A slot car is a powered miniature vehicle, often automobile, that is guided by a groove or slot in the track. It is run using a hand-held controller that regulates low-voltage electric motor hidden within the car. A slot car is usually a model of an actual automobile. It can also be created especially for miniature car racing. The three common slot car scales or sizes are 1/24, 1/32, 1/87 and 1/64.

Most enthusiasts purchase slot car kits but modify these to enhance performance. Others motorize still car models. There are some who build their own cars from scratch using commercially available basic parts and materials. Most slot cars are used for slot car racing. Yet some are used in models depicting highway traffic on scenic layouts.