Focal Point By Steve Butler November 2025

This Unusual Red tin racer is trimmed in black with the numeral 8 on each side. The lithographed details include a windshield just in front of the open cockpit. It is canted to the right indicating that the toy likely represents a circle track racer as on tracks that run clockwise. Maker identification on both outsides of the cockpit identify the maker as Vebe of Paris France.

The racer’s body measures 7.2 inches. It is powered by a spring loaded mechanism that is as unusual as it is difficult to describe. Protruding through the back of the driver’s seat and extending from the opening at the rear is a thin T-shaped piece of steel. There is a cutout centered through the base of the T. A steel rod extends from each side of the race car body as well as through the aforementioned cutout. Grasping the steel rod one finger at each side and simultaneously pressing in the top of the T compresses the spring that powers the motor. When the thumb and fingers are released, the spring and gearing will make it run. In addition, there is a notch at the rear of the T base just ahead of the top of the T. That notch can be engaged prior to releasing the thumb and fingers to retain the spring loading.

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