Strombecker Info:
This toy maker from Chicago, Illinois, was the first in the USA to follow the Scalextric’s footsteps. They had been making 1/24 and 1/32, electric-powered scale models, and many had been converted to slot racing use by pioneering enthusiasts. Strombecker entered the slot racing business in 1959. The Dowst Manufacturing Company, makers of the famous Tootsietoy die-cast toy line, acquired Strombeck-Becker in 1961.
Strombecker know-how and experience starts when the rubber meets the road!
In real racing, as in model racing, every element, no matter how small, is important. That's why we pay extra-close attention to the precision parts that go on our model road racers...from the body shells right down to the wheels. Ever since we pioneered the model road racing business with our first complete set back in '59, we've taken our lead from the latest ideas in actual, full-size car components. Take wheels, for example. Stombecker wheels duplicate the wheels on Ferraris, Jaguars, Coopers and other famous racing cars. And as for Competition Wheels--deluxe chrome, mag, dragster--we've got 'em all, and all the caps, nuts, knock-offs and inserts that go with them.
1960: Strombecker introduces hobby realism to racing wheels. Its two-piece, nylon wheels include realistic, see-through, "wire" spokes. That same year Jack Brabbam won the Dutch, Belgian, British and Portuguese Grand Prix for the second straight year.
1961: A one-piece wheel with molded-in spokes is born. More detailing makes it really distinctive. That same year, Art Malone lapped his aerodynamic "Mad Dog IV" around Florida's Daytona International Speedway Track at an average 181.36 mph.
1962: Strombecker wheels get "chrome-plating" strengthened shanks, another step forward in realism. That same year, Rodger Ward, in the same Leader Card Special, won both the "Indianapolis 500" and the "Milwaukee 200".
1963: Strombecker announces new wheel improvements. Improved detailing shows deep spokes and brake drum on both sides. A second retaining rim holds tires better. That same year, Parnelli Jones drove a 1963 Mercury to a winning time of 3:57:37.17 in the "Yankee 300" 2 1/2 mile road race at Clermont, IN.
1964: Centered retaining ridge really boosts performance. This unique wheel design is developed hand-in-hand with Strombecker's new grooved-center tire. That same year, Fred Lorenzen averaged 134.404 mph to take the Charlotte (NC) "National 400" stock car classic in his Ford.