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Discover a selection of models that will go on sale on our website this week, from tomorrow, Monday, October 12, through Thursday, October 15, 2026.
en vente cette semaine: JRD – Citroën 11cv traction avant 112 – JRD – Unic Izoard semi port wagon Kronenbourg 123 – JRD – Unic Lautaret tracteur porteur Transports Internationaux 127 JRD – Mercedes 220SE 153
I remember...
…from the headline that appeared on the front page of *Le Monde diplomatique* in July 2026: “Everyone Hates AI.”
A catchy headline that certainly raises plenty of questions.
I admit that, having little information to go on, I would be wise to refrain from offering an opinion on the matter.
Coincidentally, a few days later, I was contacted by a client from Belgium asking me to verify the authenticity of a Tekno truck he had purchased from a British dealer.
He had doubts about the vehicle—specifically its rhinestone headlights. He explained that he had consulted AI, which had validated his purchase and even told him he was looking at an unusual version… The headlights were yellow rhinestones—something the machine deemed exceptional.
I was somewhat taken aback. I had never stopped to consider whether the color of rhinestone headlights—white versus yellow—made a model rarer.
That got me wondering about the value and relevance of such information. How much weight should one give to such a claim?
I was reminded of two books we have for sale this week: the famous “Brochard” volumes. The title says it all: *Inestimable Dinky Toys*. To attract buyers, the author compiled hundreds of sales results—often the most spectacular ones—but, unfortunately, without any analysis.
The essential element is missing. A project like this could only have been successfully executed by a group of serious collectors.
Suffice it to say, it is the kind of book that holds no real value. I can already hear people saying, “But the real appeal lies in the color photos.” That got me thinking about AI. If AI incorporates the data from these books—and their astronomical price tags—how will it interpret the situation? That’s an interesting question. But getting back to the two books, I see another use for them: the holiday season is just around the corner.
en vente cette semaine : Argus 2005 Dinky Toys
en vente cette semaine : Serie 25 et 500 Dinky Toys
en vente cette semaine : Argus 2012
If you want to impress your in-laws and show them that your collection holds real value, then—at the end of the meal, just when the conversation threatens to veer into divisive debates (especially with the election only months away)—this sort of book can help you steer the talk toward your “priceless collection.”
For those of you often dismissed as overgrown kids—or even a bit slow—this is a golden opportunity to prove you made the right choice, backed by photos and, above all, hard figures. We live in a society drowning in numbers; they call the shots. Analysis, on the other hand, is often in short supply.
This brings me back to the question I’m frequently asked: “So, just how many do you have?”
Solido’s DNA
My son Adrien recently asked me a question about the Solido reference 113B—the Ford Thunderbird convertible. Knowing that this model was originally designed for the “Junior” series, he wondered if the 113B could also be categorized under “Solido Junior” in his website’s classification system. Modern digital tools allow us to cross-reference data to better meet customer search needs. I told him that, in my view, this wasn’t possible for a simple reason.
Solido’s DNA—the guiding principle throughout the era when the De Vazeilles family was at the helm, from the 1930s through the mid-1970s—was to offer children toys that were both sturdy and “ludic.”
By nature, all toys are meant for play. However, by “ludic,” Solido meant toys that could be taken apart and transformed. Solido was unique in successfully pulling off this feat: producing miniatures that resembled real-life cars seen on the street, yet were meticulously designed and capable of transformation.
Reference 113B, therefore, belongs to the “100” series. These models are permanently assembled (riveted) and—unlike the Junior series models—were not designed to be taken apart or transformed.
The Junior series Ford Thunderbird can be converted from a coupé into a convertible. To my mind, the 113B is simply a “100” series model. Every collector organizes their collection according to their own criteria; I do not claim to hold the absolute truth.
This conversation with Adrien led me to draw a connection with the Solido models being featured on his sister’s website this week.
They perfectly illustrate the points I just made. We have three impressive military sets here. They invite reflection—and, once again, admiration—regarding the way Solido organized its production.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Solido – coffret Brigade d’Intervention Rapide 450
modèle en vente cette semaine : Solido – coffret 3 Chars à construire D
Let me explain. Few enthusiasts are interested in the entirety of Solido’s vast range; almost everyone focuses on the “100” series, with its race cars and sports cars.
The lineup also includes a series of 1930s cars that would eventually become the “Age d’Or” (Golden Age) range. Alongside this, there is the “300” series, dedicated to heavy trucks, while the “200” series is reserved for military vehicles.
Today, few collectors take an interest in all these different branches. One of the most interesting features of Solido models is that the design team created them to be adaptable: they could be sold either fully assembled in individual boxes or as kits in multi-model sets.
It may seem like a small detail, but to me, it is remarkable.
The ability to mix and match cabs from Berliet, Bernard, Willemé, and Unic with various body styles within the “PL4” set is simply exceptional and unique—especially given that every version produced was realistic. It is also worth noting that Solido offered sets allowing children to assemble their own Tiger or Sherman tanks. I also appreciate the consistency of this approach; assembly sets remained a fixture throughout the entire De Vazeilles era.
The set featured this week, titled “Tactic Force,” was released toward the end of the De Vazeilles era.
modèle en vente cette semaine: Solido – coffret Coffret Tactic Force 432
It simply revives a concept—a set of cannons of various sizes—originally created before World War II… Throughout the De Vazeilles era, Solido maintained this consistent theme, remaining true to its glorious past.
This is a key narrative thread worth highlighting when displaying any collection. During the De Vazeilles era, Solido was the world’s most ingenious and creative manufacturer of miniature cars.
Be sure to take advantage of these fine sets, which are rarely seen. Few collectors thought to buy them at the time, as they failed to grasp their historical significance.
We also have other armored vehicles for sale this week, including my childhood favorite: the sand-colored Jagdpanther. It is a masterpiece. The camouflage paintwork is magnificent. Also featured are variants dating back to the mid-1960s.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Solido – Char Jagdpanther 228
It is, of course, the boxes that allow these models to be dated at a glance.
Enthusiasts will also have noticed the different liveries on these versions. These boxes are fragile.
It is a pleasure for the collector to find them in the condition of the ones offered here—well-shaped, with the clear film in perfect condition.
For this type of product, the enjoyment would not be complete without a box in good condition.
modèle en ente cette semaine : Solido – Canon Canon de Forteresse 105F 204
modèle en ente cette semaine : Solido – Char PT 76 Amphibie Lance Fusée 218
modèle en ente cette semaine : Solido – Alvis engin à 6 roues amphibie 247
modèle en ente cette semaine : Solido – Kaiser Jeep camion bâché 245
modèle en ente cette semaine :
It is interesting to compare the two rare military gift sets from Corgi Toys with the Solido sets described earlier.
They represent two different ways of presenting and showcasing equipment already featured in the catalog. Yet, the most interesting aspect lies elsewhere.
These two Corgi Toys sets should be viewed alongside those offered during the same period by its competitor—first in the UK and soon after on the global market—namely, Dinky Toys.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Corgi Toys – coffret Rocket Age Models GS6
Corgi Toys – coffret Rocket Age Models GS6
It goes without saying that these Corgi Toys sets are impressive—stunning, even, to say the least.
Back then—in the late 1950s—Dinky Toys was still using its signature blue-and-white striped “Supertoys” boxes. These had the advantage of being instantly recognized by customers as quality products bearing the Meccano label.
Corgi Toys quickly realized that to stand out, they needed to offer sets featuring lids illustrated with realistic scenes that immersed the prospective buyer in the action. Solido, too, would go on to feature beautiful illustrations on its boxes.
I am thinking in particular of the early “Sahara” sets, as well as the “Junior” sets from the mid-1950s. On the British market, this represented something of a revolution. While Meccano epitomized good taste with its superb, thick-cardboard boxes featuring blue-and-white stripes, Corgi Toys’ sets embodied modernity.
That is the aspect that strikes me first when looking at these two magnificent sets. I love imagining what a lavish gift it must have been to receive one. Few were produced, as their distribution was likely limited.
en vente cette semaine : Corgi Toys – coffret corporal missile GS9
One final point. It is also interesting to compare the missile launchers found in Corgi Toys sets with those featured on the two Solido models released for sale: the PT-76 missile-launching tank and the Unic Sahara missile launcher from the “Tactic Force” set.
These Solido missile launchers highlight the earlier point regarding management’s commitment to offering customers fun products that boasted an extra edge over the competition.
I absolutely love this splendid coach in Trailways company colors.
…a competitor to the Greyhound model produced by Dubuque Toy Co.
The scale—close to 1:43—gives the model an impressive presence. I appreciate the color harmony and distribution.
Displayed alongside other American buses from the same era and scale, it looks fantastic.
It is a rare item, far harder to find than the Greyhound buses.
modèle en vente cette semaine : Dubuque Toy Co – GMC car Trailways
Also on sale this week
