Category Archives: 1:55

Norev 1:64 Scale Promotionals Update – Part 3

By Fabrizio Panico

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

I have a new shipment of promotional models from Norev; so it is time for an update to my listings. This time we have two new vehicles from Citroën, the C4X and the refreshed C5 Aircross, while Renault introduces the Arkana and continues to dig in its history, after the 5 Turbo it is now time for the 4 Parisienne, the 4CV and the 8 Gordini. The only negative aspect is that the “new” vehicles are in 1:64 scale, whilst their “ancestors” stuck to the old 1:54 scale.

Let’s start with the Citroën C5 Aircross 2022: it is a refresh of the medium-size crossover-SUV produced from 2017 in China for the Asian markets and from the following year in the French Rennes plant for the rest of the world. The 2022 updates are more inside than outside, where the noticeable changes are the new front lights and bumper, plus a minor redesign of the rear end. New wheels, now 18-inch two-tone diamond, named Pulsar. It is available with petrol or diesel engines, or as a hybrid plug-in. The 1:64 scale models are available in four different colours: Gris Platinium, Gris Artence with a black roof, Blanc Nacré with a black roof, and Bleu Eclipse. As usual the models are made in China. The level of detailing is very high and the interiors can be appreciated thanks to the transparent roof panels. Much less understandable is Citroën’s decision to alter the format of the reference numbers so instead of the usual ‘AMC 019 xxxx’ now we get a dull ‘CIT22_MIN_C5A’.


The next ‘model is the Citroën C4X 2022 a compact 4 door saloon-crossover, a 3-box shape derived from the third generation C4. According to Citroën a fusion of the character of a fastback, a saloon and a SUV. It is clear that a 3-box body is still preferred by professional users (taxi, rental with driver, etc) and in some emerging markets, i.e. Asia, North Africa and Turkey (the rear boot insulates passengers from dust, heat and wind) and Citroën was forced to introduce the 3-box version where the SUV wasn’t accepted too well. It is based on the same modular platform used by many vehicles of the Stellantis group, all equipped with combustion or electric engines located in the forward transverse position. The 1:64 scale models are available in four different colours: Gris Platinium, Rouge Elixir, Blanc Nacré, and Noir Perla Nera. As usual the models are made in China, with the detail level similar to the C5 Aircross and here again we get as reference a dull ‘CIT22_MIN_C4X’.


While shopping on the web I found a model of the Citroën HY van in the yellow livery ‘Citroën Service’ with the more recent ‘promotional’ box (Citroën reference AMC 019 1193 from 2018), a model already presented a few years ago (2016) together with a red one (Citroën previous reference AMC 019 644). Here is an opportunity to show it again. The H van was a real success in France, a bit less in Germany or Italy due to a strong local competition, with almost 500,000 units sold between 1948 and 1981. Nowadays it is an “icon” and it has been widely exploited in the recent past by trendy ‘street food’ vendors. The real vehicle was updated periodically and we can identify the Norev model as a post 1969 vehicle, the one-piece windscreen being from 1964, but the squared rear wheel arches only from 1969. It is interesting to note that previously Norev identified the van as a HY version (both on the chassis and on the box) while the more recent model has only H on the box and HY on the chassis. The different names refer to its payload : 1,200 kg for the H, 1,500/1,600 kg for the HY, and 850/1,000 kg for the HZ. But, apart from these subtleties, the model is really nice and worth of a place in any collection.

Renault is reviving its ‘warhorses’: the 4CV from 1946, the 4 from 1967 and the 8 Gordini from 1965. All of them are well known to any car enthusiast and already seen in the Norev collection, both as promotional and standard release models. There are no casting differences between new and old models, but improved tampo printing enhances the new liveries. All of them are made in China in 1:54 scale.

The Renault 4CV was a rear engined 4-door small saloon produced from 1947 to 1961, selling over 1,000,000 units. It was periodically updated, and we can identify the Norev model as a 1950/1954 vehicle (not 1946 as stated on the box and the chassis), the nine slot rear grille being from 1949, and the rod turn signals were suppressed from 1950, but from 1954 the front grille had only three bars. The ivory livery reminds its early nickname ‘La motte de beurre’ (the pat of butter), this was due to the combination of its shape and the fact that early deliveries used surplus paint from the German Army vehicles of the Afrika Korps, which was a sand-yellow colour. Reference number is ETE 9999676.

The Renault 8 Gordini, produced from 1964 to 1970, was the sport version of the quiet 4-door saloon heir to the Dauphine. The ‘wizard’ Gordini was able to almost double its power output, allowing the little 1100 version to battle with bigger cars. In 1966 the new 1300 version introduced the four front headlamps instead of two, our scale model then can be identified as a 1966/1970 and not as a 1965 as stated on the box and the chassis. The blue livery with white bands is classic Gordini colours and the reference number is ETE 9999677.

The Renault 4 Parisienne is a special version of the famous 4 ‘La voiture à vivre’ produced from 1961 to 1992. It was sponsored by the French Elle magazine and expressly targeted at a female audience. It was available from 1963 with a Vienna straw decoration on the sides and tailgate or with a ‘tartan’ motif based upon the pattern of the famous Scottish fabric. It was produced until 1968, but after 1965, the name Parisienne was no longer attached to the car, but became a trim option available for an additional payment of 260 FF. The scale model has a logo Parisienne on the front right wing, but no Vienna or Scottish decoration. The front grille is of the first type, modified then as a single piece together with the headlamps in 1967. The 1967 on the box is correct, but on the chassis it is incorrectly marked 1964.


Last, but not least, is the Renault Arkana 2021 a sort of ‘whitefly’ both as a real car and as a scale model. The Arkana is a compact crossover SUV with a sloping rear roofline (a sort of coupé SUV), produced from 2019 in Russia based on the old Dacia Duster platform (presumably this ended when Renault transferred its Russian assets to the Moscow state in May 2022) and from 2020 in South Korea as Renault Samsung XM3 but based on the more advanced CMF-B platform (Clio, Captur etc), this is the subject of the scale model. According to Renault its name derives from the Latin arcanum, meaning secret. Its positioning in the Renault range is difficult to evaluate; It has almost same dimensions, prices and powerplants as the new Austral, almost a ‘twin’? Anyway even the scale model has a surprise. It seems a Norev like any other, but it is actually made in Bangladesh by Solido. Yes, the box states it is made ‘by’ Solido, not ‘for’ Solido.’We have already seen Renault use different partners for some of its smaller models, like UH (Scenic), Eligor (Koleos), Z-Models (Captur), Keng-Fay (coffret R5 & A110), Mattel (R24 formula 1), Welly (R4 for 120 years). The new scale model is available in two colours only: Noir Métal and Orange (alas, the Orange model has yet to be found), under reference ETE 1385294. It is stated to be in 1:64 scale, but it appears to be smaller, about 1:68 perhaps, and compared to the Austral by Norev it is indeed quite smaller. Details level is the same as the Norev. The box is similar in style to the Austral ones, but its dimensions are slightly different, and not justified by the model size. There is ‘Renault Arkana‘ on the detailed baseplate, but no indication of the maker. The choice of a different scale is a shame, let’s hope Renault will return to a more uniform set of models in future releases.


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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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More on Corgi Toys #437

By Robin Godwin

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

I read your quick and interesting review of the Corgi Model Club Ambulance reissue. I have the original red version, so decided to examine it a bit closer in light of the review. The first thing I did was to install a battery, and low and behold, my flashing lights still flash. This model is the one I had as a kid, so it is about 60 years old. Now I never had the second, blue version, so can’t compare side by side, but a few things are evident. The four corner flashing lights on the later version are clear plastic and angle cut at the ends. The originals were amber tinted plastic and ended in bullet/cone shapes. I don’t know if there was a transition period where you could find either version with either set of corner lights, but it does seem highly possible in the world of toy production. The second (blue) version may well have been precursors to the TRANS-O-LITE system, or an actual TRANS-O-LITE system, but it strikes me that the original amber system was not. The patent info on the bottom of the first version states “PATENT APPLICATION 21101/59 OTHER PATENTS PENDING.” I believe this patent is for Corgis suspension system as it was cast into the base of virtually all period Corgis, with or without lighting. (Indeed, the only patent info on the bottom of the Rover 2000 – first acknowledged TRANS-O-LITE use – is as above less the “OTHER PATENTS PENDING.”). I don’t own the second version, so can’t comment on base details. (Old patents are a really tough search on the internet).

To be technically accurate, the roof light (on the first version anyway) was just a standard bulb. It never flashed, per se, but was forced on and off by a clever cam system on the rear axle. There was an on/off switch which created space between contacts in the off position. In the on position the cam was allowed to actuate, when in motion. If the vehicle was not in motion, the light could be on or off steadily, depending on the cam position. So, it only flashed when in motion, and then it was only simulated flashing. A good simulation since basically, all flashing lights are actuated by some sort of on/off mechanism.

Base of original issue Cadillac Ambulance. Two separate elements on the rear axle are visible; the freely rotating ON/OFF switch, and the fixed (I.E. rotates with the axle) cam, which makes electrical contact with the brass strip just visible (end-on) to the left of the cam, generating the flashing effect. The ON/OFF switch is made from circuit board material (as in, non-conducting). The cam is metal and is an electrical conductor. Patent number cast in the base is for Corgis suspension system, I believe. Patent Application 38690/62 on the base of the battery holder surely must be for the flashing mechanism

Another base photo showing the ON/OFF switch in the OFF position. In this position, the brass strip mentioned above would pushed or flexed out of “reach” of the cam on the rear axle, thus preventing electrical contact. Cam is clearly visible

This photo shows the brass contact strip described above, and the ON/OFF switch in the ON position. “ON” allows the brass strip to be closer to the axle, which in turn allows the cam to touch the strip, energizing the circuit. A simple and ingenious system that only requires a regular low voltage light bulb.

Editors Note: The mechanism in the blue and white model and replica is much simpler than that in the original version, or ‘improved’ in Corgi marketing parlance. The cam on back wheels is dispensed with and a simple on/off switch incorporated in the light box lid. The flashing action seems to have been entirely provided by the bulb used, which could flash without being switched on and off by a cam – one can still get bi-metal bulbs today that do this though sadly not in the shape needed to fit the hole in the roof and Corgi Model Club have not sourced any so the lights on the replica are either on or off. Study of the first version of the Ambulance on the Internet shows that though some have the amber rooflights front and rear that Robin describes other red and white ambulances have the clear angled rods as used in the replica. Clearly there are many variations of the model!


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Corgi Model Club #437 Superior Ambulance on Cadillac Chassis

By Maz Woolley and Brendan Leach

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

 Deliveries of this model to early subscribers are under way as I write this article. Mine has arrived here well packaged, with no marks on model or box, and the lighting such as it is working.

Collectors were warned by the Club that although the replica box states that it has flashing lights the lighting is static as they could not source flashing bulbs to fit. The Club can’t win on this front as it was simply impossible to replicate the original models action and some collectors will be disappointed with the compromise.

Let’s get the topic of the lighting out of the way first. I would have ‘junked’ the whole old-fashioned lighting system that must have been expensive and cumbersome to make and still does not fully replicate the original. I would have replaced it with a modern cheap flashing LED set-up placed under a plastic dome shaped to fit the roof, though I know others will disagree. As the interior is totally obscured the old-fashioned fitments are not in view anyway. Indeed the glass section of the bulb in my model is not glued in to the base straight so the light appears to be at a rather jaunty angle!

Looking at images on the web it appears that Corgi possibly fitted at least three different bulbs in the later version of this model as some appear clear as the replica’s does, others are red, and others appear to have a red core in a clear bulb. It highlights the challenges faced by the Model Club team and Hornby designers when specifying these replicas and the old saying that ‘you cannot please everyone all the time’.

The model as issued was the second generation of this model. The first release, as pictured on the box, was in red and white whilst the second was blue and white. The Corgi Model Club has chosen to replicate the revised blue and white model which was introduced in 1966 and appeared in the 1967 catalogue as shown below.

.

Image from scanned Corgi Toys Catalogue

There are few differences between the red and white version and the later blue and white one other than the livery on the side, though Marcel Van Cleemput says that the lighting unit was improved for the revised model. The red and white version does not have the ambulance decal on the body side or red cross on bonnet but has a decal on the side of the window unit . Corgi made 1,287,000 of the first version and the Great Book of Corgi says that the first version is 1:55 and says the second version is 1:54 clearly an error there somewhere as the casting is identical. The roof lights front and rear are clear plastic rods lit by light from the bulb unit. This is the first appearance of what would be registered as TRANS-O-LITE. The bulbs appear not to have been very reliable as stockists could order replacement ones as the stock item #1440 Cadillac Ambulance bulbs.

Some of the second version appear to have had a sticker on the box saying ‘new finish and improved flasher’. This appears on some models shown on the Internet and also in the box pictured in the Great Book of Corgi. This has not been included on the replica. The position of the label varies from box to box so was probably stuck on in the factory, perhaps only on the earliest batches of this model. 285,000 of this version of the model sold before it was withdrawn in 1968.

My comparison with the models on the Internet shows that this is an accurate replica. The roof section is rather cleaner without the extraneous mould lines that seem to appear on original models, but otherwise is very true to life. Paint masking of the blue overspray is not perfect on one side of mine, but then the originals are far from perfect too.

Brendan says:

It is up to the usual standards, – well-made and well finished. A very good reproduction of the original. Casting is very clean and precise, and of course the “blacked-out windows conceal the battery and light in the back of the model.

Being hyper-critical:

  1. The masking between the blue and the white colours on the rear half of the car is not perfect
  2. The printing of the word AMBULANCE (in red) is not great on the RIGHT side of my model‘.

Luckily the printed details on my (Maz’s) model are good on both sides so Brendan’s observation seems not to be a general issue. However, I would advise collectors to check your model carefully when it arrives to make sure everything is correct, including the lighting, before putting it away. The Corgi Model Club will have spares available at the moment allowing them to send out replacements for faulty models but I do not know how long that will be the case.


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Collecting Smaller Promotional Models

By Fabrizio Panico

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

Space: that’s one of the biggest problems for every collector. You may start with a small cabinet, enlarge it, double it, then occupy the cupboard, and the closet, but as the years go by the flood of models will inevitably submerge you. That is unless you rigidly limit the scope of your collection, a rather dismal option for us collectors. One solution to the space problem could be to collect very small models, like the “HO scale” (1:87 – 1:100) as made by Wiking, Brekina, etc, or like the “3 inches” (1:55 – 1:64) as made by Norev, True Scale or Welly.

Some years ago I started to appreciate the details and accuracy of the 3 inch die-cast promotional models made by Norev for Renault, then Peugeot and Citroen and now DS. They often reproduce all the cars in the manufacturer’s range, with regular updates for the half-life facelifts. The models are usually available in various original colours and with very accurate details, much more than the same models released later among the regular ‘public’ issues. Here is an update about their more recent issues. The Norev promotional models are diecast in China for Norev of France.

Citroën celebrates the 50 years of the GS (very nice, code AMC 019 1514) and presents the new 2020 C3 (code AMC 019 1508) and 2020 C4 (code AMC 019 1511), all of them in four different colours. These are diecast in China for Norev of France.

In a smaller scale (about 1:87) there is a 1935 U11 covered light truck in a red firefighters livery (code AMC 019 1098), a nice companion to the 1947 bus U23 of last year. I also note that there is a second edition of the 2017 C3 Aircross (code AMC 019 71028, the first edition was AMC 019 648), in five different colours, with more realistic graphics.

DS presents the 2019 DS3 Crossback (code DS 019 712), a subcompact luxury crossover SUV that replaces the DS3, of which it retains the name and the fin near the B-pillar. Also new is a second edition of the 2018 DS7 Crossback (code DS 019 715, the first edition was DS 019 642), with a slightly different colour palette. Both models are available in four different colours, all original and very nice.

Peugeot shows the 2019 208 (code 314840 – 19 MITR 901), the second generation of the supermini of the “Lion” brand, and the 2019 2008 (code 314840 – 19 MITR 902), also the second generation of the related crossover SUV. Both models are available in three different original colours. Soon the new 2020 3008 and 5008 should be available.

Renault after many years of stern loyalty to Norev seems to have changed its mind : last year we saw the “120 years” R4 and R5 made by Welly (a bit out of scale with the other promos), and now it is Z-Models turn with the new Clio (codes ETE 138 2479 and 138 2480) and Captur (codes ETE 138 2985 and 138 2986) each in two different colours, the classic 1986 R4 GTL Clan also in two colours (code ETE 138 3040 and 138 3041), and the 2018 RS18 Formula 1 (code ETE 138 2651) also available in a larger scale (about 1:55, code ETE 138 2173) with retro-friction. All of these models are made in Bangladesh by Z-Models.

All these models are easily available on the web in the carmakers own “on-line shops”, they are also sometimes seen in their dealers service department (more usually in France), or at motor shows (always less common). I started collecting them some years ago while in Paris for Retromobile, both at the show and at the car makers lovely “showroom – boutiques” on the Champs Elysées. Today such a line up of flagship showrooms is just a memory as only Renault now has a showroom on the Champs Elysées.

Happy collecting !


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Some more Small Promotionals For France

By Fabrizio Panico

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

It is anniversary time. 2019 is the year that Citroën celebrates its first centenary, and it is nice to see that among all the media presentations and public events that there is place for model collectors with an array of new models in the “three inches” (or “fit the box”) category, all under the “Origins” label, the official “1919-2019” theme. After the 2CV and the Traction already seen at the end of last year, which are re-issues of previous models, it is now time for a copious harvest of completely new ones.

The 2CV AZL 4×4 Sahara (code AMC 019 1026) is available in three different colours, like the 2CV Fourgonnette (AMC 019 1107), while the 1947 bus U23 (AMC 019 1099) is available in two different two-colour liveries, very nice, one of them sports the Citroen logo on the side. Another new issue is the 1933 “La Petite Rosalie”, a record car to promote the new 8CV, in blue with a white clad driver (AMC 019 1097). Also new is the CX (AMC 019 1191) which is a bit small, and is available in two colours.

Among further re-issues there are the DS23 Pallas (AMC 019 1192) in two colours, and the Mehari (AMC 019 1194) also in two colours. Very likely there will be other re-issues, perhaps the SM coupé and the HY van, which are already available in the “public” collection. A well deserved applause to Citroën.

Last year Renault celebrated its 120 years, but chose to release only two 1:55 scale models, the R4 and the R5, both by Welly and already seen, each in four different colours, with a special “120 years” box, similar to the type usually used by Norev for Renault.

Back to Norev “dealer” releases : Renault completed its “concept cars” series with the RS 2027 Vision (code 315381) and the 2017 Symbioz (code 315382) and released a set (code 315383) completed with the 2016 Trezor (code 315380), already seen. Previously there was the 2018 Megane RS, in orange (code 315148) or yellow (code 315149), while Citroën released a second issue of the 2018 C5 Aircross (code AMC 019 1183) in four different colours. Small, but very very nice.

Happy collecting !


1991 Alfa Romeo SZ

By Karl Schnelle

For the last couple years, I have driven down to Nashville, TN, in the autumn to drive a car from the Lane Motor Museum.    If you are lucky enough and have the funds, you can sign up for a Rally to drive their cars if you donate a certain amount to the museum.  The museum wins and the participants win!  Plus the cars get to be driven as they should be on the back roads of Tennessee for a day.

Being an Alfafanatic, I saw that the museum had just acquired an Alfa Romeo SZ (Sport Zagato) and it was on the 2018 Rally list!   Somehow, I was so extremely fortunate that I was the first in line for this car.  I got my buddy Skip, a fellow car guy and 1/43 collector,  to co-drive since you really need a navigator to read the Rally book and call out directions. He did not need any convincing!

The museum has a short write-up on the car, so I won’t repeat the whole story.  In 1988, Alfa Romeo and Zagato collaborated on a show car based on the Alfa 75 (Milano) sedan, but with 3L V-6 engine, called the ES-30.  The slab-sided body was a little ‘wedgy’ (it was the 1980s!) and nicknamed “Il Mostro”, the Monster.  Either you love it, or you hate it, as they say.  Enough people liked it that they produced 1000 red examples for sale and 1 black one for Signor Zagato from 1989-91.

The Models

After the Rally, I came home and dug out my SZ models.  I have three or four.  I am mainly a 1:43 guy, so I do not have the 1:18 from BBR Top Marques, the 1:24 Alfa Centenary partwork by Hachette, or the small 1:64 from Kyosho.

Being in the US, Matchbox are common so I do have this little 1:55 Matchbox in all red.  Matchbox made many different ones right after the real one came out.

SMTS in their 1/43 Voiturette series made a very nice white metal version.  I acquired this heavy Monster in 1993, so I did not get the newer handmade resin Make Up model later.

Finally, Spark made both the red and black versions in 1:43 over ten years ago, so I picked up the black one.

Have you seen other SZs out there in model form?  Please let me know.


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More Pocket Money Toys – Majorette

By Maz Woolley

All text and photographs by, and copyright of, the Author.

Majorette were once regarded as the ‘French Matchbox‘ as they made small ‘fit in  a three inch box’ models sold at pocket money prices in French shops and supermarkets. Once part of a group with Solido they both ended up as part of the German Simba-Dickie group, owners of Schuco,  after they went bankrupt in 2009.

In a previous article I have looked at some of their limited editions but here are two models from their ‘Street Cars‘ series which are sold all around Europe on bubble cards like Matchbox or Hot Wheels. These models are diecast in Thailand to variable scales as they are designed to fit a standard blister pack which is used for all models in the range and doesn’t even have the make and model of the car on it..

Fiat 500

This model of the popular small Fiat is not based on the current version as the rear light printing has yet to be altered to create the body coloured panel in the middle. But it is a neat model of Fiat’s baby with the Fiat badges being neatly printed and small enough to need magnification before you can see how accurate they are. The baseplate states that it has been modelled to 1:55 scale.

The side profile is excellent and the standard fit ‘speed wheels’ even look like some of the more extreme alloys fitted to small cars. The painting even has a slight hint of the pearlescent sheen often used on these small Fiats.

At the front the 500 logo used in advertising is well printed as is the badge and front decorations. Lights are just printed areas of silver paint but they are quite effective.

To the rear the rear hatch, lights and number  plate areas are well modelled. Though the lights could be properly divided up to reflect the light clusters better.

The interior has no door cards but the seats are well represented and the moulded dash board is a good shape and the Fiat gear level mounted in the dash is well modelled.

Renault Twingo

Another popular car with the young, and the first saloon car in a long time with a rear mounted engine. Very much Renault‘s competitor to the Fiat 500 though its four doors make it the more practical and utilitarian of the two.  The detailing is pretty close to the current Twingo production model. The baseplate states that this has been modelled to 1:55 scale.

The side profile captures the car well. The ‘speed wheels’ again look like some aftermarket alloys fitted to small cars so do not look too out of place.

From the front the Twingo lights and grille are exceptionally well represented for a budget model. A dark plastic insert is used which is very effective. Painted small additional  lights and the black bumper panel complete a good front end.

Again the rear has been well captured with the badging nicely done. Printed rear lights are basic and again should be striped with amber and silver as well as red.

Inside again we get no door cards but a convincingly moulded set of seats, dashboard and steering wheel.

Pocket money toys they may be but they are also good, and reasonably detailed, models of every day cars that can be recognised from the streets.


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