Français
Discover a selection of models that will go on sale on our website this week, from tomorrow, Monday, October 5, through Thursday, October 8, 2026. AUTOJAUNE COLLECTION
en vente cette semaine: JRD – Berliet Tak semi porte bouteilles Antargaz 132 – Dinky Toys GB – Foden Mk1 plateau 502- Dinky Toys GB – Foden 504 – C.I.J. – Saviem S7 ridelles bâché 4-76
I remember...
…of a scene that left a mark on my early childhood, back when my life already revolved around toy cars.
I spent my free afternoons with my miniatures, dreaming up imaginary worlds and embarking on extraordinary adventures.
For a long time, military vehicle models were my favorite toys. My parents had lived through the war; I would visualize the images and create scenarios based on their memories.
I often think of Mr. de Vazeilles, who was the first to dare to reproduce German military vehicles for the Solido military range.
Others would follow, but it took courage and boldness to do so in mid-1960s France. Until then, toy manufacturers had simply recycled existing products from their ranges—painting them khaki and adding US Army markings, like Corgi Toys or Tekno—or reproduced military vehicles from their own countries, like Dinky Toys (Liverpool or Bobigny).
But no one had dared to offer tanks from a nation other than the manufacturer’s own. Solido had an asset the others lacked: its famous articulated Zamak tracks.
There was also the need to recoup tooling costs, which naturally encouraged the creation of numerous armored vehicles—much to the delight of enthusiasts.
When discussing Solido and its innovations, people naturally think of suspension systems and opening doors, often overlooking those unmatched articulated Zamak tracks that enabled the Oulins-based firm to develop its range of armored vehicles. After offering an American Patton tank—initially in US markings and very soon after in French Army colors—as well as a distinctive Russian PT-76, it was only logical for Solido to release a French tank: the AMX-30, the pride of the French Army in the early 1960s.
It marked an improvement over the two tanks previously described, notably featuring a hinged commander’s hatch that could actually open.
And I operated that hatch hundreds of times. I remember that tank—and the week it was featured—very well. And for good reason.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Solido – AMX 30 209
One day, when my brother was picking a fight with me, I hurled it right at his head.
That earned me bullying, punishment, and—worst of all—the confiscation of my toys until further notice. It was awful.
I can still picture the cupboard where my parents kept the box of confiscated items.
In the end, my brother got off easier than I did.
The tank on offer is an interesting one; it is the initial version, featuring a chassis with riveted construction—later models used screws. The color is distinctive, too: a striking dark khaki. It sports a handsome tricolor roundel on the back of the turret. Finally, the model comes in a yellow cardboard box.
This is the specific variant I owned as a child. I have kept a fine collection representing Solido’s armored vehicles, all in their original cardboard boxes.
Naturally, these models belong right alongside the 100 and 300 series; they are an integral part of Solido’s history.
I would add that they hold a pivotal place. Their success has never wavered.
my oldest toy
As a child, I never owned a Tekno Volkswagen.
However, I clearly remember having a salmon-colored, 1:32 scale Tomte Lardal Volkswagen pickup. I still have it; in fact, it is the oldest toy I’ve managed to keep.
Reflecting on it now, I think it was the vehicle’s rounded curves that appealed to me as a child, and even today, the toy takes me right back to those early years.
I also owned a modest little Husky Volkswagen flatbed truck equipped with a cherry picker. I’ve forgotten some toys, but those two left a lasting impression. It seems children are naturally drawn to cars with rounded shapes, like the Citroën 2CV or the Fiat 500.
During my time as a shopkeeper, many parents would come into my store asking for a 2CV or a Fiat 500.
By 2026, the streets are filled only with massive vehicles featuring rugged, boxy, aggressive lines. While chance led me to keep the Tomte Volkswagen, I never sought to replace the Husky model.
I have the memory of it, and that is enough for me. Sometimes, a collector needs to rediscover something they once knew and lost; at other times, the memory itself suffices.
Seeing the two beautiful Tekno Volkswagens on the lineup—classics I could have owned as a child, since they were distributed by Solido in France—brought those memories flooding back.
modèle en vente cette semaine: Tekno – Volkswagen Kombi pick up Firestone 410
However, the high retail price limited their distribution; I recall owning only one Tekno model as a child—a gift, a Volvo fire-service van—which didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.
I appreciate the fluid lines of the Kombi.
Modern manufacturers produce beautiful versions, yet these products lack the charm of a true toy.
The simplicity and ingenuity of the two-part construction—allowing for striking two-tone color schemes—make these Tekno models exceptional pieces.
Classic versions, such as the Shell or Firestone models, are highly prized—especially when they are in mint condition, as is the case with the two examples featured this week.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Tekno – Volkswagen Kombi pick up Shell
Let’s stay with childhood memories.
Over my forty years in business, I often shared childhood memories with my customers.
It is easy to open up when your audience is interested.
This brings to mind the current climate, where everything has to move very fast—too fast—and many shopkeepers no longer take the time to talk to their customers.
Whenever a customer picked up the Estérel Air BP unit, I loved telling them that one really shouldn’t try testing how well the tank drained—something I had done as a child. What a letdown. I had imagined it would empty quickly with a powerful flow.
After connecting the six hoses and—crucially—filling the tank to the brim, I remember seeing absolutely nothing come out of the end of the sixth hose.
Worse still, I recall never being able to empty the tank completely, even after removing the cap. A residue remained at the bottom, quickly staining the plastic. What a disappointment! The artwork on the box lid for this Caravelle model was brilliant; it had raised my hopes so high. It depicted a night scene with the truck in action on an airport tarmac, headlights blazing, as a figure pulled out a refueling hose.
In a single drawing, the illustrator captured the toy’s key features: its electric lights and its draining system. The model is impressive, even at 1:43 scale. The plastic tank, however, likely put off many a buyer. I’ve noticed that many collectors who started in the early fifties stopped building their collections by the early sixties. We are looking at 1963 here. Naturally, there is the factor of the buyers’ age; as they became young adults, their priorities shifted.
However, I have sometimes heard that the waning interest in Dinky Toys collecting stemmed from an aversion to plastic. In any case, for some, it was a deciding factor. I was struck by the number of collections I acquired that stopped at the Berliet GAK or the Citroën P55 milk truck.
This Unic Esterel is an impressive yet fragile piece. It is difficult to find the plastic tanker in good condition; the plastic sometimes yellows. The example offered here is superb.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys France – Unic Esterel semi remorque citerne Air BP 887
Let’s stay in the realm of childhood with the Willys Jeep tow truck.
I loved this product. Once again, the artwork on the box was what drew me in; the low-angle perspective was brilliantly executed. I also really liked the prominent view of the spare wheel. Another highlight was the color scheme—red bodywork paired with yellow-and-black bumpers.
Finally, I clearly remember being won over by its “low” price tag. That impression of excellent value for money has stayed with me ever since.
The model was fragile, and I also recall my disappointment when I tried to tow another miniature vehicle using the plastic hook supplied by Dinky Toys. The result wasn’t nearly as convincing as it looked in Mr. Jouin’s illustration.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dinky Toys France – Willys Jeep dépannage 1422
the finds from Great Britain
These four British-made models embody the kind of finds one could make at toy fairs across Britain in the 1990s.
They were produced in the post-war era by manufacturers attempting to carve out a niche in a UK market dominated by Dinky Toys. Brimtoys, Robin Hood, Morestone, and Chad Valley are the four manufacturers featured this week.
Although well-crafted, these models remained in the shadow of the Liverpool giant. Ineffective distribution—often compounded by high retail prices—was the primary factor hindering their commercial success.
Whenever I came across one during a trip across the Channel, it was a delight—whether as a collector or a dealer—knowing that a resale was guaranteed. Over the course of more than forty years, I have managed to convince many French enthusiasts of the appeal and beauty of these models.
How could anyone resist the color scheme of the Robin Hood “Pool” truck? The vehicle’s aerodynamic lines and streamlined fenders are truly delightful.
Finding one in such excellent condition is nothing short of a miracle, given the fragility of the paintwork and decals.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Robinhood – Camion citerne Pool
The same applies to the Land Rover Military Police model, with its lettering embossed on the sides of the bodywork. Morestone produced three versions of this Land Rover, designing a different panel for each one. Rather than using a decal, the manufacturer opted for quality and a traditional production method featuring raised, embossed lettering—a model that possesses great charm. That is also the word I would use to describe the Sunbeam Talbot; its gracefully shaped bodywork combines the concepts of luxury and speed. The model features a key-wind mechanism, a hallmark of a quality toy.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Morestone – Land Rover 109 chassis court MP military police
modèle en vente cette semaine : Brimtoys – sunbeam Talbot berline mécanique
The Chad Valley AEC double-decker bus also features this type of motor. It is a lovely toy. What better object than a red double-decker bus to immerse us in the world of London? I particularly appreciate the distinctive rounded shape of the roof. Chad Valley would go on to use the same casting to produce an AEC removal van.
These are my four top picks of the week.
Favorites tinged with nostalgia—this week’s theme.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Chad Valley – AEC
Also on sale this week
