I enjoy showing you unusual sets, sets where Carrera has stepped outside its comfort zone to offer its fans something different. I saw this set on Facebook and thought it would be nice to share it with you. After some further research, here’s a presentation of it.
The Carrera Evolution “Light Speed” set (reference 25555) is a very special edition. Released in 2004, this set stands out for its unique visual concept focused on light.
Here’s everything you need to know about this product:
1. The key feature: “Light Speed” cars
The highlight of this set lies in the two included cars, which are limited editions of 4,444 units worldwide and were not sold separately at the time:
- The models: A red Porsche Carrera GT convertible and a blue Aston Martin Vanquish (1:32 scale).
- The design: Unlike classic models with realistic paint jobs, these bodies are injection-molded in a very futuristic, transparent (or tinted) blue plastic. Incidentally, this saves on decoration! It has a translucent, candy-like effect.
- The visual effect: The chassis of each car is chromed and equipped with an internal lighting system. When the cars are moving, the entire body illuminates from within, creating a spectacular effect if you’re playing in low light or complete darkness. This gives an effect somewhere between an X-ray and gelatinous, like seeing inside.
2. Circuit characteristics
The Carrera Evolution system is a flagship analog range from the brand.
- Track scale: 1:24 (meaning the tracks are very wide, perfect for drifting, and allow for both 1:32 and 1:24 scale cars).
- Effect: The track barriers are phosphorescent; the white borders glow in the dark. For this to work really well, the tracks need to be left in the sun (not ideal for the plastic, and it can be difficult to find your way back to the dark in the following moments). A good tip is to buy a black light to charge the paint on the barrier, and this works very well. Combined with light-up cars, this effect is very impressive.
- Track length: It’s worth noting that this track isn’t a simple figure eight like most sets, as it measures 7.70m and even features R2 banked curves.
- Operation: It’s a classic, purely analog system (one car per lane, controlled by its own controller).
- Upgradability: Like all tracks in this range, it can be easily converted to digital later (by purchasing a Carrera Digital 132 upgrade kit) to allow for lane changes and up to 6 players to race simultaneously.
3. Interest for collectors
Today, set 25555 is considered a collector’s item due to the limited production run of only 4,444 sets worldwide. If you own or are looking for this set, its value lies almost entirely in the condition of the two cars (you should check that the clear plastic isn’t cracked and that the internal bulbs/LEDs are still working).
It’s a superb piece of Carrera history from the mid-2000s, offering a visual experience rarely seen in current catalogs.
Conclusion
An unusual set that truly comes into its own at sunset, with its banked curves and illuminated effects. Completely unnecessary for racing purists, but absolutely essential for those who want a race that’s out of the ordinary.
Personally, I love it.