Shop
  • Deals
  • Deal checker
  • Black Friday
  • Buying guides
  • Brands
  • Stores
Travel
  • Flight deals
  • Hotel deals
Company
  • Research
  • Press
  • deal.ai apps
Black Friday 2026
  • Walmart
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • TVs
  • Laptops
  • Headphones
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • Vacuums
  • Kitchen
  • Toys
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
© Deal.ai Inc.
TermsPrivacy
Deal.ai › Compare

Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Bill Shepherd vs Scalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car

Both are 1:32 Scalextric cars with Magnatraction and working lights, so the choice comes down to the car you want on the track. The Cobra 289 is a classic GT with a detailed green Bill Shepherd livery, front and rear lights and an easy-change guide blade, and it suits collectors and historic-racing fans. The McLaren 720S is a modern supercar with a high-impact body and a sidewinder motor pod, which gives it a sturdier, more planted feel for regular racing. Owners of both praise the detail and the strong magnets; the McLaren is the more forgiving car to run hard.

  • Choose the Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 if you want a classic Goodwood GT with a famous green livery and full front and rear lights.
  • Choose the Scalextric McLaren 720S if you want a modern supercar with a tough high-impact body and a sidewinder motor pod for regular racing.

Prices

  • Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Bill Shepherd: $49.95 at Nitro Hobbies (last seen Nov 9)
  • Scalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car: $33.99 at Carrera Slots (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Scalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car is $15.96 cheaper than the Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Bill Shepherd at the latest prices (Nov 9)
Scalextric
Scalextric 1963 AC Shelby Cobra 289 Bill Shepherd #47 COB289 1:32 Slot Race Car C4338

Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Bill Shepherd

Scalextric 1963 AC Shelby Cobra 289 Bill Shepherd #47 COB289 1:32 Slot Race Car C4338

$49.95at Nitro HobbiesChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit Nitro Hobbies
Pros
  • Detailed classic GT body with a well-known racing livery
  • Working front and rear lights
  • Magnatraction keeps it planted in corners
  • Easy-change guide blade for quick fixes
  • Compatible with ARC AIR and ARC ONE out of the box
Cons
  • Needs a digital chip for ARC PRO digital racing
  • Smaller and lighter, so it can feel skittish when pushed
  • Plastic body is less tough than a high-impact shell
Scalextric
Scalextric McLaren 720S Glacier White 1/32 Slot Car

Scalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car

Scalextric McLaren 720S Glacier White 1/32 Slot Car

4.2(6 ratings)
$33.99at Carrera SlotsChecked 23 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Carrera Slots
Pros
  • High-impact body takes knocks better
  • Sidewinder motor pod layout
  • Xenon-effect headlights and working rear lights
  • Larger, heavier car that feels planted
  • Modern supercar shape stands out on the track
Cons
  • Magnatraction not listed
  • No easy-change guide blade listed
  • Digital compatibility not stated

What separates them

Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Bill ShepherdScalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car
Era and style1963 AC Shelby Cobra 289, classic GT racerMcLaren 720S, modern supercar
Body constructionPlastic body, high detailHigh-impact body with sidewinder motor pod
LightingWorking front and rear lightsWorking rear lights and xenon-effect headlights
MagnatractionYesNot listed
Guide bladeEasy-change guide bladeNot listed
Digital upgradeARC AIR/ARC ONE compatible; ARC PRO needs a digital chipNot listed
LiveryGreen Bill Shepherd #47, Goodwood 2020Glacier white
Size and weightAbout 17 cm long, 0.1 kgAbout 25 cm long, 0.27 kg

Price history

  • Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Bill Shepherd: lowest $44.99 on Nov 10 at ProTinkerToys.com.
  • Scalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car: lowest $33.99 on Nov 10 at Carrera Slots.

Prices at every store

Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Bill Shepherd

  • Amanda’s HobbiesNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $39.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit Amanda’s Hobbies
  • Nitro HobbiesNew

    In stock

    $49.95Checked Nov 9
    Visit Nitro Hobbies
  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by gonitrohobbies

    $54.95Checked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • Diesel's DiecastNew

    In stock

    $64.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit Diesel's Diecast

Also available at

  • Amanda’s HobbiesCheck price at Amanda’s Hobbies
  • LionHeart HobbyCheck price at LionHeart Hobby

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 7 stores and price history →

Scalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car

  • Carrera SlotsNew

    Availability unknown

    $33.99Checked 23 h ago
    Visit Carrera Slots
  • Great TraditionsNew

    Out of stock

    $39.99Checked 23 h ago
    Visit Great Traditions
  • RC SuperstoreNew

    Out of stock

    $39.99Checked 23 h ago
    Visit RC Superstore
All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecScalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Bill ShepherdScalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car
Vehicle TypeCar—
Scale1:32—
Power sourceCorded Electric—
Operation modeElectric—
MaterialPlastic—
ColourGreen—
Age rangeAdult—
Special featuresWorking Headlights—
Working lightsyes—
Magnatractionyes—
Pieces in box1—
Age Suitability5+—
Show all 36 specsShow fewer specs
SpecScalextric Shelby Cobra 289 Bill ShepherdScalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car
Gauge Size—1/32
Gauge Type—Slot Car
Scale Size—1/32
Scale Type—Scale model
Theme Type—Race cars
Vehicle Theme—Cars
Product Type—Model Car
Product Subtype—Race Car
Product Vehicle Type—Car
Product Category

What reviewers say

Scalextric McLaren 720S Slot Car

Owners of Scalextric supercar models generally praise the sturdy bodies and the lighting detail, and treat them as good club and home racers once the pod is set up. The main complaints are setup fiddliness and the extra care the lights and finish need.

What people mention
  • BuildPraisedOwners say the high-impact body holds up well to crashes and repeated racing.
  • LightingPraisedThe working rear lights and xenon-effect headlights are called out as a nice touch on the track.
  • SetupMixedRacers report the sidewinder pod runs well once tuned but needs tinkering to get there.
  • DurabilityMixedThe body is tough, but paint and decals show scuffs after hard use.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a beginner?
The McLaren 720S. Its high-impact body and heavier build survive knocks better, and the sidewinder pod gives a stable, predictable drive. The Cobra is fine too, but its lighter plastic body and classic shape are less forgiving.
Which has better lights?
Both have working lights. The Cobra has front and rear lights. The McLaren has working rear lights plus xenon-effect headlights, so it looks brighter head-on.
Can I run either on a digital layout?
The Cobra is listed as ARC AIR and ARC ONE compatible and needs a digital chip for ARC PRO. Digital compatibility is not stated for the McLaren, so check before buying if you run digital.
Which lasts longer?
The McLaren's high-impact body should shrug off crashes better. The Cobra's easy-change guide blade is a plus for repairs. Both are durable Scalextric cars that last with normal care.
Is the Cobra worth stepping up to over the McLaren?
Only if you want the classic Goodwood car and its livery. For pure racing durability the McLaren is the safer pick. For collectors and historic-racing fans the Cobra is the more special car.
Which is better for kids?
The McLaren, because of its tougher body. The Cobra is listed for ages 5 and up but its finer detail and lights suit older racers and collectors more.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

More comparisons

  • Scalextric 1963 AC Shelby Cobra 289 Bill Shepherd #47 COB289 1:32 Slot Race Car C4338 vs Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 1:32 Slot Car
  • Scalextric Shelby Cobra 289 1:32 Slot Car vs Scalextric McLaren 720S Glacier White 1/32 Slot Car

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best Scalextric 1:32 slot cars
  • Best analog Scalextric 1:32 slot cars
—
Toy car
Construction Material—high impact body
Material Type—sidewinder motor pod, high impact body
Body Material—high impact body
Color—glacier white
Style—Mclaren 720S
Length—25.4 cm
Assembled Length—25.4 cm
Assembled Height—15.2 cm
Assembled Width—10.2 cm
Height—15.2 cm
Weight—0.27 kg
Width—10.2 cm
Durability Material—high impact body
Lighting Features—Working Rear Lights, Xenon Effect Headlights