My first Maestro was the yellow one. It was purchased a few years ago in mint boxed condition costing well under the price of the current new cars. Maestros are considered rare by some and although there are a lot being sold all are classed as"collectors" cars at what I considered silly money and well above my price range.

I have since managed to obtain 5 models in various states of repair from a number of sources for a total of £20. From these and a couple of black shells that have previously come my way I have built this small collection.

The black car came with normal Metro type wheels so I don't think that it was one of the factory issues but was one left over from being converted. (See the history below). I obtained the correct Maestro wheels and have built the car as it originally left the factory.

The Slotswap 1999 car was acquired as just a body shell and came from someone who I believe was connected with this event. It now has a F*!d chassis with lights.

The F*!d chassis and driver platform is identical to the Maestro one which means that cars can be rebuilt. Only the windows are a problem..

According to my information the Maestro was never issued with lights. This causes me a problem as the chassis with lights came from the yellow car and I swopped it when I learnt this fact.

All this suggests that none of my collectors cars, even the yellow one with the correct box, are in fact originals.

Its a good job they're not worth a lot or I would be very disappoint.

Short History of the Scalextric Maestro as I understand it

Scalextric introduced the model in 1983

C310 in Metallic Blue with red/yellow stripes and racing no. 4
C332 in Gold with red/black helmet and stripes.

C275 & C276. Scalextric were commissioned to produced 1000 each Red and Black cars for the NSCC in 1991 who sold them as a limited edition model complete with the current version Scalextric box and label. Later 300 each of the Green, White and Yellow body shells only were also produced for the NSCC. These bodies were fitted to chassis taken from the Red and Black cars. (My Yellow car above came in a Red car's box). The spare Red and Black body shells were sold on. The Maestro used the same chassis, part No. L5844, as the F*!d Capri and Escort and so could be rebuilt. (My Black car was one of these and had metro style wheels).

Some of the Black, Green and Yellow bodies were used to promote the Slotswap 27 June 1999 event and have a tampo to this effect on the bonnet. These cars were sold as complete and boxed models at this event. I don't know if there was a limited number issued but my Black shell would suggest that either not all were sold or more were printed than planned to issue.

I also understand that 10 of the unsold White bodied cars were later fitted with police roof signs, police transfers on the door and police drivers heads and released..

I am now more confused than ever. Maestros appear on ebay quite regularly, but with a selling price of about £30 for any of the above mentioned colours they don't seem to be that rare. Or is it that they are as rare as the above would suggest but they are just not collectable?

Is this a rumour? Scalextric produced a run of 5 chrome Maestro’s about 10 years ago. These were, apparently, destined to be give aways to suppliers/dealers etc. however they were stolen from the factory. Any additional information as below please.

If you have any further information on the history please let me know at ufo@(REMOVE)area51b.freeserve.co.uk delete (REMOVE) before using email