The collector’s natural curiosity

Discover a selection of models that will be on sale this week, from tomorrow, Monday, March 9, 2026, until Thursday, March 12, 2026, on our website. AUTOJAUNE COLLECTION

 

 
Mercury - Viberti BC5 citerne Aquila 96 - PR - Ford Fourgon tôlé Waterman Tour de France 6 - PR - Renault 1400Kgs savon Ambré Le Chat 5 Mercury - Viberti BC5 citerne Esso 96

en vente cette semaine: Mercury – Viberti BC5 citerne Aquila 96 – PR – Ford Fourgon tôlé Waterman Tour de France 6 – PR – Renault 1400Kgs savon Ambré Le Chat 5 Mercury – Viberti BC5 citerne Esso 96

I remember...

…on a Saturday morning, about ten years ago, at the unpacking of the Houten swap meet in the Netherlands, perhaps the largest in Europe.
 
The event takes place on the outskirts of the city of Utrecht.
 
The buildings are spacious, well-lit, easily accessible—in short, pleasant.
 
Everything is in place for a friendly event.
 
The halls are adaptable because the event varies in size depending on the season. The last one scheduled each year, often in December, is the largest. As everywhere, you need a bit of luck to be in the right place at the right time.
 
That day, I was drawn to the presence of an elderly couple whose faces were unfamiliar to me.
 
The natural curiosity of a collector led me to their table. On the floor was a flat cardboard box containing Daf trucks from Lion Car, still in their boxes.
 
Nothing unusual in the Netherlands, the country of origin of Lion Car.
 
As I stared at the box, the gentleman called me over to explain that the models had a unique feature: they were all painted in the colors of the same company. His wife added an explanation: it was their company… Remia, a Dutch margarine brand.
 
They had come to the event to sell off their stock of miniatures kept in their display cases, as well as advertisements, calendars, and other promotional items in Remia’s colors.
 
I was the first one there, and I took the box of miniatures containing trucks and cars in their colors.
 
The box summarized the story of the connection between Remia and Lion Car. This series was produced for advertising purposes; these were not for sale.
 
To be more precise, these models were promotional items. Consumers collected points, here on margarine wrappers, but it could also be on chocolate bar wrappers, cheese wrappers, film wrappers, newspaper subscriptions, and so on.
 
The items were then sent, often in exchange for a contribution towards postage costs.
 
This reward system was very successful in the 1960s. Having the original shipping box with the sender’s stamp is the holy grail!
 
This week we have the first two models that Lion Car will supply to Remia.
 
They are rare.
Lion Car - DAF 2600 semi remorque Remia 36

modèle en vente cette semaine : Lion Car – DAF 2600 semi remorque Remia 36

Lion Car - DAF 2600 semi remorque Remia 36.

modèle en vente cette semaine : Lion Car – DAF 2600 semi remorque Remia 36.

The very first 2600 cab rarely comes up for sale, and few enthusiasts are familiar with it. This particular model is coupled to a silver trailer. The grille design is different.
 
This 2600, dating from the very early 1960s, revolutionized the design of European truck cabs. It’s modern; looking at it, it’s hard to imagine it dates from that era. Its silhouette is familiar.
 
Its large windshield is a real improvement in driver comfort. However, the presence of a central pillar is noticeable.
 
Still with models repurposed for promotional use, we have this beautiful Scania DAK Olie tanker semi-trailer.
Tekno - Scania 110 semi remorque citerne DAK Olie 448

modèle en vente cette semaine : Tekno – Scania 110 semi remorque citerne DAK Olie 448

This is a slightly different story from the two models described above. There’s no doubt it was created for this Danish company.
 
My friend Geoff Goodson suggests that, for this purpose, it was distributed in a plain white box without any markings.
 
Presumably with the company’s agreement, the surplus was distributed in a Tekno display case. Note that there’s also a Volvo N88 in these colors. It’s a beautiful, rather late-production model.
 
Staying with Tekno, we have a rare Scania 110 Shell semi-trailer. This model is from the end of its production run, and I believe it was only distributed in the Netherlands.
 
The two examples I found come from there. This model is very common with a Volvo N88. The stenciled red paint on the front fenders is particularly noteworthy. We know that Shell had a presence in the Netherlands.
Tekno - Scania 110 semi remorque citerne Shell 448

modèle en vente cette semaine : Tekno – Scania 110 semi remorque citerne Shell 448

Same comment for the very beautiful Volvo N88 flatbed truck with backrest, owned by Paul Bergsoe, a Danish transporter.

Tekno - Volvo N88 Titan plateau dosseret Paul Bergsoe 432

modèle en vente cette semaine  : Tekno – Volvo N88 Titan plateau dosseret Paul Bergsoe 432

Tekno also commissioned a Volkswagen Kombi and even four Ford Transit vans, including three rare models for outposts in South America: Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. For this project, Tekno modified the mold of its Volvo flatbed truck and added a backrest, allowing for a decal with the company name. The color scheme, bright orange and red, is stunning. The surplus of this model was also distributed commercially.

Tekno Ford transit Paul bergsoe Danemark, Pérou , Colombie et Venezuela Collection AutoJaune 2

Tekno Ford transit Paul bergsoe Danemark, Pérou , Colombie et Venezuela Collection AutoJaune 

Tekno Volvo et Volkswagen van Paul Bergsoe Collection AutoJaune

Tekno Volvo et Volkswagen van Paul Bergsoe Collection AutoJaune

This type of practice also existed in France.
 
This week we have a beautiful Renault 1000kg van, a dry cleaning truck. Depending on its intended use, this model was sold by two different companies. The one in the colors of the “Master Dyers” is a version distributed through this French network of dyers who adhere to a quality charter.
C.I.J. - Renault 1000kgs fourgon teinturerie 3-62N

modèle en vente cette semaine : C.I.J. – Renault 1000kgs fourgon teinturerie 3-62N

Later, a plastic model, presumably less expensive, was created by Convert. The commercially available C-I-J version comes in a standard box with tabs that hold two “dyeing” paper additives and, downstream of the 3-60 reference number, an “N” stamp. This is the version we offer.

Convert Renault 1000kgs Teinturerie Collection AutoJaune

Convert Renault 1000kgs Teinturerie Collection AutoJaune

Another promotional CIJ is on the agenda. This model was reserved exclusively for its sponsor, Les Potasses d’Alsace. The item came in a special box and was offered to distributors of these fertilizers and to their users. The fact that two versions exist, distinguished by the color of the rims and also by a slightly different decal, indicates that the product was successful and that two separate orders were placed at two different times. It’s a rare piece, especially in such perfect condition, and one that gave us quite a challenge 40 years ago. It’s the kind of piece that the discerning collector likes to display in a showcase.

C.I.J. - Renault 120cv tracteur semi remorque bâché Potasse d'Alsace

modèle en vente cette semaine : C.I.J. – Renault 120cv tracteur semi remorque bâché Potasse d’Alsace

We have two more promotional products, this ones designed to promote a real vehicle.
 
This is another facet of promotional models.
 
This time, the manufacturer commissions a toy manufacturer to create a model to enhance its product. One must imagine the trust that the manufacturer, in this case Volkswagen, places in the toy manufacturer, Cursor.
 
We are, of course, still dealing with German companies. It’s important to remember that in the 1970s, the development of a model for a manufacturer could take several months, even a year. This explains, for example, why the Renault 4L and Renault 12 produced by Dinky Toys contain inaccuracies, as Renault modified its model at the last minute after the plans had already been sent to Meccano.
 
The Volkswagen T2 is simply superb. Most German model manufacturers have faced this type of request from a German car manufacturer.
 
This is also true in the areas of trucks, buses, and agricultural equipment.
 
Cursor deserves a book dedicated to it, given the sheer number of promotional models it has produced, and subcontracted to other small manufacturing units, in all scales and materials. Depending on the manufacturer’s requirements and budget, Cursor can offer several very different qualities of plastic.
 
The T2 model they offer is simply extraordinary: the fine engraving, the accuracy of the shapes and details… the customer holding it must have been convinced of the quality of the vehicle they were about to purchase. I also appreciate the superb illustrated box, which adds to the enjoyment.
Cursor - Volkswagen T2 fourgon tôlé 16670200

modèle en vente cette semaine : Cursor – Volkswagen T2 fourgon tôlé 16670200

We have a second Cursor model. In the 1980s, Cursor signed a major contract with Iveco.
 
The very active Italian group made numerous acquisitions in Europe: Unic in France, and also Magirus Deutz in Germany.
 
On this occasion, they orchestrated a major advertising campaign, one of the cornerstones of which was the production of 1/50 scale models.
 
The Magirus van offered here is part of this collection. For this series, Cursor used zamac combined with plastic parts. This van, little known, rarely comes up for sale. It deserves your attention. Competition was fierce in Germany in the panel van sector between Ford, Mercedes, Hanomag, Volkswagen, and others. This Magirus is one link in the chain, not the most famous nor the most successful. All the more reason to display it in your showcase.
Cursor - Magirus 90D fourgon 877

modèle en vente cette semaine : Cursor – Magirus 90D fourgon 877

models intended for adults

As a child, when I saw the two French tanks scheduled for release that week in the 1973 Solido catalog—the Renault R35 and the Somua S35—I wondered.
 
I thought they, too, were destined to be displayed in a showcase, like the models in the same manufacturer’s Golden Age series. In other words, that they were intended for adults. They were part of a “historical” cycle. Solido initially reproduced the flagship of the German army from the Second World War before tackling French equipment. Letters from readers requesting this type of model, published in the magazine Modelisme, surely influenced Mr. de Vazeilles.
 
In this magazine, numerous pages, notably those written by Christian Gurtner, were devoted to French equipment from the last World War. The subject seemed to interest enthusiasts.
 
This is surely what influenced Solido. Yet, my childish perspective remained unconvinced. They are very well made, superbly detailed, and even have specially designed narrow tracks. They fit perfectly into the “scale model” aesthetic.
 
To the child I was, they seemed quite fragile compared to the Tiger I and other Jagdpanthers that were my playmates.
Solido - Somua S35 234

modèle en vente cette semaine : Solido – Somua S35 234

Solido - Renault R35 char de combat 233

modèle en vente cette semaine : Solido – Renault R35 char de combat 233

Over the years, many enthusiasts at the shop have told me that these vehicles performed well in the field and that some of them were even sent to the Russian front after France’s surrender.
 
These two Solido tanks have always been hard to find.
 
Be aware that both models are available with camouflage on a blue or khaki background, meaning that the discerning collector will need to collect four models. It will take time to find them.
 
We also have a superb DKW off-road vehicle in its original box. This model is a real success.
 
Solido opted for originality. They needed an off-road vehicle in their catalog. There was strong customer demand for this type of vehicle, designed for adventure and sparking the imagination.
 
Instead of reproducing a Land Rover or a Willys (which they would do much later), Solido offered this beautiful and original DKW. The one produced by Gama looks rather bland in comparison. The presentation box is a real plus.
Solido - Auto Union véhicule tout terrain avec remorque 212

modèle en vente cette semaine : Solido – Auto Union véhicule tout terrain avec remorque 212

THEME OF THE LIVESTOCK FARMERS

Livestock trucks could be a theme in their own right.
 
All toy manufacturers understood the appeal of this type of vehicle to the young clientele of the 1960s.
 
The inclusion of farm animal figurines was a guarantee of success. It’s interesting to draw a parallel with the upheavals in today’s agricultural world.
 
Since the 1980s, this type of vehicle has disappeared from toy catalogs. Yet I remain convinced that it would still be a hit.
 
This week we have two rare pieces. The color of the Renault 2.5t from C-I-J justifies this description.
 
The model appears in the last catalogs in this color, and yet it was not widely distributed. Furthermore, this model is fragile and often suffers from problems with the preservation of the zamac. This is not the case with the example offered.
C.I.J. - Renault 2,5T bétallère 4-50

modèle en vente cette semaine : C.I.J. – Renault 2,5T bétallère 4-50

Furthermore, this model is fragile and often suffers from problems with the preservation of the zamac. This is not the case with the example offered.
 
The Tekno model with its pigs was discovered about thirty years ago. It does not appear in any of the brand’s catalogs. However, a specific reference number was created, and the model’s design appears on the tabs. Tekno simply added a perforated sheet metal side panel. This assembly is also found on the Kosangas model, loaded with gas cylinders. In the livestock version, five rather large pigs are enthroned in the side panel. A very interesting, rare, and decorative model for a display case.
Tekno - Mercedes LP322 bétaillère avec cochons 910

modèle en vente cette semaine : Tekno – Mercedes LP322 bétaillère avec cochons 910

My favorite is the three Norev Jet Cars for sale

My favorites are the three Norev Jet Car models for sale, all from the early days of the Jet Car adventure (die-cast zamac models) in Villeurbanne.
 
What a wrench it must have been for Norev to switch from plastic, which was the brand’s raison d’être, to zamac.
 
It was with Rhodialite that Norev made its name and built its empire. By producing detailed, faithful miniatures with numerous added plastic parts, sold at low prices, Norev was able to outmaneuver other manufacturers of zamac miniatures…
Norev - Fiat 124 706

modèle en vente cette semaine : Norev – Fiat 124 706

This historic turnaround alone justifies the acquisition of these first three Jet Cars. I often compare the fates of Politoys and Norev. They have many points in common: initially injection-molded plastic models, then the introduction of a zamac chassis and a plastic body, and finally a zamac model.

Norev - Fiat 2300S 702

modèle en vente cette semaine : Norev – Fiat 2300S 702

The Italian firm took the plunge very early in 1965. Norev would take almost six years longer to do so, in 1971!

Norev - Simca 1000 coupé Bertone 703

modèle en vente cette semaine : Norev – Simca 1000 coupé Bertone 703

also on sale this week