Statements on other posts here at HRW have already made it clear Scalextric has no plans to offer these cars as true replicas of NASCAR's from the 80's. Everyone seems to love cheaper cars, which we have now compared to a few years ago when most of the Scalextric cars I bought cost $49.99 - $54.99. An aspect of that is less $ for manufactures to spend on licencing fees and related costs.
From my perspective the Monte Carlo's in the set released in the fall are fantasy interpretations of iconic cars driven by Dale Earnhardt. Close enough to tug on race fans' heart strings, but not so close there could be a lawsuit.
With either the fantasy liveries or the white kits racers can create their own replicas as they choose. Reviews on HRW show how to strip painted bodies and there are plenty of car model videos on painting and detailing. The needed decals probably already exist or will be widely available soon. I'd love to see some of our slot entrepreneurs offer kits that include tuning parts, decals, and even paint to match some popular liveries for the Montes and Thunderbird.
Beyond that, is anyone among us inspired enough to do this as a cottage industry? I'd buy a white kit for $40, send it to them, and for another $50-$60 get back a beautiful replica of the #9 Melling car Bill Elliot drove. Sort of do what Carroll Shelby did to turn a factory Mustang into a GT350 or GT500.
I really wanted/needed a Shadow DN4 for my Can-Am series and none were available in 1/32 scale, so when CG Slotcars released a 3D version I paid $147 to get it with 2 pairs of PG tires from SCC. What would you be willing to pay for a Monte Carlo or Thunderbird redone as your favorite NASCAR livery from this era?