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Discover a selection of models that will be on sale this week, starting tomorrow, Monday, September 14th, and running until Thursday, September 17th, 2026, on our website. AUTOJAUNE COLLECTION
en vente cette semaine: Solido – Présentoir- JRD – Citroën 154 – JRD – Citroën DS19 cabriolet 152 – Dinky Toys GB – Présentoir Pendule –
I remember...
from the anecdote Jean-Michel Roulet told about Claude Thibivilliers.
In the late 1960s, Thibivilliers held a rather unique position in the Meccano design office. Joining as a model designer from February 1965 to December 1968, he was promoted to head of research in January 1969 and remained there until his departure in February 1971.
The new management, which had taken over in the mid-1960s, had complete confidence in him to turn things around. He was passionate about model cars, already well-connected in the Parisian model-making scene, and displayed exceptional model-making skills; in short, he seemed like the right man for the job.
With a strong personality, he didn’t appreciate the color choices approved by management and made his feelings known. The color red was ubiquitous in the product range.
During a weekly meeting intended to finalize a color for an upcoming release, he had the audacity to bring a set of models to management, all painted red!
This anecdote was confirmed to me by a former member of the design office. It certainly made an impression.
I thought about it again when I saw this week’s new releases and all these red miniatures. It seems that it easily catches the eye of potential buyers; all manufacturers of miniature cars have observed this phenomenon since the early 1960s.
The general public immediately associates this color with fire trucks, but also, of course, with the models made in Modena: Ferraris.
The miniature enthusiast who collects Ferraris is happy when they can display a miniature in a different color in their showcase.
This week we have a splendid and rare Ferrari Daytona convertible, originally produced by AMR, which offered it in several colors. It’s a magnificent piece.
This French craftsman was a leading figure in the 1980s. He constantly pushed the boundaries and constraints of manufacturing, creating objects coveted by all but whose price tag kept them accessible only to a select few. His numbered series were all sold in advance by subscription.
He also placed great importance on presentation and, therefore, on packaging: admire the box and the outer box.
He had a certain idea of luxury. Of course, you might say, it’s a Ferrari.
modèle en vente cette semaine : AMR – Ferrari 365 GTS:4 1975 Daytona Spyder
Let’s stick with the color red, with these unusual Japanese creations.
With the models on offer this week, we’re exploring the second wave of Japanese miniature car manufacturing: the 1970s.
More than ten years have passed since Micropet, ATC, and Cherryca Phenix.
New manufacturers emerged, including Marushin and Sakura, both featured this week. Goodbye to the Japanese sedans of the 1960s; hello to European sports cars.
At that time, there was strong demand from Japanese customers for show cars with refined designs.
I remember well, at the Rétromobile shows, Japanese customers coming to Paris to find miniature reproductions of these types of cars. I particularly recall that the Renault 14 was among the models requested by these customers.
So you won’t be surprised by the miniatures offered this week.
The BMW E26, better known as the M1, is a perfect example. You may like or dislike the door opening system. For my part, I see it as the signature of the manufacturer, Marushin.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Marushin – BMW E-26. ref 7
This system will be featured on several of the brand’s miniatures, such as the Abarth 2000, which is also planned. The “dream car” tag on the box perfectly encapsulates the point made earlier.
These models, like the Maserati Bora from Sakura, which is also planned, are rare and, above all, little known in France, as they were never sold here. You had to look for them in neighboring Belgium or Switzerland.
I remember that the specialist shops in these two countries were a source of wonder for many French enthusiasts who came to visit them.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Sakura – Maserati Bora ref11
modèle en vente cette semaine : Marushin – Abarth 2000 ref 2
disruptions in the rural world
In the post-war years, the red color of the Massey Harris tractor featured this week must have been a shock to the rural world, accustomed to the sobering colors—dark green or gray—of tractors and other agricultural equipment from the pre- and immediate post-war periods.
For a long time, Renault tractors, before they became orange, were finished in green, like the Vierzon or Volvo Bolinder models.
The Ferguson was gray, the Lanz petrol blue… Then, to differentiate themselves from the competition and make a lasting impression, manufacturers, including Massey Harris, which later became Massey Ferguson, switched to red.
In the countryside, these splashes of red had a striking, almost pictorial effect. The same is true in our shop windows.
modèle en vente cette semaine: Dinky Toys GB – Massey Ferguson tracteur agricole 300
This tractor had a very long run at Dinky Toys, and collectors can easily collect six or seven of them.
There’s even a version made in South Africa. (See the Johannesburg farm work blog).
The wheels, steering wheel, figure, exhaust pipe, hook, and markings evolved over the years.
The version shown is interesting. It’s a later model: plastic figure, steel exhaust pipe, and chrome steering wheel.
It’s distinguished by the absence of original markings on the engine hood. The model was likely produced when decals were in short supply.
I own this version and have seen it several times. It’s not an isolated case.
We also have, in red of course, a harrow designed to be attached to the tractor.
Ultimately, this agricultural range is very successful, and as a collector, I’m delighted that Liverpool kept this tractor in its catalog for so long.
From a commercial standpoint, it’s a different story, of course. In 1972, still in the catalog, it was considered an antique by any potential buyer.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys GB – Remorque Herse 324
My favorite is this splendid burgundy Mercedes 220se from JRD
Burgundy is a dark shade of red.
For a high-class car like this Mercedes, it’s a perfect fit.
It’s hard to imagine this 220se in red on the street. But in the world of miniature toys, I appreciate a touch of the unexpected.
This Mercedes 220se was also made by Tekno. For the Dutch market, there’s a version in a deep blue and another in orange. Displayed in a shop window, amidst the more subdued colors, these cars certainly make an impact.
On the other hand, I shudder to think how passersby would react to a bright orange 220se.
I see it as a provocation worthy of the counterculture. If you’re looking for a miniature in an elegant color, this JRD is for you.
This color is rarely available.
modèle en vente cette semaine : JRD – Mercedes 220se 153
By a quirk of timing, we also have another miniature Mercedes in burgundy, an SL convertible produced for its press launch in Portugal in 1989, created as a promotional item by AMR for Mercedes and distributed to the press.
The lineage of this color is clearly evident, perfectly suited to exceptional cars. This miniature is quite interesting and rare. I’ve had the opportunity to express my interest in these extraordinary models.
This promotional item has a story behind it: offering those attending the car’s presentation an AMR model assembled in a display case was a gift befitting the car’s value.
It marks an era. An era of excess.
I imagine that the press launch of this car was in keeping with that of the miniature: a certain idea of luxury. We still have the miniature, easier to preserve than the car and, above all, accessible to a wider audience.
modèle en vente cette semaine : AMR – Mercedes SL Portugal Presentation 1989
also on sale this week
