Category Archives: 1:12

Spark Porsche 911 RSR Project 1

By Maz Woolley

Text Copyright of the Author. Photographs/Illustrations from the Maker or Wholesaler.

Spark has recently announced a model of the Porsche 911 RSR 19 which ran as #56 in the 2023 Le Mans Race in the GTE category. The car was run by the German Team Project 1 – AO and was placed 35th.

A factory supported racing team Project 1 Racing has 25 years of motorsport experience. They joined the FIA WEC from 2018 and won the Le Mans GTE Am category that same year. The following years were equally successful: the team celebrated the first spot on the podium in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2019 and the third spot in the LMGTE Am team championship in 2019-2020. Since 2022, the team has been racing together with AO-Racing as Project 1 – AO and field the fan favorite “Rexy” in the IMSA (Porsche 911 GT3 R) and WEC (Porsche 911 RSR). This unique green livery looks like a tyrannosaurus rex and broadly grins into the rear mirror of every opponent.

Spark have made the most of their research and intend to produce this model in the following scales: 1:87, 1:64, 1:43,1:18 and 1:12. Perhaps inspired by the stunning graphics on the original car.

The Spark publicity photographs below show the stunning decorative finish.

Spark advertising material for these models

A Spark publicity shot of the proposed 1:12 scale model from Model Universe website.

I look forward to seeing the models when they are launched and comparing the detail achieved at each scale.


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How Good is Good Enough?

New model musings

By Stephen Paul Hardy

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

How would you feel if you bought a 1:18 scale model of a Ford Escort Mk.1 “Mexico” that outwardly looked a pretty good charismatic representation of the nostalgia evoking original only to find that on unboxing it it carried “Cortina GLX” badging on the rear boot lid?

Are you doubtful that such errors happen – or that I’m overstating the scenario?

Well read on … and wait for the four part series of follow-ons before making a judgement.

Over the past seven years or so of contributing scale model reviews in both Model Collector and Diecast Collector, I am aware that I have, at times, attracted a bit of a reputation of being a grinch – or pedantic – over manufacture’s detailing errors.

Although not confined just to my particular marque interests in Volkswagen and Porsche, it is through the latter that has probably prompted my most voluble criticisms. Top of the list has been various attempts by several scale model manufacturers to pass off (with varying degrees of success) grey Porsche 911s in various scales as representing a very specific, real car.

At last I am elated to say it looks as if Norev have just about managed to do the subject justice and thwart me in finding fault (well maybe an observation that still needs to be made but not certainly not a fault.).

https://www.norev.com/en/16859-porsche-911-s-1970-slate-grey-1-12.html

Released on the 26th January, it depicts the Porsche 911S in Schiefergrau 615 (Slate Grey) that starred in 3 minutes 40 seconds of the haunting early morning opening sequence to the 1971 film Le Mans driven by Michael Delaney (Steve McQueen).

The actual car used for that sequence was a special order model with a list of factory options that included US-specification compliance lighting details including the distinctive upright headlight glass, a steel sunroof, rare factory-installed air-conditioning, muffler apron, tinted glass, Blaupunkt radio, extensive internal and external luxury trim, and front fog lamps with the then French-requirement yellow lenses. It was ordered in June 1970 and delivered by Porsche directly to the film location, on Stuttgart licence plates S-B279. Its Slate Grey paint colour was part of the special order package because it had been dropped by Porsche the previous year.

Checking this specification list against screen capture from the film and photos on Norev’s website of this very latest version of its 1:12 scale 911S, it looks to me as if (with the exception of tinted glazing) an authentic replication in miniature has arrived at last…

Will I weaken and buy? Well, choosing my words very carefully, I have diametrically opposed emotions making my decision process ebb and flow in that respect.

Emotions that seem to be out of step with popular fandom hero worship surrounding all aspects of the film. Emotions that evolved after watching Le Mans several times but very firmly embedded after also watching the documentary about the making of the film (and subsequent further research reading). Emotions of abhorrence at ego and behaviour that, amongst other things led to serious human tragedies of various sorts and an everlasting misrepresentation in so many people’s mind about who raced and won in the 1970 Le Mans by mixing fact and fiction. Yet at the same time the film has so much genuine footage of the real event and Porsche 917s in their early prowess it is, for me, a treasure of archive material. Similarly the opening sequence with that Slate Grey 911S is such a superb piece of contemporary archive footage that I love it.

I am going to have to see which emotion is the strongest and decide if love of Porsche or the abhorrence of the ego and behind the scenes reality will be predominant and influence (outside of simple budgetary considerations!) whether or not I decide to buy an example. Oh the tensions of engagement in diecast collecting!!

Whilst that particular example of modelling is then certainly good enough for me turning back to the broader topic of whether “good enough” is in fact good enough, I started to become concerned that I really had in fact become a grinch. Worries counterpointed by comforting reassurance in the number of Volvo model collectors who seem similarly exacting over matters of detail in the various discussion threads in Bert Jan Nijhuis excellent VOLVO MODEL CARS Facebook Group – and I thought Volkswagen model collectors erred on the side of perfectionist and pedantic!

Being serious though to prompt discussion and thought processes, I am going follow up with a series of 4 articles with an evidence based critique of Norev’s current series of VW-Porsche 914 in the search for answers to the question “How good is good enough?”


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Norev 1:12 – Ferrari F40

By Matt Beaumont

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Dissecting a legend – The dismantling of a Norev 1:12th Ferrari f40 and a brief review

The opinions in this article are my own and the model I am describing is as I purchased it. I am not going to do a synopsis of the history of the real car as the F40 is one of those cars which needs no introduction, but if you did need one there is a wealth of information across many web sites.

This is one of Norev’s 1:12 scale sealed diecast models from their collectors’ series. As a display piece it is genuinely nice, but I would not say that it is dripping with detail. Though the level of detail is adequate for its price point and scale. There are of course several much more costly alternatives which have more detail but at its price point the Norev must be regarded as a budget 1:12 scale model.


Excuse the yellow tape on the door in this photo as the model was loosely put back together for this image


Interior

There are some good bits and some not so good. if I am honest the flocking on the dash looks a bit heavy handed.

Yet the gauges are very nicely done and switch gear too


The seats look a bit ‘plasticky’ which I think lets the interior down a bit and sadly, no seat belts either



Tyres treads are nicely done but no side wall details are present which is a pity


Strip Down Pictures

Here is a stage by stage set of images as the strip down took place.


The car is held together initially with eight screws base to body

Then there are a further three screws on the front clam

And 2 screws on the rear clam

With 2 screws on each of the lower side panels

The interior is held in place to the body by six screws four on the interior and two on the engine bay

All dismantled

Base from above and below


It is quite easy to dismantle this model should you want to I did because I have a project in mind. I wanted to see how the model was constructed and whether my plan was possible. Having now dismantled the model the project may now move to the next stage and once complete the model may appear again in a modified form.


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A Tinplate Countach

By Frank Koh

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Here’s my latest tin toy, a 1:12 scale Japan-made Lamborghini Countach LP 400 R/C car. Unfortunately there are no manufacturer markings on the vehicle, but a collector friend on Facebook identified it as a WACO, made in Japan. Does anyone here have any more information on this old school masterpiece?

I’ve never been a fan of mid-engined sports cars, especially Italian ones, but when I chanced upon this cryptic big scale relic at the Toy Con selling event here in Metro Manila recently, I never let go of it.

As usual, one of my first destinations at any local hobby and toy gig is the large booth of Xhegundamannu Japan Toy Shop which specializes in old toys and model vehicles, and this obviously Japan-made Countach from nearly 5 decades ago was the high point of my yearly Toy Con pilgrimage.

I have actually never encountered a more accurately scaled/engineered tin toy than this one, whose one-piece metal body comes so close in appearance to the real Countach that one would assume that it was made of diecast zinc, resin or hard plastic. The said materials are obviously easier to work with in achieving scale fidelity and realism, hence pulling off a convincing, life-like 1/12 scale Countach in TIN with its compound creases and contours is nothing short of an incredibly difficult feat! After all, producing a tin toy vehicle requires making a suitable complex jig upon which the flat tin sheet is pressed, cut, folded and fastened. Doubly amazing is how the unknown manufacturing entity executed this one-piece tin body (to which twin plastic side scoops, tinted plastic “window” assembly, clear plastic front driving lights and red taillights plus a black hard rubber protective front “nose” molding have been attached).

There are no manufacturer markings, though a somewhat worn small round “#4” sticker indicates “Nippon Engaku Seigyo” and the 27.145 MHz frequency of the radio control unit. Research has shown that Nippon Engaku Seigyo Kabushiki Gaisha, also known as Japan Remote Control, was a prominent manufacturer of radio control componentry and equipment, yet apparently the entity did not manufacture toy R/C vehicles but rather, supplied the radio control systems to Japanese companies that produced toy R/C vehicles.

The one-piece tin body tilts forward to expose the internal componentry and battery box of this R/C car. Weighed down by all-metal componentry for the body, chassis and running gear plus the required four (4) “D”-size batteries, this R/C car certainly isn’t the paragon of energy efficiency. Well, that’s how it was during the kinder, simpler times in toy industry history.

I am a little stumped by this tin toy vehicle enigma since there are no toy/scale model manufacturer/maker names or symbols anywhere on the car. And because the remote is missing, there’s no way for me to solve this mystery, much less get the vehicle to run. My friend identified it as a WACO, but that’s all I know about it.

Not that I didn’t try to see if this strange yet totally awesome tin Countach would come to life by using a spare 27.145 MHz working remote here, with fresh batteries on both the car and my working transmitter. Sadly, there was no power to the car, so this beautiful beast will simply remain an impressive display piece now that I’m done with a general cleaning, careful polishing and touching up the minor paint chips followed by a judicious coat of automotive carnauba wax.

Perhaps someday I’ll be able to obtain more information pertaining to the origins of this tin Countach, but for now I’m just happy to add it to my vintage toy vehicle stash.

Truth be told, they’ll never make toys like this again. 🥰


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Corgi Q1 2023

By Maz Woolley

Corgi has recently issued information about the models expected in Q1 2023. They have also ‘trailed’ information about plans for models to be released later in the year. The Corgi announcement may be seen in full on YouTube at: https://www.facebook.com/corgidiecast/videos/582570663697346

There are no releases in the Trackside series this quarter and the new Original Omnibus tram and coach are both only being sold via the Corgi website. There is also yet another livery on the ever popular Blackpool Tram.

OM40507 Feltham Tram – London Transport

OM46411 Caetano Levante – East Yorkshire

OM44013 Brush Railcoach Blackpool Transport

The Aviation range sees a new version of the Lancaster and Beaufort castings in 1:72 scale. It also sees some new Spitfire models to 1:72 scale including a T9 dual seat Spitfire used for flying experiences at Biggin Hill. There are also a number of new liveries on existing castings like the JU52 in Eastern Front colours as used for medical evacuations.

AA32628 Avro Lancaster BIII Special

AA28902 Bristol Beaufort Mk.I

AA29101 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX
MK329/JE-J(jr) W/Cdr. J.E. Johnson, No.144
Wing Royal Canadian Air Force, ‘Beer Truck’, June 1944

AA29201 Supermarine Spitfire T.9
TE308 (G-AWGB) Finished as A58-606 ‘Grey Nurse’
Sharkmouth, operated by Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar

Vanguards finally sees the first release of the new Ford Transit Custom van as well as the Ford Ranger Raptor. Both entirely new tooling which will appear in other versions in due course. We also get a peak at some future releases like the latest generation of Ford Mustang due later this year. There are of course other releases in new colours/versions like a yellow Focus ST, Cortina Mark V, and two Escort RS Cosworths. New sporting versions of mark 1, 2,3, and 4 Escorts should also arrive too. New versions of the mark 2 and 3 Cortinas are accompanied by a dove grey Granada as used by the Royal Ulster Constabulary. There is also a three piece Ford XR set to be launched.

Ford Transit Custom
Ford Ranger Raptor

Finally we get two non-Ford models: A Vauxhall Astra GTE and another colour on the Triumph Stag casting.

VA13208 Vauxhall Astra GTE 16V
VA10117 Triumph Stag Mk1 Pre-Production Car LD17

There is also another entirely new casting in the form of a detailed Gen 3 Formula E racing car in 1:43 scale. This is a new venture for Corgi and if Formula E continues to grow in popularity it may be a good one. The detail in the Formula E car is reflected in a significantly higher price than that of many of their other 1:43 items.

Future products shown in prototype form include the Steve McQueen Triumph from ‘The Great Escape‘. To 1:12 scale, this should be an impressive model. There was also the upcoming Ford Mustang as well as two Film/TV items: A new and detailed version of Stingray; and a Bond plane with a large wingspan which has realistic folding wing mechanisms.

Over at Airfix they continue to dust off some of their old tooling and labelling them Vintage Classics. Here we see the Land Rover and Bloodhound set remade in 1:76 scale. Something to compare to the Oxford Diecast model made to the same scale.


In the Vintage Classic range the 1:32 scale Bond Bug makes a return for the first time since 1975! This is another model which has often been requested and which is likely to sell in significant numbers if only for the lovely box art.


Collectors of 1:43 scale models have hitherto not been used to seeing Airfix models to that scale. But this quarter will see the following starter kits to 1:43 scale: an up to date McLaren 765LT supercar, an Aston Martin DB5 and 1:43 Land Rover Series 1.

The Quickbuild range also sees some new vehicles with a new Routemaster Bus and LEVC London Taxi. There will also be a new modern super car, the McLaren Speedtail.


And finally people who like to collect commemorative models will have the chance of getting a New Routemaster in a livery to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles in 2023.


All the images shown have been supplied by Hornby Group and in many cases are pre-production or computer generated images so models may differ slightly when finally launched. I am sure that we will see more of the pre-production samples when Hornby take part in the Nuremberg Toyfair next month. It is clear that


Great Big Minis

By Maz Woolley

KK Scale is a German based company whose models are produced in various scales and are diecast for them in China. Although much of their output is to 1:18 and 1:43 scales they also make a number of 1:12 scale models. They have produced the 1959 BMW Isetta 250 and the classic 1968 Fiat 500 in the recent past and this month (December 2022) sees the introduction of the classic Mini Cooper in this large scale. The model is available in both LHD and RHD formats, though the supplied photographs are of only the LHD version.

The Mini version modelled is a later car with extended wheel arches. Looking at pictures this model may replicate a Mark VI which is the final version of the Mini Cooper, though KK Scale do not state a date or Mark for the model. I am sure that a reader will be able to confirm or reject this. The pre-production images supplied by KK Scale are shown below.

DC120051R Mini Cooper Dark Green/White (RHD)
DC120051L Mini Cooper Dark Green/White (LHD)

DC120052R Mini Cooper Black/White w/Union Jack (RHD)
DC120052L Mini Cooper Black/White w/Union Jack (LHD)

DC120053R Mini Cooper Blue Metallic/White (RHD)
DC120053L Mini Cooper Blue Metallic/White (LHD)

DC120054R Mini Cooper Red/White (RHD)
DC120054L Mini Cooper Red/White (LHD)

These models appear to capture the shape of the Mini well, something not every manufacturer manages. A good thing as at 1:12 scale every shortcoming will be clearly seen. Prices of these models are roughly similar to Norev 1:12 scale models so are much more affordable than large resin models. This means that they are likely to be extremely popular with Mini fans, even those who are not normally model collectors.


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Norev November 2022

By Maz Woolley

Norev continues to release models in a variety of scales on a monthly programme. Naturally many of the models are castings re-painted or re-liveried. They cover a wide time period from 1950s classics to bang up to date releases from European producers. The scales also run from 1:12 down to 1:87 though the smallest models released this month are 1:55. Why 1:55? Well these appear to be replicas of 1960s models finished to 1960s standards and packed in a long version of the the classic Norev ‘packing case’ box. I have struggled to find out whether they are replicas of Norev’s of that period which would have been plastic probably whilst these are diecast and look more like French Dinkys. Maybe one of our readers will be able to say?

Al the models shown are diecast in China for Norev . Many of the 1:18 scale models have opening features, but not all. Strangely, the lovely 1:12 scale Citroën DS is a sealed model with no opening parts when it would have been magnificent with opening bonnet, doors and boot. One nice feature is that when they model convertible cars in the larger scales they usually supply parts to display then either hood up or hood down rather than fixed in one form or other.

Norev seems to have kept price rises to a minimal level when compared to others. Their 1:18 scale models are now often between a third and half of the price of many of the latest sealed resin 1:18 models and their 1:43 scale models are competitively priced too, especially the Junior range models which are around 10 Euros each. Norev’s rivals Solido also seem to be battling to keep their prices affordable which may mean that they keep sales flowing at a time when incomes are being ‘squeezed’ in most countries.

As ever Norev’s product photography shows the models against stylish and whimsical backgrounds.

1:12 Scale

Citroën DS 19 1959 Grey Rosé & Aubergine

1:18 Scale

Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series 2021

Alpine A110 1600S 1972 Blue with side logo

Austin Healey 3000 Mark1 1959 Green

BMW M3 Competition 2017 Blue Metallic

Ferrari 308 GTS 1982 Red

Mercedes-Benz 500 SL 1989 Smoke Silver metallic

Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 1976 light green
Porsche Cayenne S Coupé 2019 Noir

VW Golf GTI 2020 Gris

Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Cabriolet 1963 Black


1:43 Scale

BMW M3 E30 1986 Henna Red Jet-car

DS 4 2021 Velvet Red

DS 4 CROSS 2021 Pearl White
DS 4 Performance Line 2021 Lacquered Grey

Ford Mustang 2015 Green metallic

Lancia Delta HF Evo 2 1993 Dark Green metallic Jet-car

Peugeot 2008 GT 2020 Artense Grey

Peugeot 2008 GT 2020 Black

Peugeot 205 GTi 1986 Futura Grey Jet-car

Porsche 911 Turbo 1978 Yellow Jet-car

Volkswagen Golf GTI G60 1990 Blanche Jet-car

Renault Clio Williams 1993 Jet-car

1:55 Scale

Unic Tractor and Trailer

Willème Tractor and semi-trailer car carrier

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TopMarques

Top Marques Collectables appear to be part of Lucky Step Collectibles, often shortened to LS Collectibles. The official European online shops for both these companies are at the same address in the Netherlands and neither has any information whatsoever about TopMarques or LS Collectibles production location or company. All I know about TopMarques is that they release expensive sealed resin models produced to a high standard of detail, and that they often produce models of prototypes, show cars and other interesting vehicles.

This article takes a brief look at some of their latest offerings in three scales. They often produce the same original vehicle in several of these scales.

1:43 Scale

4314C Ferrari 512 S Prototipo Red

A design exercise based on a powerful Ferrari and which was quickly reproduced as a contemporary Mebetoys and a Politoys, both in 1:43 scale diecast. There is even a Hot Wheels toy of 1:43 scale and with opening front, window/roof, and rear cover.

Here it is modelled as a sealed resin model for collectors.


4318C Pininfarina Modulo Red

Another concept car that seems to have caught the imagination. This is attributed to the designer Paolo Martin whilst working for Pininfarina studios. It was first shown at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show. The car was originally painted black but was repainted in white. It won a number of design awards despite its complete impracticality.

A contemporary diecast was made by Politoys in Italy and several more modern models have been produced with Autocult offering the car in white sealed resin 1:43 scale form. A model of this car appeared in the Nakajima ManufacturingDreamcar‘ Series and this can be seen at high prices on eBay. I believe that this is around 1:43 scale.


1:18 Scale

121A Ferrari 550 Maranello Red with Black Interior

The 550 Marinello was the first front engined V12 car in some years and was designed as a grand tourer. It was launched in July 1996 at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany. The design was by Pininfarina studios.

There are a wide variety of choices of models of this car in 1:18 scale. From the diecasts with opening features from Hot Wheels, Bburago, Maisto, Anson and UT Models at the cheaper end of the offerings to a nice, but more expensive, GT Spirit sealed resin model. This TopMArques model is again sealed resin and is significantly more expensive than the GT Spirit model.

121B Ferrari 550 Maranello Blue Colour with Tan Interior
121C Ferrari 550 Maranello Silver with Black Interior

1:12 Scale

1244A Pininfarina Modulo 1970 Geneve Motor Show White

The story of this car is covered under the 1:43 version offered by TopMarques shown above. Here it is in 1:12 sealed resin model which will make for an impressive display item.

It has already been produced to the smaller 1:18 scale by BBR, albeit at an even higher price point.

1244B Pininfarina Modulo 1970 Geneve Motor Show Black
1243A Lancia Stratos Zero Concept Red

This was a concept car shown at the Turin Motor Show in 1970. It was designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone and was based upon a Lancia Fulvia engine and drivetrain. It preceded the Stratos HF prototype and the eventual production cars.

The car has a film industry connection as it appeared in Michael Jackson’s 1988 film Moonwalker.

1243B Lancia Stratos Zero Concept Silver

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Kyosho Q3/Q4 2022

By Maz Woolley

Manufacturers must be confident that supply and shipping of new models is now stabilising as we are seeing a few announce models for production later in the year. Here are Kyosho‘s proposed models in the larger scales of 1:18 and 1:12 in Q3/Q4.

Looking online it appears that recommended prices have risen since the 2021 models were stocked, though not by as much as some other ranges. Sadly this will be all too common for models sold in the UK with the significant drop in value of the pound against the US Dollar and Euro.

Few of these models are entirely new as Kyosho issue most castings in a variety of colours and liveries over time. These are all diecast in China for Japan. As they are diecast they can feature opening doors, bonnets and boots. These allow the models to be displayed showing the detailed interior. The models are expensive compared to 1:18 scale diecast models from Norev and Solido but are extremely well made and detailed.

These are all pre-production photographs and the manufacturers have not supplied as many photographs of some models as others. As these are not production models minor changes may occur to some models before the batches of models are produced.


1:18 Scale

08317Y Lamborghini Miura P400SV Yellow
08319K Lamborghini Miura SVR Black/Gold
08319R Lamborghini Miura SVR Red/Black
08343B Lancia Delta HF Integrale Club Italia Blue
08344W Lancia Delta HF Integrale Integrale 6 White
08348F Lancia Delta HF Integrale 1993 Monte Carlo #5 (totip)
08376F Fiat 131 Abarth 1981 Piancavallo #2
08376G Fiat 131 Abarth 1978 Monte Carlo #2
08376H Fiat 131 Abarth 1980 1000 Lakes #1
08445O Lamborghini Urraco Rally Orange
08446R Lamborghini Urraco Red Metallic
08543BE BMW 2002 tii Beige
08543O BMW 2002 tii Orange
08543S BMW 2002 tii Silver
08543W BMW 2002 tii White
08543Y BMW 2002 tii Yellow

1:12 Scale

08617R Lamborghini Countach Walter Wolf

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Norev March Releases.

By Maz Woolley

It is noticeable that some manufacturers have manged to keep up a steady flow of releases throughout the problems caused by Covid and Norev are one of them. It is true that many of their releases are new colours on previously released castings, but they have also kept up with releasing models based upon the latest vehicles from French manufacturers. Encouragingly for Norev some models seem to sell out on pre-orders before they even arrive from China where they are made.

Norev produce models in a wide range of scales with an increasing number being released in 1:12 scale which seems to be gaining popularity at the moment. Some models are produced in smaller umbers and are only available ordering from their online store.

All the photographs shown in this article have been taken from Norev’s website. Their photographers use props to create whimsical photographs to advertise their wares. These photographs are trimmed to fit the format of MAR Online. But you may wish to visit the Norev site yourself to see the larger hi-key studio photographs of Norev models in their full settings made from decorative items.

1:12 Scale

A scale which was once the preserve of De Agostini, Hachette and others ‘build your own’ releases. It is now being offered by Norev and is gaining in popularity with several nice releases. These are diecast models and feature many opening features. These models are pushing part work ‘build your own’ models up to 1:8 or larger scales as these releases from Norev offer a much cheaper, well designed, model for a fraction of the cost of a part work.

The subjects in this scale are all of historic vehicles a theme which the latest releases all reflect.

Ford Mustang Fastback GT 1968 Bleu clair métallisé

Jaguar Type E Cabriolet 1962 – Bleu métallisé

Jaguar E Type Cabriolet 1962 Rose – web exclusive

At first sight a startling colour for this car, and many might think that it was more suited to a plastic Barbie car. But apparently seven E Types were created in 1962 in this colour for Estée Lauder to match their latest lipstick and to be given away as competition prizes.

Jaguar Type E Coupé 1964 – Gris métallisé


1:18 Scale

A very popular scale with Norev and rivals Solido both offering a wide selection of models which are diecast with opening parts. Norev offer a wide range of subjects with many historic vehicles, but also some of the latest releases from French car makers.

These models have a strong appeal to collectors as although perhaps less detailed than the sealed resin models they compete against, they can be posed with open parts and they are very considerably cheaper too.

BMW 325i Cabriolet 1991 – Noir Métallisé – Web exclusive

Citroën Ami 6 1965 – Blanc Pavos

Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 1968 Noir

Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC 2021 – Noir

Peugeot 208 GTi 2013 – Gris Shark

Renault Megane RS Trophy 2019 – Gris Titanium – sold out

Renault Megane RS Trophy RS PERF. 2019 Orange Tonic – web exclusive

Renault Megane RS Trophy-R 2019 Record version – web exclusive

Solex 1966 – Noir

VW Golf 2002 – Jaune métallisé – web exclusive


1:43 Scale

A classic scale from Norev, Here the models are sealed diecasts which are well detailed. This range has the highest proportion of new vehicles and this release is dominated by Peugeot’s old and new.

Citroën Xsara Picasso 2004 – Gris Argent

Peugeot 205 GTi 1.6 1988 – Bleu Topaze

Peugeot 3008 GT 2021 – Gris Artense

Peugeot 405 Break 1991 – Bleu Foncé

Peugeot 405 SRi 1991 – Bleu Foncé

Peugeot 5008 2020 – “Gendarmerie” – sold out

Peugeot 5008 2020 – “Police Nationale” – sold out

Peugeot 5008 GT 2021 – Gris Platinium

Peugeot Rifter 2018 – Cuivre métallisé

Peugeot Rifter 2019 – “Police Municipale”

Peugeot Rifter 2019 – “Police Nationale” -sold out

Peugeot Rifter 2019 – “Pompiers – Secours Médical”

Peugeot Rifter 2019 – “Pompiers”

Porsche Cayman S 2013 – Blanc


1:64 Scale

A scale that is increasing in popularity too. Solido has also invested in developing this scale. These sealed diecast models are well made and detailed.

Citroën Jumper 2002 – Camping-car

Citroën Méhari 1983 – “Azur”


1:87 Scale

Many of these castings have been seen before. Not just from Norev but also from Universal Hobbies some time ago produced for part works. Norev is issuing these with updated details and re-colouring them. Some of the models appear to be to a higher standard which suggests that Norev has had these made to broaden the range.

These are all sealed diecasts and the subjects are classic French vehicles.

Citroën 7A 1934 – Beige & Noir

Peugeot 204 1966 – Vert Clair

Peugeot 304 GL 1977 – Bleu Azur métallisé

Renault 12 TL 1974 – Bleu

Renault 4CV 1955 – Noir

Renault 8 1963 – Blanc

Simca 1000 GLS 1968 – Rouge

Simca 1000 Rallye 2 1974 – Vert Acide


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