Frankly, I could have fun with that as a full grown adult in 2026!
Ad above was a Tyco set. The first commercial slot cars were sold by Lionel in 1912,
In the 50's and 60's, slot car racing arcades were popular, where people would go to race or watch others race. They still exist today of course, just not in the same popularity and prominence as then.
Vintage track. Also, a greater than average number of ceiling tetrahedrons.
Group of 1960's ladies having a blast,
8-way track,
Mine were, but I think we got it in 83, so my folks might have gotten it on discount or used. They were also both working, and my dad was in tech (back in the punchcard days), so while we weren't rich, we weren't struggling. Note it was for two kids, and was a big gift (I think the only other thing we got that year was socks). To put it more in context in today's money, it would be more like spending $100 a kid on one big xmas gift for the two of them.
Plus, this was before video games. This shit was HOT back then. The only thing you could get that was cooler was Star Wars figures, and those didn't GO. This was like getting a PS5 for Christmas for me and my bro.