Novacar – Brief Introduction
Novacar is a series of small toy cars with plastic bodies and die-cast metal bases, available between 1994 and 1996. It is made in Portugal by Majorette through a subsidiary company, Minia Porto, based in Baltar, about 20 km from Porto. The series includes at least 19 references, comprising a wide choice of vehicles, from race cars to an American tractor truck, no trailer provided, in scales around the 1:64th. The "Novacar" series or "Série 100" appears in Majorette's 1994, 1995 and 1996 catalogs. The word "Novacar" clearly derives from the expression "new car", denoting a sense of freshness and innovation. The catalogs show photos of each reference, 101 to 121, as well as of the packaging options.
Novacar models feature colored plastic bodies, always with printed details, and die-cast metal bases – with one exception, the F1 race car, references 112 and 112/10, where the configuration is inverted. Normally, they show on their bases the "Novacar" lettering and a 3-digit reference number. Some examples show the "Majorette" lettering instead – are these from the last year of production, 1996, using bases from the "Série 280"? Color and paint scheme versions can occur within the same reference, such as the Impala Police, always released as 109, or as successive references, such as the Nissan Terrano, released as 107, 107/10 and 107/20, each corresponding to a different version. Interior details are summarily reproduced in white, beige, red or black plastic.
Novacar uses Majorette wheel types. On most models we find the 8DOT wheels, with approximately 11 mm in diameter by 6 mm in width. The "rim" protrudes about 0,6 mm from the tire and is highlighted with "chrome" paint and decorated in a concentric way with 8 small circular recesses, visually resembling dots. On the Chevrolet Corvette, Ferrari F40 and F1 models, we find the ELO wheel, approximately 12 mm in diameter by 9 mm in width. The "rim" features a "chrome" trim line protruding about 0,6 mm from the tire and, barely noticeable, 5 spokes in relief. The Nissan Terrano, Jeep and Van come with 5RDL wheels, with approximately 13 mm in diameter by 7 mm in width. The "rim" protrudes about 0,6 mm from the tire and is decorated in a concentric way with 5 curved dashes inside two trim lines. All these elements are molded in relief and highlighted with "chrome" paint.
The "Novacar" series comes in at least five types of packages in cardboard and plastic – the "Mini-Blister", with 105 x n/a x 65 mm, the "Blister", with 165 x n/a x 105 mm, and the "Coffret", a large window box with 245 x n/a x 195 mm. All these packages exhibit a predominant blue color with expressive "Novacar" lettering in red, yellow and green. The graphic concept is quite appealing and particularly on the "Mini-Blister" and "Blister" gives us the impression the car is spotted on a road. In 1996, 2- and 4-model blisters, with 195 x n/a x 120 mm and 195 x n/a x 210 mm, are added to the package options. These packages show a yellow flash on a red background. The main lettering is now "Majorette". The "Novacar ™ Series" lettering, barely noticeable, appears on the left side.
None of the Novacar models have opening parts, so play value is limited. But the Kenworth tractor-truck is compatible with most trailers in its scale. Light and without suspension, these little toy cars are not usually good rollers. Perhaps surprisingly, they are quite resistant to both impact and most forms of wear. But weak points do exist, such as the front spoiler on the Ford Escort or the rear end of the Renault Espace, often found broken, or the warping of the Nissan Terrano body, which eventually degrades the plastic rivets. Lighter colors are particularly sensitive to sun exposure and can develop a yellowish hue. Also avoid prolonged exposition to humidity and sudden changes of temperature – the metallic alloy appears to be of lower quality than that used in the "Série 200" and tends to darken or degrade due to mild manifestations of "zinc pest". The "chrome" finish on the wheels appears to be less durable than usual in other Majorette series.
Twelve models of the "Novacar" series, namely the Nissan 300 ZX, the Chevrolet Corvette, the Ferrari Testarossa, the Mercedes 500 SL, the Nissan Terrano, the Kenworth, the Impala, the Renault Espace, the Sport Proto, the Kombi VW, the Pick Up Chevrolet and the Honda NSX, constitute between 1994 and 1996 the "Série 280" or "Super Crystal", also manufactured in Portugal by Majorette through the subsidiary Minia Porto. All of them retain the injected metal bases, but the colored plastic of the bodies is transparent, with or without printed details or incorporating glitter. Coming across a transparent yellow Nissan Terrano in the Majorette catalog, decorated with glitter and featuring a pink interior certainly makes one smile – the concept is delirious. I believe that these toy cars are intended for children between 3 and 5 years old, receptive to the discovery of colors and shapes, and of how things are inside. In 2022, it is not difficult to find examples of this series, but the interest on the part of collectors seems to be reduced.
After the bankruptcy in 1992, the acquisition by Idéal Loisirs in 1993, itself acquired by Triumph-Adler in 1996, it is easy to understand that for Majorette the 1990s are a tremendous challenge for survival. When most of the production is transferred to Thailand, it is important to value the attempt to manufacture a series in Portugal in 1994, especially at a time when computer games massively attract the attention of the youngest. Novacar's concept is interesting, but it misses the point – it's not competitive. The packaging is appealing and usually well positioned in stores, but when you pick them up you get the impression that you are buying a light, fragile and lower quality product, for a price not dissimilar to that of a robust Majorette from the "Série 200". The choice is obvious.
This is the possible introduction to Novacar. As usual, it is important to emphasize that I am by no means an expert in this matter – I just collect these toy cars, ugly ducklings openly neglected by most die-cast collectors. Sadly, a number of questions remain unanswered. Some, regarding the early toys and games production of Minia Porto, which ceased to exist in 2001, and how it became a viable Majorette partner. Others, regarding the Novacar series made by Majorette do Brasil, in Rio de Janeiro, in the early 1990s. Both productions, Brazilian and Portuguese, seem to be based on the same models. How long did the Brazilian production last? Was it exported? Was there a catalog? Was the equipment used in Brazil the same that resumed production in Portugal? This is one of the recurring aspects in collecting – when you love something, questions never end. ●
Text and photos PAULO SANTOS
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