FUTURE MEMORY | TOYS & MODELS

Scale model of an automobile, the '37 Bugatti   ¹ , made by  Hot Wheels . This example is reference 1696, included in the "1981 Mainline" series. It is made in Hong Kong, in 1981. Metal body painted black, including fenders and running boards, with printed details on the sides showing decorative "tear drop" motifs in red. Two spare tires mounted at the rear. Windows represented in transparent blue tinted plastic, with details molded in the windshield. Interior details in "chrome" plastic. Plastic wheels with "chrome" details simulating the rims (" Black Walls "). No suspension. The nominal scale is 1:64 and the overall length is approximately 3.1 in (3.2 in, including spare tires projection). About 1.9 oz. This model represents an automobile , the 1932 Bugatti Type 50 T Coach Profilée, which combines a Type 46 chassis (#46546) with a Bugatti "L8" engine of 303.4 cu in and 200 hp (149 kW) used in the Type 50T. The audacious...

Scale model of an automobile, the Renault Be Bop , made by Norev . This example is reference 237419, included in the "Renault Toys – Concept Car" series. It is made in China, I don't know its production period. Metal body painted in metallic yellow, with printed details. Metal base, unpainted. Glazing represented in black tinted transparent plastic with molded details; Renault emblem molded and accented on the rear window. Detailed plastic rims with "chrome" finish, plastic tires with molded details. With suspension. The nominal scale seems to be around 1:55 and the overall length is approximately 2.9 in. About 1.7 oz. This model represents an automobile, the 2003 Renault Be Bop " concept car ", equipped with a 1998 cm³, 228 hp (168 kW) Renault "L4" engine.    I have a friend who almost exclusively collects "concept cars" , or automotive styling exercises, if you prefer. It's a fascinating topic that allows us to study the birt...

Scale model of an automobile, the Renault Clio , made by  Norev . This example is reference 230398, included in the "Renault Toys – Clio" series. It is made in China, possibly in 2008. Metal body painted in metallic blue-gray (" Bleu Gris "?), with printed details. Metal base, unpainted. Glazing represented in  transparent plastic with details molded in the windshield. Detailed plastic rims with "chrome" finish, plastic tires with molded details. With suspension. Opens rear door, lacking "glass". The nominal scale seems to be around 1:55 and the overall length is approximately 2.9 in, or 3.1 in including the towing device. About 2.1 oz. This model represents an automobile, the 2005  Renault Clio , possibly equipped with the 1149 cm³, 75 hp (55 kW) Renault D4F "L4" engine. Top speed around 104 mph.    Especially as service or rental vehicles , I successively drove several examples of the first three generations of the Renault Clio. Unlik...

Scale model of an automobile, the Renault Twingo , made by  Norev . This example is reference 228047, included in the "Renault Toys – Twingo" series. It is made in China, possibly in 2008. Metal body painted in blue, with printed details. Metal base, unpainted. Glazing represented in transparent plastic with details molded in the windshield and panoramic sunroof. Interior details in pale blue plastic. Detailed plastic rims with "chrome" finish, plastic tires with molded details. With suspension. Panoramic roof with sliding opening. The nominal scale seems to be around 1:50 and the overall length is approximately 2.7 in. About 1.8 oz. This model represents an automobile, the 2004  Renault Twingo , possibly equipped with the 1149 cm³, 75 hp (55 kW) Renault D4F "L4" engine. Top speed around 104 mph.    The first time I drove a Renault Twingo , I found it so funny, with its rounded body painted in a vibrant Bleu Outremer and its smiling, frog-like appearance....