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Discover a selection of models that will be on sale this week, from tomorrow, Monday, June 8, 2026, until Thursday, June 11, 2026, on our website. AUTOJAUNE COLLECTION
en vente cette semaine: Mebetoys – Alfa Romeo AlfaSud Sprint 8616 – Dinky Toys France – Simca 1000 junior 104 – Dinky Toys France – Berliet Gazelle avec drone Nord R-20 816 Mebetoys – Alfa Romeo Alfetta Rallye Internazionale 8584
I remember...
…by Hans Elgaard. He was a sturdy fellow.
In the 80s, he and his wife attended all the Scandinavian swap meets. Then, they came with a pram. I watched the little family grow up with the arrival of a second son.
The last time I saw the youngest, he was towering over me at 6’3″. Time flies.
I told him I remembered him and his brother playing in the aisles of the Copenhagen or Gothenburg swap meets.
Fifteen years later, they were helping their parents, more out of duty than passion for Tekno.
I met Elgaard on our first trip to Scandinavia, in Copenhagen. He came from Jutland.
How could I forget someone unpacking dozens and dozens of brand-new Tekno watches in their late-model display cases?
The prices were low. He explained to me that, along with a few other collectors, he had acquired the impressive stock of spare parts when the Tekno factory closed (1972-1973). He proudly showed me the sturdy wooden crates from the factory in which he had stored the chassis, windows, plastic interiors, pre-painted bodies…decals, and even the boxes, still folded.
Everything was original. All that remained was to assemble them…thousands of miniatures were thus assembled and finished by him after the closure. He never tried to deceive buyers.
He also sold the spare parts. At first, the prices were ridiculously low, then, as the stock dwindled rapidly, the prices increased.
I thought of him when I saw two models from his collection that are being programmed: two Volvo N88 Titans coupled to a semi-trailer.
The “Felix Capri” was originally produced for the Swedish market. There’s even an illustrated cardboard box. The one offered here is a version assembled after the factory closed. The decals are original.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Tekno – Volvo N88 semi citerne Felix Capri 434
When the stock of decals salvaged after the factory closed ran out, enthusiasts had new ones made—copies of the originals.
Some may find it worthwhile to acquire this type of reproduction, but they should be aware of the potential for cost difference and understand that the price difference compared to an original model is significant.
The one offered here was therefore made in the 1970s or 80s using original parts. It is not a copy, unlike the majority of models now in circulation.
The other model is very interesting. To my knowledge, however, it was never produced by Tekno. Was it a project that was abandoned and then revived?
What is certain is that it was produced using pad printing after the factory closed.
This tanker is active in Denmark. I have only seen it for sale at Mr. Elgaard’s, and in very small quantities.
I kept a copy for my collection because of its appeal and its connection to the end of the Tekno saga. It was distributed in a display case.
It’s also an aesthetically pleasing product. It’s offered at a reasonable price due to the air of mystery surrounding its history.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Tekno – Volvo N88 semi citerne Olieselkabet Danmark 434
Another decal story, this time with the Volvo Express Valash brewery truck.
The decals applied to the doors and tailgate make this brewery truck a real success.
This soda was sold in Scandinavia, and Tekno even created a Volkswagen Kombi pickup truck bearing its name.
The color scheme is quite original: lemon yellow and black.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Tekno – Volvo Express brasseur Valash 455
This truck, with its unusual profile, isn’t highly regarded by Scandinavian enthusiasts.
Yet, I find it very interesting for a personal reason. There are numerous variations available, and one can still hope to find more.
Analyzing these variations helps to understand Tekno’s approach, which is far removed from the image of a rigorous company it has cultivated throughout its existence.
On certain models, such as this Volvo Express or the Volvo N88 Titan, also featured this week, the Danish firm combines surplus chassis, cab, or body parts produced for catalog versions, often used for advertising or promotional purposes.
These trucks are composed of three distinct parts.
It’s therefore possible to find versions with a tricolor livery. Another advantage of these trucks is their reasonable price.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Tekno – Volvo N88 ridelles 431
We also have another Volvo Express model on the program.
A road-going, curtain-sided version. This curtain-sided variant is readily available in military versions (US Army or United Nations).
Unlike the side-side version described above, the curtain-sided version is only available in a few color variations. I’ve rarely seen it for sale.
It’s a model I recommend if you like Tekno vans.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Tekno – Volvo Express camion ridelles bâché 456
Just like the Scania 76 cement truck.
In the 1960s, Scania sought to expand its image in the construction industry: dump trucks, low loaders, and cement trucks. This unique range allows for a diverse display of different vehicles, a far cry from the classic concrete mixer.
Furthermore, Tekno offered several tank colors while maintaining the same chassis/cab base (gray/turquoise).
The effect is guaranteed in a shop window. The version with orange tanks is hard to find.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Tekno – Scania 76 porteur avec cuves ciment Scania Vabis 453
modèle en vente cette semaine : Tekno – Scania 76 porteur avec cuves ciment Scania Vabis 453
Finally, how could anyone resist the charm of the Scania 76 curtain-sided truck in ASG’s colors?
It’s surely one of the most beautiful Tekno trucks ever made. The cab’s decoration, with its yellow decals and roof-mounted sign, is exquisitely refined.
Tekno even painted the chassis and wheels yellow.
I dare say that this version marks the pinnacle of the Danish company’s history.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Tekno – Scania 76 ridelles bâché avec remorque ASG 451
OTHER TEKNO MODELS ON SALE THIS WEEK
modèle en vente cette semaine : Tekno – Ford Taunus Transit Amstel Bier 415
modèle en vente cette semaine :Tekno – Ford Taunus fourgon 419
modèle en vente cette semaine : Tekno – Ford Taunus Transit postes danoise 415
une histoire particulière
Let’s stay with the decal variations with this very rare Berliet GBO in the colors of the Languedoc oil drilling company.
This model has a unique history.
About thirty years ago, a French forger produced copies of the decals. There’s a similarity to the story of the Tekno tankers described earlier. The difference is that his goal was to pass them off as genuine.
The original version was commissioned from Dinky Toys by this French company, which was responsible for equipping trucks of various origins with a gantry crane and other accessories for oil exploration in the Sahara.
It’s a true promotional item, like the Baroclem, distributed by this company during the golden age of oil production in the French Sahara. Dinky Toys used its commercially available version and ordered decals, which were applied to the left door, the hood, and one side of the box.
The quality of the decals used in Bobigny at that time is evident. The varnish is thick, the outlines are broad, and the blue ink used is the same as that seen on the first decals for the Citroën municipal ambulance.
I remember very well the first “fake” I ever handled, at the Toulouse swap meet.
Having owned the original for a very long time, which I found in 1984 at the Montreuil flea market at 5:00 a.m., I told the seller that his copy was different from mine.
There was no dark varnish, and the blue color of the text was different. I remember telling him that there might be two versions. One must remain cautious; discoveries are always possible. I was facing a dilemma. After a few minutes of deliberation, I decided against buying it because this type of decal application didn’t reflect Dinky Toys’ methods at the time. It seemed to me to be of a more modern design.
A few months later, the truth came out. The market had been flooded with fakes. Complaints were filed.
Rest assured, the example offered here is an original. It’s a rare item.
Rarer than a Baroclem, especially with its box, which is of great importance in the case of a promotional model.
This version of this superb truck is a key piece in any Dinky Toys collection. Having a Baroclem, a Kronenbourg, and this GBO alongside it is the goal of every Dinky Toys enthusiast.
modèle en vente cette semaine: Dinky Toys France – Berliet GBO Société Languedocienne 888
By a quirk of scheduling, another very interesting variant is being offered this week.
It’s a later version that I appreciate for two reasons. It’s distinguished by its ivory-colored rims (not sand-colored), its plastic tow hook (not zamac and steel), and also by the absence of the steel blade intended for attaching “the” famous trailer. (See the blog post “Conquering the French Sahara”).
I remember the emotion I felt when I saw the original plans showing this trailer.
As Jean-Michel Roulet foresaw in his books, it had indeed been planned.
The second reason is that since then, Geoff Goodson has built several examples, which have now joined collections.
Dedicated to doing things right, he even made very slight corrections to the design provided by the engineering firm.
The trailer attaches perfectly, and the whole thing looks impressive.
I like the idea that, starting with the plans I gave him, he corrected a small calculation error made by the engineering firm.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys France – Berliet GBO plateau saharien 888
my roots
Toys made in France were the first that interested me.
They represent my roots. I brought together four programmed miniatures that all share the commonality of having been designed in France after the war, using whatever resources were available, and that reproduce American vehicles from the Second World War.
Willys Jeeps and GMC trucks have left their mark on several generations. Those who saw them in action, like my father’s, and the next. As a child, my father would speak to me with a tremor in his voice about these two vehicles.
In fact, when Dinky Toys produced their GMC with a canvas cover, he gave it to me. It was a rather special gift. He made me understand that I held in my hands a small piece of “history.”
That feeling has stayed with me, and even today I have a particular fondness for that truck. The set produced by FJ, including a GMC fire truck and its tanker trailer, possesses a certain poetry.
I like how the French manufacturer knew how to adapt the few elements available in the catalog to create other models. A bit like the C-I-J.
The gasoline tanker converted into a fire engine water tank clearly demonstrates the design team’s adaptability.
It’s a rare set. And again, it’s hard not to be impressed by the very fragile case.
modèle en vente cette semaine : FJ – GMC grande échelle pompier avec citerne
We also have a flatbed version.
modèle en vente cette semaine : FJ – GMC camion fardier
The three other miniatures planned are Willys Jeeps.
I imagine that in the immediate postwar period, many small businesses, whether out of opportunism or gratitude to the liberators, wanted to mark this event with their own stamp.
The symbolism is powerful: offering children, for whom the conflict was a time of hardship and deprivation, an object symbolizing newfound freedom.
I appreciate these three Jeeps. The Inca is made of plasticine.
modèle en vente cette semaine : inca – Willys Jeep US army
The two figures bring the model to life.
I also appreciate the ingenious treatment of the tarpaulin covering the rear of the vehicle. The other two are molded from an alloy composed primarily of lead.
The one with the folding windshield is certainly one of the finest reproductions ever made. I find it superior to the one produced by Dinky Toys, including in its finish.
The stamped markings are delicate. The other has a more clumsy appearance.
Yet it exudes a certain charm. One thing is for sure: their production run was short.
modèle en vente cette semaine : France – Willys Jeep armée française
modèle en vente cette semaine : France – Willys Jeep US army
Collectors took some time to appreciate them. These are pieces that are part of our history. There’s something extra special about them. I even wrote a blog post about it, “From the Earth to the Moon in a Jeep.”
My favorite is the four Lamborghini Miura sets produced by Solido and Mebetoys that are on sale this week.
The advantage of our passion for miniatures is that we can afford models that are out of reach of our budgets, but at a 1:1 scale.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Mebetoys – Lamborghini Miura Bertone A-20
And in multiple copies.
I sometimes have this reflex to write about a miniature car for sale that reproduces an unattainable dream car: “Since I can’t have the real thing!” I appreciate this quirky touch, which fits well with the poetic world of toys and childhood.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Solido – Lamborghini Miura 161
I can’t say the same about the rare Berliet Gazelle military truck and its drone that’s for sale this week. I’m not sure you’d want one in your garage.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Mebetoys – Lamborghini Miura Bertone A20
also on sale this week
