Pinocchio, the Cat, the Fox and the Ferraris

…from a scene from the Walt Disney animated film “Pinocchio,” based on Carlo Collodi’s tale, which had a profound impact on me as a child. The fox “Big Rascal” and the cat “Gideon” had persuaded Pinocchio to follow them to “Pleasure Island,” which they described as enchanting. Hired by a mysterious coachman who had promised them gold coins, their mission was to convince all the disobedient children to follow them to the island.

I thought back to the beautiful Mercury box set for sale this week. What a success it would have been in “its” country! When it was offered, Ferraris still dominated endurance racing. Ferrari importers (NART on the East Coast of the United States, Maranello dealership in Great Britain, Ecurie Francorchamps in Belgium, etc.) supported Scuderia Ferrari, sometimes successfully. This box set takes us back to that period. The Ferrari 250LM sits in the center. It must be said that in 1965 it had just won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The illustration on the cover of the box set is superb, as are the presentation of the cars and the arrangement of the miniatures. The Ferraris look like they’re parading. It was somewhat true. The Fords had just arrived and they were still quite fragile.

We also have another “All winners” box set offered by Corgi Toys which brings together a series of racing cars. It also contains a Ferrari 250LM. Its treatment is less successful, less careful than that of the Mercury. In the box, there is also a Ford Mustang, a Corvette, a Type E… Cars which shone on the circuits during this period and which especially constituted a part of the endurance racing field. They competed in the GT category as indicated by the text on the box. Part of the interest lies in this explanatory text. The presence of the Ferrari 250LM questions because we remember that it was a source of controversy between Enzo Ferrari and the sporting power governing motor racing. The latter considered his “prototype” as a “GT”. No doubt, we were in the land of Pinocchio.

Let’s stay with the gifts. When I saw this superb Corgi Toys American La France truck, I can’t forget that it was a great disappointment for me. Yet the object is sublime. It is surely one of the last beautiful Corgi Toys vehicles, before the brand made a change of strategy. My father gave it to me after returning from a trip to New York, organized by the luxury shoe brand Charles Jourdan in 1969. He told me how he had been mesmerized by the sight of this type of machine, all sirens blaring in the streets of New York. It is also the presence of the firefighter operating the steering wheel that controls the rear directional axle of the trailer that questions anyone who has never set foot on the other side of the Atlantic. Yes, but then, at that time we were in the middle of the conquest of space with the first steps on the moon. I had seen the journalist François de Closet on the first channel explaining the progress of operations using a model. And this model, I dreamed of owning it. So, when I saw the Corgi Toys truck, I certainly thanked him for the beautiful gift but my heart was not in it. Many years later, I confessed my disappointment. It was time-barred. I have a somewhat special relationship with this machine. The one on offer is splendid. It is the very first. It is equipped with red zamac rims. They will become bronze on the second model. As its production progresses, this expensive toy will lose its splendor: the suspensions, the characters on the back seat, the antenna, the third element of the folding ladder, the rubber tires will disappear over the course of production. The one on offer is the most beautiful. Appreciate its splendid box and the presence of the protective cardboard…you would think you were seeing the one my father gave me.

The De Tomaso, with its ingenious detachable chassis, was also a memorable toy for children of my generation. Corgi Toys still had a creative design office at this time.

Finally, we also have two other Corgi Toys, of older design, on the program. These are advertising versions. The Commer in Coop colors is a promotional one. It was offered in exchange for the points that the child collected on the packaging of this company’s products. The second is a Bedford in Corgi Toys colors. You can never be better served than by yourself. You will appreciate the bright colors. There are three color distribution combinations, the one proposed is the first.

The 1972 Solido catalog, offered for sale this week, marks a milestone for the French manufacturer. Mr. de Vazeilles understood that it was necessary to revitalize and modernize the image of his catalog. The presentation of models through the splendid illustrations of Jean Blanche is over. From now on, it’s time for color photos. However, faithful to his illustrator, he will keep the latter’s drawings to present the new products. I learned from his son that this period had been painful for the designer. His drawings are not signed in this catalog. The catalog is part of the manufacturer’s identity. He takes particular care over it.

As for the consumer, he is only interested in the announcement of new products. And it is among these few new products that I envisaged the gift for the next birthday. In 1972, a Mercedes 350 is thus planned … which will never see the light of day. The Citroën GS, on the program for the week, is among the new products of 1972. It raises questions. The presence of this wise French sedan, surrounded by racing cars, Ferrari 312 P/B, Ferrari 512 M, or Ligier JS/3 seems incongruous. It finds its justification in the fact that Dinky Toys France has just stopped its activity. Mr. de Vazeilles understands that the place is free to offer quality French sedans. In a short time the “Gam” series 1, 2 and 3, dedicated to popular cars will see the light of day. This catalog marks another important step. It’s the end of a cycle, with the final models in the 100 series. The March 707 Can Am and its number 199 closes this series. Now it’s time for the new “10”.

The Citroën SM, on sale this week, is still part of the 100 series. The taut lines of this beautiful car are perfectly rendered. It is by far the best miniature reproduction. However, personally, I find the GS’s execution superior. The opening door frames are a masterpiece: they are curved and flawless.

We also have two beautiful convertibles, including a superb straw-yellow Peugeot 403. I never tire of this series of convertibles; they haven’t aged a day.

Finally, appreciate the harmonious color combination of the Citroën Ami 6 station wagon: ivory with its red interior. The latter is equipped with the latest and rare “continental” type gearbox. With this station wagon, Solido has proven that it also knows how to reproduce popular cars. We can see a lineage between this Ami 6 station wagon and this GS. The CX, CX station wagon, LN, 2cv’74 will follow…

Vincent Espinasse