cm | |
| PT-255 | Straight Terminal point R & C (for 2 cars) | Powertrack , Circuit Electrique , TurboRennen | 9" or 22.9cm | |
| 14-3722 | Straight Terminal point (for 2 cars) | Power Track , Circuit Electrique , TurboRennen | 6" | USA |
| 14-3720 | Straight Terminal point (for 2 cars) | Power Track , Circuit Electrique , TurboRennen | 9" or 22.9cm | USA |
| PT-206 & 14-52-45 | Straight | Power Track , Circuit Electrique , TurboRennen | 15" | |
| PT 202 | Curve 90 Degree | Powertrack , Circuit Electrique , TurboRennen | 9" or 22.9cm | Hong Kong |
| PT-208 | Curve Banked | Power Track , Circuit Electrique , TurboRennen | 9" | |
| PT-205 | Corner 45 Degree | Power Track , Circuit Electrique , TurboRennen | 9" | Hong Kong |
| PT 204 | Straight 6" | Powertrack , Circuit Electrique , TurboRennen | 6" | Hong Kong |
| PT 256 | Bridge Supports | Powertrack , Circuit Electrique , TurboRennen | N/A | Hong Kong |
| PT 211 | Apron & End pieces | Powertrack , Circuit Electrique , TurboRennen | 9" | Hong Kong |
| PT 302-309 | Mains Transformer 6V | Powertrack , Circuit Electrique , TurboRennen | Hong Kong | |
| PT 251/2 | Throttle (R&C: Red/Blue) | Powertrack , Circuit Electrique , TurboRennen | 6" | Hong Kong |
| PT 210 | Tip Bridge 9" | Powertrack , Circuit Electrique , TurboRennen | 9" | Hong Kong |
| Crossroad | Power Track , Circuit Electrique , TurboRennen |
Track (Powertrack Plus)
| Part number | Description | Sets used on | Length | Country of origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PP-201 | Straight x 2 | All | 9" | Hong Kong |
| PP-204 | Straight x 2 | All | 6" | Hong Kong |
| PP-206 | Straight x 2 | All | 15" | Hong Kong |
| PP-205 | 45 Degree Curve | No Powertrack Plus Set Recorded | 6" | Hong Kong |
| PP-208 | Curve Banked | PP-9000 | 9" | Hong Kong |
| PP-202 | Corner 90 Degree with Barrier x 2 | All | 9" | Hong Kong |
| PP-212 | Crossroad | No Powertrack Plus Set Recorded | 15" | Hong Kong |
| PP-214 | 45 Degree Curve x 2 | No Powertrack Plus Set Recorded | 9" | Hong Kong |
| PP-213 | Cross Over Track x 2 | PP-3000 | 15" | Hong Kong |
| PP-216 | RH & LH Turn-offs | No Powertrack Plus Set Recorded | 15" | Hong Kong |
| PP-217 | Cross Over 'Flying Jump' | PP-3000 | 24" | Hong Kong |
| PP-210 | Tip Bridge | PP-4000(?) | 9" | Hong Kong |
| PP-218 | Loop the Loop | PP-9000 | 15" | Hong Kong |
| PP-211 | Apron & Ends | PP-4000(?) | For PP-202 | Hong Kong |
| PP-207 | Bridge Supports | All | N/A | Hong Kong |
| PP-228 | Sticker Set | N/A | N/A | Hong Kong |
| PP-229 | Service Pack | N/A | N/A | Hong Kong |
Crash Barrier Advertising
Along the side of the track crash barriers were fitted which featured the following company's logos.
PowerTrack Accessories
- Lapcounter Part number PT-221
- Service Kit
- Grandstand Battery Box
Lane Changer
Lanechanger Sets
- Lane Changer LC 1000 - This set featured cars which could switch lanes at a press of a button on the Controller. (13ft)
- Lane Changer LC 2000 - 25ft of track and 3 Chicanes
- Lane Changer LC 4000 - RPS
Lanechanger Cars
| Car | Colours | Part No | Voltage | Number on Car | Image | Country Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M1 | Red bonnet White doors and roof Blue tail | LC-106 | 90 | File:BMWM1.jpeg | France | |
| Ford Capri | Red With white stripes on roor and Goodyear logo on spoiler | LC-105 | 66 | File:LC1052.jpeg | France, UK | |
| Martini Porsche | White with red and blue stripes along middle of car | LC-104 | 2 | File:LC104.jpeg | ||
| Porsche 935 | Blue Bonnet yellow rear with porsche on spolier | LC-104 | 15 | File:LC104b.jpeg | ||
| Kremer Porsche 935 | Green with Orange roof | LC-101 | 3 | File:GOP.jpeg | ||
| Monza | Blue with yellow wings (yellow stripe down center of bonnet) | LC-102 | 11 | File:Yellow Monza.jpeg | ||
| Monza GT | White with red roof, red stripes down wings | LC-103 | 1 | File:LC102.jpeg | ||
| Super Monza | Yellow with black chevrons down wings | LC-102 | 12 | File:LC102b.jpeg | ||
| Porsche | Red with black chequered flag on spoiler |
Lane Changer Track and Track accessories
| Part number | Description | Sets used on | Length | Country Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC-202 | 90 Degree curve | Lanechanger | ||
| LC-206 | Straight | Lanechanger | ||
| LC-209 | Chicane | Lanechanger |
Powersupply Specification Powertrack
- Part Number 22894 D.C Output 6V 0.7amps 4.2VA (United Kingdom)
Track supports Powertrack
Track supports where included with the sets to allow elvated sections of track thus also enabling cars to pass underneath. These connectors could be place together to make the track as high or low as you so desired, typically these pieces where utilised to make an figure of eight circuit.
- Colours Available - Grey - Yellow
Trivia
Powertrack is branded under different names depending on country
Powertrack conformed to the HO Scale of slot cars (1:64)
The instructions supplied with the sets featured cartoon like cars examples.
- To represent a car overheating - A cartoon car sweating with its tongue hanging out.
The Porsche Turbo
Matchbox produced a Porsche 911 Turbo for their Powertrack and Speedtrack range at launch. The 911 was (and still is) considered de rigeur for slot racing as it is ubiquitious on racing circuits all over the world.
The first Turbo (Mark 1, below) was loosely modelled on the Group 4 930 type. It had wide front wheel arches and 'whale tail' rear wing. In the UK, this was the Green Kremer Powertrack car which was identical to the US light blue/orange car.
However, despite its popularity it was an inferior moulding and short on 'wow' factor. Curiously, it is the only Powertrack/Speedtrack car to have a front axle with spacer bushes on it. This suggests it was a very early Matchbox prototype that could just about pass for production.
File:Gulf Porsche.jpeg File:Green Porsche Speedtrack.JPG
When Lanechanger was launched in 1979 Matchbox produced the 935 'Flat nosed' Porsche and this bodyshell was superior in every way to the Powertrack/Speedtrack offering. Matchbox increased its desirability by incorporating the Martini striping of the Works cars from the mid-Seventies.
Intriguingly, when Powertrack Plus was launched in the UK in 1982, the instruction manual included a range of cars 'facelifted' for the new 12V system. Among these was a 'Mark 1' Porsche bodyshell repainted in red to include the new Kremer/Esso Decals (Below).
However, what Matchbox actually produced was a brand new Porsche bodyshell (Mark 2). This was a different mould to the Mark 1 and altogether a superior product.
Collectors will no doubt be seeking the Mark 1 with Esso/Kremer Decals as photographed in the 1981/2 manual. A rare car indeed...
Coming soon...
The Crossroad/Intersection...
Tyrone Malone's Super Boss...
PP-8000....
Lanechanger RPS...
Pre-Production Cars