Solido’s July announcement is a little more muted than of late. Just a handful of models in only two scales: 1:18 and 1:43. In all cases these are recolours/re-liveries on existing castings. In all cases Solido have managed to maintain prices at a very competitive level with their 1:18 scale models costing little more than many other mainstream manufacturers 1:43 scale lines, though it should be noted that their models tend to have fewer opening parts than their competitor Norev. Solido’s 1:43 scale models are considerably cheaper than many of their competitors, and like most others have no opening parts. At this time of limited disposable incomes I hope that Solido sales reward their restraint in increasing prices.
In 1:18 in addition to new versions of the A110 Alpine we also see Alfa Romeo Formula One Grand Prix cars from the 2022 season. A Rally version of the Renault 17 , a Porsche track car and a Toyota Supra finish off the offering.
In 1:43 we just see two new colours on previously issued castings of the Alfa Romeo Guilia and the BMW M5.
1:18 Scale Releases
S1801623 – Alpine A110 RALLY #20 F.Delecour Rallye du Var 2021
S1801624 – Alpine A110 RALLY #28 P.Delecour Rally du Var 2021
S1801616 – Alpine A110 Gendarmerie
S1810201 – Alfa Romeo C42 – V. Bottas – Emilia Romagna GP 2022
S1810202 – Alfa Romeo C42 – G. Zhou – Canada GP 2022
The models shown below are pre-production photographs released by Schuco. All these models are scheduled for April 2023 and I am sure that we will see them again in the publicity surrounding the Nuremberg Toyfair in February.
Editor’s Note: My thanks to John Kuliak who spotted the error in the original version of this article where I described these as diecasts which they are not. They are actually all part of the Schuco Pro.R 1:43 range which are produced for Schuco by Minimax the owners of the Spark brand.
All the models shown are sealed resin casts with photo etched parts made in China to 1:43 scale for Schuco of Germany. They are competitively priced for resin models, selling for a similar price to Spark models here in the UK.
09159 Ford OSI 20 M TS 1968 Red
09179 Ford Taunus Coupe 1974 Green
09180 Ford Taunus Coupe 1974 Brown
09189 Porsche 916 (Chassis n12) 1972 Silver
09214 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC AMG 1986 Black
09240 Gordon Murray T50 2022 Orange
09249 Fiat X1/9 1972 Yellow
09253 De Tomaso Pantera GTS 1973 Red
09255 De Tomaso Pantera GTS 1973 Black
09261 Aston Martin Valkyrie 2021 Red
09262 Aston Martin Valkyrie 2021 Green
09266 McLaren Elva 2020 Blue
09272 Autobianchi Bianchina Furgoncino 1965 Blue
09273 Autobianchi Cabriolet Eden Roc 1964/5 Red
09276 Fiat X1-9 1972 Green
09284 Alpine A110S 2017 White
09285 Alpine A110S Aero Kit 2017 Red
09286 Alpine A110 Radicale 2022 Blue/Black
09288 McLaren Speed Tail 2020 Blue
09289 Alfa Romeo GTA 1965 Red
09290 Donkervoort D8 GTO-RS 2016 Yellow
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Spark started producing 1:43 scale models of lesser known Le Mans cars and was founded by Hugo Ripert who had previously worked in research and development with Vitesse, Quartzo and Ixo brands. The firm is based in Macau and a factory was created with partners in Southern China and small batches of models were produced. All those involved in Spark are also keenly interested in various forms of motor racing and this is why the company is focused on models motorsport vehicles.
Under the Spark umbrella are several other brands: Milezim which specialises in 1:43 scale French Classic vehicles; Sparky which offers 1:64 scale motorsport models; and, Bizarre which offers land speed cars, design concepts and even some trucks.
Spark models are made in resin but diecasting has been introduced too. They have developed significant libraries of source material to ensure the accuracy of their work. Masters were originally hand crafted by skilled sculptors but are increasingly the result of 3D scans and numerical information supplied by manufacturers.
Spark describe their models as ‘serially produced hand made kits‘ made in small batches and once a particular car has been modelled it is unlikely that it will be repeated. They have been early adopters of some detailing techniques like chrome foil printing.
The nature of the Motorsport connection means that the same basic vehicle type may be produced in a number of versions and liveries.
The models listed below are planned for production in 2022, some in batches of only 300 models. There is no indication of the release dates for them at this time. Where pre-production images have been made available by Spark these are shown below. Not all vehicles to be made have a pre-production photograph yet. As these are pre-production images Spark do state that the models may well be modified before production.
S4826 Lotus 49 No.5 Winner Dutch GP 1967 Jim Clark
S6286 Datsun 240Z No.10 18th Monte Carlo 1973 R. Aaltonen – P. Easter
S7316 Argo SJM19C No.117 24H Le Mans 1988 M. Schanche – R. Smith – R. Donovan
S7507 Porsche 914/6 No.46 24H Le Mans 1971 P. Keller -J. Sage
S9084 Lancia Stratos HF No.12 3rd Rally Monte Carlo 1976 B. Darniche – A. Mahé
S9801 Porsche 911 RSR 3.0 No.50 28th 24H Le Mans 1975 H. Striebig – P. Mauroy – H. Kirschoffer
S9808 Porsche 911 RS 3.0 No.77 17th 24H Le Mans 1975 T. Sabine – P. Dagoreau – J-P. Aeschlimann
S3681 Alfa Romeo 6C 3000CM No.602 2nd Mille Miglia 1953SJ. M.Fangio – G. Sala
S3995 Surtees TS9B No.22 British GP 1972 Tim Schenken
S4544 Ford GT40 Mk IV No.4 24H Le Mans 1967 L. Ruby – D. Hulme
S5071 CD No.44 24H Le Mans 1964 A. Bertaut – A. Guilhaudin
S5072 CD No.45 24H Le Mans 1964 P. Lelong – G. Verrier
S5469 Alpine A310 No.11 Rally Monte Carlo 1977 G.Fréquelin -SJ. Delaval
S5573 Renault 16 TS No.34 Rallye du Maroc 1972 Le Tahitien – Dupré
S5768 Vollstedt No.21 Indy 500 1967 Cale Yarborough
S5859 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR No.722 Winner Mille Miglia 1955 S. Moss – D.Jenkinson With Figurine
S6644 Porsche 924 Carrera GTS No.48 Rally Monte Carlo 1979 A.Janda – H. Ristl
S7087 Brabham BT11 No.19 South African GP 1967 Dave Charlton
S8050 Cooper T51 No.18 Dutch GP 1960 Maurice Trintignant
S8187 Sauber Mercedes-Benz C291 No.2 Winner 430km Autopolis 1991 M. Schumacher – K. Wendlinger
S8205 Lotus Elite No.38 12th 24H Le Mans 1961 B. Allen – A. Taylor
These models are reproductions of Solido 100 series models from the 1960s. Produced in a similar way to the Dinky replicas Norev made for Atlas or the Corgi Model Club replicas produced by Hornby. They are nicely made and presented with a box which replicates the original one too. Though these models are all made in China and marked as such.
Citroen Ami 6- red
Aston Martin DB5- green
Ford Thunderbird – black
Simca Oceane – orange
Edition 18
Again diecast in China for France these Solido 1:18 scale models are budget models but are well presented with opening features which sets them apart from the more detailed, but more expensive sealed resin 1:18 scale models from other makers.
Fiat 131 Abarth #10 White/Blue
Renault R17 #12 blue
Fiat 131 Abarth red
BMW M3 Lightweight white
Alpine A110 #11 blue
Porsche 935 Moby Dick #70 red
BMW E30 M3 Coupé blue
Alfa Romeo GTV6 red #23
Dacia Duster blue
McLaren F1 GTR #39 white
The latest publicity shots from Solido introduce some new 1:18 scale models which appear to be joining the Edition 18 range though this is not explicitly stated.
Liberty Walk are a renowned firm of ‘tuners’ based in Japan taking fast cars and making them even faster as well as adding a dash of fashionable colours and finishes. Solido announce two Nissan GT-Rs as customised by LIberty Walk to their range.
Nissan GT-R (R35) with Liberty Walk Body kit type 2 – MInt Green
Nissan GT-R (R35) with Liberty Walk Body kit type 2 – Orange Metallic
Two versions of the CTI ‘hot cabrio’ version of the Peugeot 205 will be joining the range to go with the many versions of the classic GTI ‘hot hatch’already available.
Peugeot 205 CTI Mark 1 – Vallelunga Red – 1989
Peugeot 205 CTI Mark 1 – Meije White – 1989
Porsche 956LH – Le Mans 24 Hours 1986 – Follmer/ Morton/ Miller #8
Mercedes-Benz CLA C118 Coupe AMG Line – White – 2019
Volkswagen Caddy Mark 1 – Computer Custom – 1982
This livery is based upon one used on a Porsche 935 k3 sponsored by Apple many years ago. One added to Solido’s ‘Streetfighter’ range.
Porsche 356 pre-A series – Condor Yellow – 1953
The 356 designed by Ferry Porsche in its original form before further development as A, B and C series as sales grew rapidly.
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The Coronavirus pandemic has had a significant effect upon product release schedules. Even though production appears to have restarted in most areas of China a few weeks ago, and is said to be getting back up to speed, there are inevitably delays in goods being shipped to other countries and distributed. Here is news from two European based firms.
Technomodel
Italian based Technomodel which have models made in China as well as making some in Italy has been affected by the Italian ‘lock down’ and being based in Lombardy is in the hard hit North. In a press release the owners Ilario and Grianluca say ‘In this bad time, we are still going ahead to develop and produce our models, yes of course with some delay, but anyway we will put all of our efforts to continue our passion in this work. We KNOW that finally the LIFE will won this battle against the virus. We wish all the best to all of you!‘
One of the latest releases is pictured below. It will be available in April and may be ordered from the companies website or from dealers who are providing mail order services.
TM18-172A Technomodel 1:18 Scale Mythos Series Ford Escort RS Turbo Zakspeed 1973 Driver: A.Hahne
Trofeu
Trofeu are a Replicar brand based in Portugal but the models are made in China. They are very active in modelling historic rally and circuit racing cars.
The models shown below are to 1:43 scale. The first set are scheduled for April release and will be available at the Trofeu shop online or through dealers doing a mail order service.
BMW 2002 150 R. Portugal 1975 Etchbers Etchbers
Fiat 131 Mirafiori Abarth 20 Rally New Zealand 1980 Walter Rohrl/C.Geistdorfer
Ford Capri 2600RS Win Mantorp Park 1972 Ronnie Peterson
Ford Escort MK1 RAC Rally 1974 Tony Drumond/David Richards
Ford Sierra Cosworth RAC Rally 1987 Mark Lovell/Roger Freeman
Vauxhall Chevette HSR-RAC Rally 1981 Tony Pond/Mike Nicholson
The next set of models is scheduled for May release
Ford Lotus Cortina Monte Carlo Rally 1969 Francisco Santos
Ford Escort Mk1 24hr Spa Francorchamps 1972 Harald Menzel/Dave Matthews
Alpine Renault A110 Bandama Rally 1974 Shekhar Mehta
Audi Quattro New Zealand Rally 1984 Walter Rohrl /Geistdorfer
Audi Quattro New Zealand Rally 1984 Stig Blomqvist/Cederberg
Saab 96 East African Safari 1964 Keith G.Mayers/Potter
Subaru Impreza WRC RAC UK Rally 2002 Mikko Hirvonen/J.Lehtinen
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2020 brings yet another new name to me. Milezim is a new brand from Macau based Spark sold at a lower price than many of their products. Two Renault models were made in early 2019 perhaps to test market the brand but now a whole range is expected covering vehicles from a variety of French Car makers. The new brand will find this market segment very tough as Norev has many competing models selling for a lower price; and part work models of most popular French cars are also available at a still cheaper price.
Reviews on French collectors web sites suggest that the quality is in the range provided by Norev, Vitesse, Universal Hobbies and Minichamps, but that some features are perhaps not as well modelled in some cases. Spark will need to work hard to provide value for money or people will buy competitors products.
Spark already include models of some of these cars in their main range, particularly theme ranges like the Henri Pescarola collection. As Spark’s creators were originally leading producers of French resin models under the Record and MRF brands it hardly surprising that they are targeting this market. Indeed many models featured in the Milezim range were produced in those earlier collectors ranges.
The brand organises its displays by Manufacturer and the photographs from their publicity are shown below.
Alpine
Citroën
Matra
Panhard
Peugeot
Renault
Simca
It will be very interesting to see what models are produced in this range and whether it establishes itself in the market place. The models certainly look nice in the manufacturer’s publicity material.
It is a matter of some frustration to me that there seem to be multiple versions of reasonably priced models available of every mass market car made by French producers in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, whilst we still wait for models of several popular UK made vehicles.
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This article looks at the new models month by month in the first quarter of 2019 from Schuco and their subsidiary Solido. Both firms models are made in China for Europe and are mainly diecast. Both ranges have models in a variety of scales as shown below. The Schuco Pro ranges are made in resin.
Schuco
February 1/2019
EDITION Pro.R43
450897800 Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 Coupe – red
EDITION PRO.R18
450008400 Opel Blitz Porsche race car transporter
EDITION 1:87
452632700 Land Rover Mk.I with trailer, loaded with Mini race car
AVIATION 1:600
403551676 Asiana Airlines – Airbus A380-800
SOLIDO
1:18 SCALE
421284550/S1801202 Alpine A310 Pack GT – red
421184460/S1801201 Alpine A310 Pack GT – white
Schuco
February 2/2019
PICCOLO
450559700 “The little VW Split Window Mechanic” Piccolo Assembling Box
450559800 “The little Sportscar Mechanic” Porsche 356 Piccolo Assembling Box
450570900 Charger “Happy Birthday 2019”
450607400 Set Piccolo Collector Catalogue 1994-2018 with Mustang
450133700 Mini “Mr. B.”
A thinly disguised attempt to model the ‘Mr. Bean’ Mini from the television series of the same name, starring Rowan Atkinson, whilst presumably avoiding paying royalties to the programme’s producers. It lacks many of the special features added to the TV car and appears to be based on the earlier version of the Mini than the one used on TV.
450502700 Land Rover Mk.I with trailer and Aston Martin DB5 “British Car Service”
EDITION 1:43
450374200 Volkswagen Transporter T1b pick up with crew cab and trailer, loaded with “Ovali Beetle”, “53 Racing” – beige
This set shows once more that Schuco do not always pay attention to detals. The Beetle with oval rear window, launched in late 1953, has air intakes modelled, the so called rheumatism flaps, which were only used in the model year 1951/1952. The number “53” is intended to provoke reminiscences of the movie star Herbie.
EDITION PRO.R43
450879800 Porsche 356 Gmünd Coupe – silver
450879900 Porsche 356 Gmünd Coupe – black
23081/23082
450902300 Volkswagen Transporter T1a pick up “Schwäbisch Hall building society advertising vehicle
450900200 Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 cabriolet – blue
EDITION 1:32
450775100 Tractor Progress ZT 303 – red
EDITION PRO.R32
450900300 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U401 with wooden flat bed
450905700 Chain tracked tractor T100 M3
450907500 Belarus MTS-50 tractor -blue
450907400 Famulus RS 14/36 tractor – red
EDITION PRO.R18
450011400 Volkswagen Beetle Motorhome – blue
EDITION 1:87
452637500 Porsche 911R, gulfblue/orange
SOLIDO
1:18 SCALE
421184820/S1801503 BMW E30 DTM race car 1989
421184760/S1801801 Caterham Seven 275R
421184770/S1801802 Caterham Academy 2014
421184780/S1800704 Citroen DS Speciale – yellow
421184830/S1800105 Renault 4L “Jogging” 1981
Please note that Solido part numbers differ when shown on the Solido section of the Schuco web site to those on the dedicated Solido site.
SCHUCO
March 3/2019
PICCOLO
450559600 Piccolo Assembling Box Mercedes-Benz Unimog U401
EDITION PRO.R43
450900400 Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet – blue
450900500 Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet – white
EDITION 1:32
450760700 Mercedes-Benz Trac 1800
EDITION 1:64
452016500 BMW Isetta beige/orange
The headlights seem to be mounted to illuminate the sky rather than the road. I hope that production models have headlights properly fitted.
452016600 Citroen 2CV “007” – yellow
Another car with headlights mounted at a ridiculous angle which will hopefully be rectified on production models.
452016700 Mini Cooper “Union Jack” – red
452016800 Volkswagen Beetle – green/beige
452016900 Volkswagen Beetle “Lady-Bird”
452018000 Volkswagen Golf Mk.I GTI
EDITION 1:87
452633000 Porsche 911 Turbo (930) – red
452633100 Porsche 911 Turbo S (991) – silver
452635000 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Coupe – white
452635100 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Targa – silver
452635200 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Cabriolet – blue
This article features models released by Norev in the first quarter of 2019. These are in a variey of scales but all are diecast in China for France. A more detailed review of a few of the more noteworthy releases can be found towards the end of the article.
Please note that some models are pre-production samples and may be marked as such, others may be final pre-production samples.
February Releases
1:18 Scale
181626 Citroen GS “Basalte” 1978 – black and red features
Only 1,800 of these were allocated to French Dealers and they were the first special edition of the GS designed to encourage purchases at a time when the GS was beginning to get ‘long in the tooth’.
183568 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cabriolet 1969 – brown
Fitted with a two and a half litre straight six engine the 250E was a strong seller in the upper part of the Mercedes-Benz range. The convertible was much rarer and more expensive. Similar in some ways to its predecessor it was noted for the squared off rear wings. The age of the fin was over.
Doors, boot, and bonnet all open without spoiling the lines of the model when closed.
183459 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 1976 – Inca red metallic
Mercedes-Benz flagship car from 1975 to 1981 and made in small numbers. It featured hydro-pneumatic rear suspension based on the same principles as Citroen used all round.
It had a high specification interior and was powered by a 6.9 Litre V8 engine with a three speed automatic gearbox and limited slip differential.
Again lots of opening parts.
188053 Nissan GTR R-35 2008 – dark grey metallic
Launched on the Japanese market in 2007 it eventually reached Europe in 2009 as a Performance Centre had to be built in any country that it was sold in.
Built in aluminium, steel and carbon fibre it is assembled on a jig like a F1 car. Powered by a V6 engine of nearly 4 Litres which could produce nearly 400 BHP and had a top speed of nearly 200 MPH.
Again opening parts seem to have good shut lines and reveal the fairly detailed interior.
187412 Porsche 962 C Winner Supercup 1987 – H.-J. Stuck
The World Sportscar Championship was a world series run for sports car racing by the FIA from 1953 to 1992. It combined events in North America and Europe and was an important target for the major racing car outfits. The Norev model represents the winning car in the 1987 series a time when Porsche dominated this area of racing.
This diecast model has no opening parts but has a lot of detailed printing to a high standard.
185742 Simca 9 Aronde 1953 – Amarante red
Here we see the first generation of the SImca Aronde, two years after its launch in 1951. A clean modern shape for its time when many car makers models still had wings and vestigial running boards.
Powered by an engine of just over 1200cc it was capable of a top speed of just under 80MPH though it took over 30 seconds to get from 0 to 60 MPH. In 1953 production of the Aronde reached over 100,000 showing its popularity with buyers
1:43 Scale Models
270353 AC ACE 1957 – grey metallic
270357 AC ACECA 1957 -blue metallic
170020 DS 3 Crossback “La Premiere 2019” – black with red roof
170021 DS 3 Crossback 2019 – blue and black roof
170022 DS 3 Crossback E-Tense 2019 – pearl and black roof
170001 DS X E-Tense 2018
270575 Ford 12M saloon 1954 – blue metallic
474604 Peugeot 406 saloon 2003 – Banquise white
474653 Peugeot 406 Break 2003 – Banquise white
151413 Citroen 2CV AZU 1959 – “Wegenwacht”
156076 Citroen 2CV Pick-up with ladder 1963
474654 Peugeot 406 Break 2003 “SMUR”
1:18 Scale MAXI_JET
182056 Motobecane AV 65 1965 -blue
1:64 Scale MINIJET
310810 Citroen 2CV 4×4 – etna grey
March Releases
1:18 Scale
181625 Citroen GS Club 1972 – Camargue blue
Another outing for the GS moulding. This time in an earlier GS version in a more basic trim level.
183478 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG-Line 2018 – dark blue metallic
An up to date top of the range Mercedes-Benz. Modelled in a considerable level of detail with all doors, boot, and bonnet opening. The interior looks to be modelled to a high level of detail.
183423 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2018 – bluegrey
This will be a large model. It has impressive opening parts, though no opening bonnet.
183471 Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet 2018 – blue metallic
Here we have the latest top-end convertible from Mercedes-Benz. opening parts, lots of interior detail, and even fitted luggage in the boot makes this an excellent model in this larger scale.
188523 Volkswagen 1303 superbug 1972 – green metallic
1:43 Scale
517864 Box Alpine A110 Pure & Legende 2018 – Limited Edition of 500.
517865 Alpine A110 Legende 2018 – Alpine blue
270504 Aston Martin DB5 Coupe 1964 – night blue
830040 Audi Q8 SUV 2018 – white
479820 Peugeot 2008 2013 – white
479849 Peugeot 2008 GT Line 2016 – Perla Near Black
870067 Volvo V90 Cross Country 2017 – Savile grey
150091 Citroen 2CV Cogolin 1961 “Fire brigade”
479821 Peugeot 2008 2013 “City Police”
479822 Peugeot 2008 2016 “Gendarmerie”
Extended Reviews
Here I look at some remarkable models, issued by NOREV and worthy of a closer examination.
183701 Benz Patent-Motorwagen 1886 in 1:18 scale
Norev released this first real automobile in excellent detail in 1:18 scale. Initially only for the Daimler Benz Company, now it is available to collectors through retailers.
The first stationary gasoline engine developed by Carl Benz was a one-cylinder two-stroke unit which ran for the first time on New Year´s Eve 1879. Benz had so much commercial success with this engien that he was able to devote more time to his dream of creating a lightweight car powered by a petrol engine, in which the chassis and engine formed a single unit.
The major features of the two-seater vehicle, which was completed in 1885, were the compact high-speed single-cylinder four-stroke engine installed horizontally at the rear, the tubular steel frame, the differential and three wire-spoked wheels. The engine output was 0,75 hp (0,55 kW). Details included an automatic intake slide, a controlled exhaust valve, high-voltage electrical vibrator ignition with spark plug, and water/thermo siphon evaporation cooling.
On January 29, 1886, Carl Benz applied for a patent for his “vehicle powered by a gas engine.” The patent – number 37435 – may be regarded as the birth certificate of the automobile. In July 1886 the newspapers reported on the first public outing of the three-wheeled Benz Patent Motor Car, model No. 1.(23238)
Not too far from Benz, Gottlieb Daimler developed also a four-stroke gasoline engine, but he placed this unit into a former horse drawn coach, into a boat and into a railway engine.
Some years ago, Daimler built a number of replicas of this car shown above. One was shown at Techno Classica driven by a young woman to commemorate Bertha Benz, who made the first long distance trip in an automobile upgraded by her husband Carl.
151397 Citroen 2CV Citroneta 1963 – blue – scale 1:43
The Citroneta was a version of the 2CV manufactured in Chile and Argentina. It used a type AZ chassis with a 425 cc engine developing 12 bhp. Both chassis and and engine were made in France while the bodywork ( for both 2 and 4 door versions) was designed and produced in Chile. The last of the “boot design” cars was built in 1973. The Citroneta was produced by the Citroen factory in Arica and apart from the chassis and engine/transmission used mainly locally made components.
Production of the 2CV in Chile started in 1953 as a way of boosting local employment. Initially, they were laughed at as they seemed small, under powered and insubstantial compared to the US imports of the time.
Soon the Chilean designers created a body to suit the country´s specific needs. The car needed to be useful for both city dwellers and also for farmers who needed to carry fruit, vegetables, hens or even pigs. Thus an open boot was included to help this and the “decapotable” roof abandoned.
The sales success that this model enjoyed was so great that it can be said that almost every Chilean has driven a Citroneta. All the streets were filled with this “French Miracle” as they were nicknamed. They also gave many Chileans their first chance to own a car, since before the 2CV there wasn´t any car available at such a low price.
The model is well detailed, with a number of separate parts used to detail it. It is an interesting supplement to every 2CV collection.
The Continental GT is not only a fast and luxurious car, but it also secured Bentley’s survival. 66.000 GT coupes have been sold since 2003. The third generation was launched in 2018, and has been reworked extensively. A longer bonnet and a lower front profile make it look more modern. Whilst the front retains the Bentley grille, slightly enlarged, as well as the four headlight style the rear gets new ellipsoid rear lights and a general restyling.
The model is accurately shaped and well detailed. Norev provide the Bentley promotional models of this car, hence the high level of detail and quality of finish.
351341 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2018 – black –1:43 scale
The Mercedes G-Class is the oldest product in the Mercedes-Benz range. In the last 40 years the Swabians sold 300.000. But the time was ripe for a change. The appearance has only had a minor reworking.The body became 5 cm wider and 12 cm longer, but the boxy shape remained.
However, under the skin a revolution took place. The rigid front axle was replaced by independent suspension and a newly developed steering system give more comfort. Ground clearance, wading depth, angle of ascent and descent, are all improved.
But with the improvements comes a higher price tag, over a 100,000 Euros. Editor:rather higher than the much more luxurious Range Rover.
The miniature is accurately shaped, and well detailed, with many small separate components used to detail the model. The photographs above show the new and old versions of this model.
In this article I look at the last two Norev releases from 2018. These models are produced in China for France and are diecast unless otherwise noted.
November 2018 Releases
1:12 Scale
127500 Porsche 917K
Le Mans 24 Hours 1970 – Driven by Siffert and Redman and suffered an engine failure after 12 hours. The picture from Norev is marked to show clearly how large the model is at this scale.
127501 Porsche 917K
Winner of the Le Mans 24 hour race 1970 – Driven by Attwood and Herrmann.
1:18 Scale
185300 Alpine Renault A110 1600S 1971 – blue
183303 Alpine Renault A110 1600S 1971 . white with red striping
185301 Alpine Renault A110 1600S 1971 – Gendarmerie
183268 BMW M535i Saloon 1980 – gold metallic
183593 Mercedes-Benz S600 saoon 1997 – green metallic
183497 Mercedes-AMG GT S 2018 – black metallic
184833 Peugeot 404 saloon 1965 – Antique green
Scale 1:43
153051 Citroen Light 15 saloon 1949 – Dark blue and Cream
158218 Citroen GS 1220 Club 1973 – Tholonet beige metallic
154205 Citroen Xantia 1993 – Mauritius blue
475447 Peugeot 504 Pick-up with canvas cover – clear blue
511317 Renault Duster Oroch 2015 – white
517728 Renault Megane R.S. 2018 – Platinum silver
517732 Renault Scenic 2016 – Cassiopee grey and black
518399 Renault Alaskan Pick-up 2017 – silver
574055 Simca Vedette Marly 1957 – Pale yellow and black
840029 VW Touran 2015 – white
518393 Renault Alaskan Pick-up 2017 – “Fire Brigade”
Norev Classics 1:43 scale
CL2711 Ford Thunderbird 1960 – adriatic green
CL2712 Ford Thunderbird 1960 – aquamarine
1:87 scale
517818 Alpine A310 1977 – Alpine blue
574116 Matra-Simca Bagheera 1975 – Sun yellow
451731 Panhard PL 17 saloon 1961 – Atlantide blue
518582 Renault Galion 1963 Brewery La Meuse with bottle crates
518583 Renault Galion 1963 Brewery Jean Renard with barrels
530262 IVECO Bus Crossway LE 2014 “Car du Rhone”
530263 IVECO Bus Urbanway 2014 “TCL”
December 2018 Releases
1:18 Scale
183224 BMW M1 1980 – blue
181592 Citroen DS 21 Break 1970 – Bordeaux
183400 Mercedes-Benz 190SL 1955 – blue
183567 Mercedes-Benz 300 CE Cabriolet 1990 – Bornite metallic
185169 Renault Dauphine 1958 – Medicis black
1:43 Scale
517863 Alpine A110 2017 – white and blue test version
830074 Audi 200 Quattro 1989 – white
270321 Bentley Continental GT coupe 2018 – silver
270061 Jaguar E-Type Coupe 1964 – grey
351305 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2018 – ruby red metallic
351175 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2018 – silver
475825 Peugeot 508 SW GT 2018 – Amazonite grey
475626 Peugeot 508 SW GT 2018 – Pearl white
517791 Renault Megane Estate 2016 – Glacier white
517799 Renault Megane Estate 2016 – red
517963 Renault Symbioz Salon of Francoforte 2017
517962 Renault R.S. 2017 Vision Salon of ShangHai 2017
840096 Volkswagen Corrado G80 1990 – silver
517796 Renault Megane Estate 2016 “Douanes – Customs”
517798 Renault Megane Estate 2016 “Douanes – Customs” – red and yellow stripes
517794 Renault Megane Estate 2016 – “Police Municipale”
517795 Renault Megane Estate 2016 – “Police Municipale Intercommunale”