Solido is a French manufacturer of toys and miniature vehicles created in 1932 by Ferdinand de Vazeilles. The company has been based in
Josselin
Josselin (; ) is a Communes of France, commune in the Morbihan Departments of France, department in Brittany (administrative region), Brittany in northwestern France.
History
St Meriadek is said to have founded a chapel there during the 4th c ...
(
Morbihan
The Morbihan ( , ; ) is a departments of France, department in the administrative region of Brittany (administrative region), Brittany, situated in the northwest of France. It is named after the Gulf of Morbihan, Morbihan (''small sea'' in Breton ...
) since 2015.
History
The beginnings
File:Bougie-solido.jpg, 1st model by Solido - Candle Gerogovia.
File:Portrait Ferdinand De Vazeille.png, Portrait of Ferdinand de Vazeilles.
File:Solido1.jpg, Transformable models in zamak.
In 1919, Ferdinand de Vazeilles created the
Nanterre
Nanterre (; ) is the prefecture of the Hauts-de-Seine department in the western suburbs of Paris, France. It is located some northwest of the centre of Paris. In 2018, the commune had a population of 96,807.
The eastern part of Nanterre, b ...
Precision Foundry. It has become one of the most renowned in
Europe
Europe is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and Asia to the east ...
for
die casting
Die casting is a casting (metalworking), metal casting process that is characterized by forcing molten metal under high pressure into a mold cavity. The mold cavity is created using two hardened tool steel die (manufacturing), dies which have been ...
of special materials applied to the automobile and aviation. In the 1930s, it sought to diversify and was contacted to mold an object for use in advertising by the company Gergovia, a French manufacturer of auto parts famous for its
spark plugs
A spark plug (sometimes, in British English, a sparking plug, and, colloquially, a plug) is a device for delivering electric current from an ignition system to the combustion chamber of a spark-ignition engine to ignite the compressed fuel/air ...
. The success was immediate and this, now legendary, «Bougie Gerogovia» caused Ferdinand de Vazeilles to have an idea. The French industrialist decided to start producing metal toys and filed a patent for this new activity in 1932. The adventure was launched! Two years later, the Solido brand was registered by de Vazeilles. Its name refers to the strength of the toys offered. This new company will go through the decades and settle in the French industrial landscape.
Despite the
Second World War
World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
, Solido continued its activities. Production slowed down, the materials used were of lower quality, but the factory remained open despite the conflict! The brand adapted to the situation and offered «camouflage» toys. It also developed new toys, in-keeping with the times, such as a board game on the UK blockade with ships to be destroyed using small explosive mines. A kind of
Monopoly
A monopoly (from Greek language, Greek and ) is a market in which one person or company is the only supplier of a particular good or service. A monopoly is characterized by a lack of economic Competition (economics), competition to produce ...
mixed with a naval battle. Guns are also developed for children, as well as other toys related to the concerns of the time.
The
post-war period
A post-war or postwar period is the interval immediately following the end of a war. The term usually refers to a varying period of time after World War II, which ended in 1945. A post-war period can become an interwar period or interbellum, w ...
was, as for many French companies, a period of a great growth.
The post-war success
File:Première Usine Ivry La Bataille.jpg, First Solido's factory in Ivry-la-Bataille.
File:Panneau Ivry La bataille.jpg, Pannel in front of the first Solido's factory.
File:Entrée de l'ancienne usine de Ivry La Bataille.jpg, Entry of the Ivry-la-Bataille's factory.
With the arrival of his son Jean in the family business, Solido was propelled into a new dimension! The brand was growing in France, neighboring countries,
USSR
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. (USSR), commonly known as the Soviet Union, was a List of former transcontinental countries#Since 1700, transcontinental country that spanned much of Eurasia from 1922 until Dissolution of the Soviet ...
and
Japan
Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asia, Asian mainland, it is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea ...
! Jean de Vazeilles had an idea: to propose real cars but on a reduced
scale. This is how the 100 Series arrived at the end of the 50s. The
1/43 scale was chosen in order to compete with the N°1 in the sector at that time,
Dinky Toys
Dinky Toys was the brand name for a range of die-cast zamak zinc alloy scale model vehicles, traffic lights, and road signs produced by British toy company Meccano Ltd. They were made in England from 1934 to 1979, at a factory in Binns Road in ...
. The success of the "100 Series" was immediate and allowed Solido to develop hugely.
The 1960s accelerated this development and Solido made a name for itself thanks to its many innovations. The arrival of opening elements (doors, hood or trunk) was a revolution. The patent filed in 1961 for metal tracks on Solido tanks showed the company’s ability to propose major inventions. The world of
auto sports also allowed Solido to make a name for itself. Thus, during the
24 Hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans () is an endurance-focused Sports car racing, sports car race held annually near the city of Le Mans, France. It is widely considered to be one of the world's most prestigious races, and is one of the races—along with ...
, the spectators of the race could have a chance to own the very same cars of the race that they had experienced live! An example of responsiveness and seriousness unequalled in the sector. This capacity opened many doors for Solido, who began working increasingly closely with the
car manufacturers. Sometimes, some creations are too forward-thinking or fail to meet success despite their quality. This was the case for the "Built 1000" products. A series of miniature 1/43th dioramas in bricks to build, like those of the
Lego
Lego (, ; ; stylised as LEGO) is a line of plastic construction toys manufactured by the Lego Group, a privately held company based in Billund, Denmark. Lego consists of variously coloured interlocking plastic bricks made of acrylonitri ...
brand. A good idea, but unable to find its audience at the time.
The 70s mark the great diversification of Solido which now offers in its catalog:
cars
A car, or an automobile, is a motor vehicle with wheels. Most definitions of cars state that they run primarily on roads, seat one to eight people, have four wheels, and mainly transport people rather than cargo. There are around one billio ...
,
trucks
A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport freight, carry specialized payloads, or perform other utilitarian work. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, but the vast majority feature body-on-frame construction ...
,
construction equipment
Heavy equipment, heavy machinery, earthmovers, construction vehicles, or construction equipment, refers to heavy-duty vehicles specially designed to execute construction tasks, most frequently involving earthwork operations or other large con ...
,
tanks
A tank is an armoured fighting vehicle intended as a primary offensive weapon in front-line ground combat. Tank designs are a balance of heavy firepower, strong armour, and battlefield mobility provided by tracks and a powerful engine; t ...
,
Formula 1
Formula One (F1) is the highest class of worldwide racing for open-wheel single-seater formula Auto racing, racing cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The FIA Formula One World Championship has been one ...
, police vehicles,
firefighters
A firefighter (or fire fighter or fireman) is a first responder trained in specific emergency response such as firefighting, primarily to control and extinguish fires and respond to emergencies such as hazardous material incidents, medical in ...
, but also
helicopters
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by horizontally spinning rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forward, backward and laterally. These attribu ...
and
snowplows! It’s time for Solido. But this decade marks the end of the family business because Charlotte, the daughter of Ferdinand de Vazeilles, leaves the company, giving control to someone outside of the family.
Many challenges before the new century
File:Catalogue Solido 1989.png, Catalog Solido 1989.
File:Usine Solido de Oulins en 2022.jpg, Oulins' factory in 2022.
File:Michel DEBROCK.jpg, Michel Debrock, project manager of Solido in the 90s.
File:Yves Parrod.jpg, Yves Jarrod, responsible of Solido ads.
File:Dodge - Solido - Flickr - dave 7.jpg, ''Golden Age'' Series' Model.
The 80s began with great news: Heller and Solido announced their merger at the
Toy Fair
The North American International Toy Fair (formerly the American International Toy Fair and also known as Toy Fair New York) is an annual toy industry trade show held in mid-February in New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and at to ...
in
Nuremberg
Nuremberg (, ; ; in the local East Franconian dialect: ''Nämberch'' ) is the Franconia#Towns and cities, largest city in Franconia, the List of cities in Bavaria by population, second-largest city in the States of Germany, German state of Bav ...
, on February 1, 1981. It was at this time that
Emile Véron took over the management of Solido. The co-founder of
Norev (Véron upside down) and creator of
Majorette is thus appointed to head one of its direct competitors.
Antimilitarist, he immediately set aside the Solido's flagship military vehicle range. Nevertheless, a few years later, following a partnership for the commemorations of the
Normandy Landings
The Normandy landings were the landing operations and associated airborne operations on 6 June 1944 of the Allies of World War II, Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during the Second World War. Codenamed Operation Neptune and ...
, he decided to relaunch this series of vehicles in the face of very great demand from the public - children and adults! It was under the direction of
Emile Véron that Solido developed greatly. The
1/18e arrived at the end of the 80s and highlighted the modernity brought by its new director a few years ago.
In the 1990s, one out of every two miniature cars sold in France came from the Solido/Majorette association. This is a typical example of French success. A popular product that crosses generations thanks to its accessibility and robustness. Some models have sold more than a million copies! This is the case with the
Bugatti Royale
The Bugatti Type 41, better known as the Royale, is a large luxury car, ultra-luxury car built by Bugatti from 1927 to 1933, With a 4.3 m (169.3 in) wheelbase and 6.4 m (21 ft) overall length, it weighs approximately 3,175 ...
or the Char Patton M47. Just before the arrival of the new millennium, Solido experienced a new revolution with the explosion of the
1/18th scale! This scale became increasingly popular, whether by children or adult collectors. The “children of Solido” are growing up, but they are not giving up the brand. As they become adults, more and more people are collecting small cars.
Car manufacturers understand this well and that is why many launches of real cars are accompanied by their model. As for example with the
Renault Twingo
The Renault Twingo is a city car made by the French company Renault from 1992 to 2024 across three generations. The name is a portmanteau of ''twist'', ''swing'', and ''tango''.
The first-generation Twingo (two door, front engine) debuted at t ...
! The small city car is accompanied by a fabulous range of derivatives, including a
1/43 scale model produced by Solido. Miniatures became promotional items. Thus, Solido/Majo Pub ran at full speed and more than a third of the miniatures produced were for advertising purposes!
The challenges of the 21st century
File:Citroën Xsara WRC 1-18 Solido (1).jpg, Citroën Xsara WRC at 1/18.
File:Clément ROUVIERE.jpg, Clément Rouvière Project Manager at Solido.
File:Frédérick Guillier Sahuqué.jpg, Frédérick Guilier Sahuqué, CEO of Solido, OttOmobile and GT Spirit.
File:Tournage du documentaire sur l'histoire de Solido.jpg, History of Solido Documentary's cutscene in 2022
The 2000s brought challenges for Solido too! The brand was bought by toy giant Smoby. Nevertheless, faced with a new generation of children more attracted by
electronic toys
Electronic may refer to:
*Electronics, the science of how to control electric energy in semiconductors
* ''Electronics'' (magazine), a defunct American trade journal
*Electronic storage, the storage of data using an electronic device
*Electronic c ...
and
video games
A video game or computer game is an electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface or input device (such as a joystick, game controller, controller, computer keyboard, keyboard, or motion sensing device) to generate visual fe ...
, we must adapt and react. Solido focuses on quality and strong partnerships. Like those made with
Peugeot
Peugeot (, , ) is a French automobile brand owned by Stellantis.
The family business that preceded the current Peugeot companies was established in 1810, making it the oldest car company in the world. On 20 November 1858, Émile Peugeot applie ...
and
Citroën
Citroën ()The double-dot diacritic over the 'e' is a diaeresis () indicating the two vowels are sounded separately, and not as a diphthong. is a French automobile brand. The "Automobiles Citroën" manufacturing company was founded on 4 June 19 ...
in the
World Rally Championship
The World Rally Championship (abbreviated as WRC) is an international rallying series owned and governed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, FIA. Inaugurated in 1973, it is the oldest FIA world championship after Formula One. E ...
or
Mitsubishi
The is a group of autonomous Japanese multinational companies in a variety of industries.
Founded by Yatarō Iwasaki in 1870, the Mitsubishi Group traces its origins to the Mitsubishi zaibatsu, a unified company that existed from 1870 to 194 ...
in
Rallye-Raid: the launch of the new
Pajero miniatures takes place at the same time as the
Paris-Dakar rally
The Dakar Rally () or simply "The Dakar" (), formerly known as the Paris–Dakar Rally (), is an annual rally raid organised by the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO). It is an off-road endurance event traversing terrain much tougher than conventi ...
! A stroke of genius. The Tuning wave is also followed by Solido. Unfortunately, the situation became critical and Smoby resolved to close the historic plant in
Oulins,
France
France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. Overseas France, Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean#North Atlan ...
in 2006. This period was complicated further with the takeover of Smoby by
Simba-Dickie in 2008 and a market that was then in total mutation and in full decrease.
In 2015,
Simba Dickie wanted to relaunch Solido and entrusted the management of the brand to a
1/18 scale specialist based in France: Mini Express! The Breton company became known a few years earlier by launching th
OttOmobilebrand. A dazzling success story that allows Solido to offer itself a new youthfulness on the eve of its 90th birthday! The focus is on
1/18, exactly what made OttOmobile and Solido strong in the past: iconic models accurately reproduced and sold at attractive prices. Now, Solido only offers collection cars. Yesterday’s children have become adults and the new generations of collectors, the ‘kidultes’, love this type of product. Solido expands anew and reappears gradually in specialist stores and supermarkets. At the beginning of 2025, the Breton company has more than 700 dealers in
France
France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. Overseas France, Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean#North Atlan ...
and
Belgium
Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Northwestern Europe. Situated in a coastal lowland region known as the Low Countries, it is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeas ...
. These are
toy stores,
websites
A website (also written as a web site) is any web page whose content is identified by a common domain name and is published on at least one web server. Websites are typically dedicated to a particular topic or purpose, such as news, education ...
,
auto parts
This is a list of auto parts, which are manufactured components of automobiles. This list reflects both fossil-fueled cars (using internal combustion engines) and electric vehicles; the list is not exhaustive. Many of these parts are also used o ...
outlets,
specialty stores or large stores. Solido also surfs on
social networks
A social network is a social structure consisting of a set of social actors (such as individuals or organizations), networks of dyadic ties, and other social interactions between actors. The social network perspective provides a set of meth ...
to find a new public of collectors. But at the end of the day, we find the same desire and passion that was at the origin of the brand in the 30s! Solido gives us a date for a unique anniversary in the sector: its 100 years, in 2032! Until then, the brand continues to develop internationally.
Europe
Europe is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and Asia to the east ...
remains the historical market, but small Solidos are sold in almost a hundred countries.
Asia
Asia ( , ) is the largest continent in the world by both land area and population. It covers an area of more than 44 million square kilometres, about 30% of Earth's total land area and 8% of Earth's total surface area. The continent, which ...
and
South America
South America is a continent entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a considerably smaller portion in the Northern Hemisphere. It can also be described as the southern Subregion#Americas, subregion o ...
are developing strongly. Since 2024, Solido meets the passionate thanks to an increased presence at shows: ''
Epoqu'Auto, Essen, Diecast Con Madrid, ...''
The different logos
Key dates
1932: Ferdinand de Vazeilles, director of the Nanterre Precision Foundry, files a patent to create toys for assembly.
1934: creation of the Solido brand.
1953: Ferdinand de Vazeilles' son, Jean, launches the first reproductions of real miniature cars.

1957: The 100 series is launched with the
Jaguar Type D Le Mans. Scale
1/43 is selected to compete with
Dinky Toys
Dinky Toys was the brand name for a range of die-cast zamak zinc alloy scale model vehicles, traffic lights, and road signs produced by British toy company Meccano Ltd. They were made in England from 1934 to 1979, at a factory in Binns Road in ...
.
1960: Solido develops its first
military vehicles
A military vehicle is any vehicle for land-based military transport and activity, including combat vehicles, both specifically designed for or significantly used by military. Most military vehicles require off-road capabilities and/or vehicle a ...
and applies for the patent of metal tracks.
1974: The factory moves from Issy-la-Bataille to
Oulins.
1980: Solido is bought by
Majorette.
1989: Solido enters the
1/18 market.
2003: Solido becomes the property of Smoby.
2006: Production is completely relocated to
Asia
Asia ( , ) is the largest continent in the world by both land area and population. It covers an area of more than 44 million square kilometres, about 30% of Earth's total land area and 8% of Earth's total surface area. The continent, which ...
.
2008: Smoby is acquired by
Simba Dickie who retains the Solido brand.
2015:
Simba-Dickie entrusts the management and creation of models to the Mini Express group (Ottomobile & GT Spirit).
2022: Solido celebrates its 90th anniversary!
2024: Solido becomes a major distributor in
Europe
Europe is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and Asia to the east ...
with brands such as
Jada Toys
Jada Toys, Inc. is an American manufacturer of collectible scale model cars, figures, radio controlled model vehicles, and dolls. It was founded in 1999 by Jack and May Li. Jada's products are predominantly aimed at the collectible market, and ar ...
(
France
France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. Overseas France, Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean#North Atlan ...
&
Benelux
The Benelux Union (; ; ; ) or Benelux is a politico-economic union, alliance and formal international intergovernmental cooperation of three neighbouring states in Western Europe: Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The name is a portma ...
), MiniGT, TSM and True Scale Models. The Solido brand also blows its 90 candles.
The Scale Models
1/18e scale models (since 2015)
*
Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA
*
Alfa Romeo GTV6
The Alfa Romeo Alfetta (Type 116) is a front-engine, five-passenger saloon and fastback coupé manufactured and marketed by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 1972 to 1987 with a total of over 400,000 units produced during its production run.
...
*
Alpine A110
*
Alpine A110 1600S
*
Alpine A290
The Renault 5 E-Tech is a B-segment battery electric car produced by the French manufacturer Renault since 2024. Inspired by the original Renault 5 in styling, the 5 E-Tech was previewed by a concept car shown in January 2021, with the product ...
*
Aston Martin DB5
The Aston Martin DB5 is a British grand tourer (GT) produced by Aston Martin and designed by Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring, Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. Originally produced from 1963 to 1965, the DB5 was an evolution of the final ...
*
Autobianchi A112
The Autobianchi A112 is a supermini car, supermini produced by the Italy, Italian automaker Autobianchi. It was developed using a shrunken version of the contemporary Fiat 128's platform. The mechanicals of the A112 subsequently underpinned the Fi ...
* Beetle Baja
*
Bmw 1602
*
BMW 323i (E21)
*
BMW 635 (E24) CSI
*
BMW 850 (E31) CSi
*
BMW E30 M3
*
BMW E36 Coupé
*
BMW E46 M3
*
BMW M2 (G87)
*
BMW M3 (G80)
*
BMW M3 (G81)
*
BMW M4 Performance
*
BMW M5 (G90)
*
Bugatti Atlantic
*
Caterham/Lotus Seven
*
Citroën 2CV
The Citroën 2CV (, , lit. "two horses", meaning "two Tax horsepower#France, ''taxable'' horsepower") is an economy car produced by the French company Citroën from 1948 to 1990. Introduced at the 1948 Paris Paris Auto Show, Salon de l'Automobi ...
*
Citroën D Special
*
Citroën Dyane 6
*
Citroën H
*
Citroën Mehari
*
Citroën Traction
*
Dacia Duster II
*
Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger is the name of three generations of automobiles produced by the American automobile manufacturer Dodge. However, the first use of the Challenger name by Dodge dates back to 1959 for marketing a "value version" of the full- ...
*
Fiat 131 Abarth
Fiat Automobiles S.p.A., commonly known as simply Fiat ( , ; ), is an Italian automobile manufacturer. It became a part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in 2014 and, in 2021, became a subsidiary of Stellantis through its Italian division, Stellan ...
*
Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 (, ) is an Economy car, economy / city car that was manufactured and marketed by Fiat Automobiles from 1957 until 1975. It was sold as a two-door semi-convertible or saloon car and as a three-door panel van or estate car.
Launched ...
* Fiat F595/695
*
Ford Focus RS Mk.2
*
Ford GT40
The Ford GT40 is a high-performance mid-engined racing car originally designed and built for and by the Ford Motor Company to compete in 1960s European endurance racing. Its specific impetus was to beat Scuderia Ferrari, which had won the pr ...
*
Ford Puma Rally1 Hybrid
*
Ford Ranger Raptor
*
Ford Shelby Mustang GT500
*
Ford Sierra
The Ford Sierra is a Mid-size car, mid-size/D-segment, large family car manufactured and marketed by Ford of Europe from 1982–1993. It was designed by Uwe Bahnsen, Bob Lutz (businessman), Robert Lutz and Patrick Le Quément, and was noted for ...
*
Honda Civic (EG6)
*
Lada Niva
The Lada Niva Legend, formerly called the Lada Niva, VAZ-2121, VAZ-2131, and Lada 4×4 (), is a series of four-wheel drive, small (hatchback), and compact (wagon and pickup) Off-road vehicle, off-road cars designed and produced by AvtoVAZ sinc ...
*
Lancia Delta HF Integrale
The Lancia Delta (stylized Lancia δ) is a small family car produced by Italian automobile manufacturer Lancia in three generations. The first generation (1979–1994) debuted at the 1979 Frankfurt Motor Show, the second generation (1993-1999) d ...
*
Mazda RX-7
The Mazda RX-7 is a front mid engine, Rear-wheel drive, rear-wheel-drive, rotary engine-powered sports car, manufactured and marketed by Mazda from 1978 through 2002 across three generations, all of which incorporated the use of a compact, light ...
*
McLaren 600LT
*
McLaren 640 LT
*
McLaren F1 GTR Short Tail
* Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201) EVO III
*
Mercedes-Benz CLA C118 Coupé AMG
* Mini Cooper Sport
*
Nissan GT-R ( R35) W/ Liberty Walk Bodykit
*
Nissan Silvia S15
*
Nissan Skyline (R34) GT-R
*
Peugeot 205
The Peugeot 205 is a four-passenger, front-engine, supermini ( B-segment) car manufactured and marketed by Peugeot over a sixteen-year production run from 1983 to 1999, over a single generation. Developed from ''Projet'' M24 and introduced on 2 ...
*
Peugeot 306 Maxi
The Peugeot 306 is a small family car built by the French car manufacturer Peugeot from 1993 to 2002. It replaced the 309. Peugeot gave the 306 many updates and aesthetic changes to keep up with the competition, and it was replaced by the 307 i ...
*
Porsche 356 Pré-A
*
Porsche 911 (930)
The Porsche 930 is a turbocharged variant of the 911 model sports car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Porsche between 1975 and 1989. It was the maker's top-of-the-range 911 model for its entire production duration and, at the time ...
*
Porsche 911 (964)
The Porsche 964 is a model of the Porsche 911 sports car manufactured and sold between 1989 and 1994. Designed by Benjamin Dimson through January 1986, it featured significant styling revisions over previous 911 models, most prominently the more i ...
*
Porsche 911 (993)
The Porsche 911, internally type 993, is the fourth generation of the 911 model of Porsche sports car, manufactured and sold between 1994 and 1998 (model years 1995–1998 in the United States), replacing the 911, type 964. Its discontinua ...
*
Porsche 911 GT3RS
* Porsche 911 IROC
*
Porsche 911 RSR
*
Porsche 935 K3
*
Porsche 935 Mobydick
*
Porsche 936
*
Porsche 956LH
*
Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne is a series of automobiles manufactured by the German company Porsche since 2002. It is a luxury crossover SUV, and has been described as both a full-sized and a mid-sized vehicle. The first generation was known within Por ...
*
Porsche Macan
The Porsche Macan is a compact luxury crossover SUV (D-segment) produced by German manufacturer Porsche since 2014. It is the smaller SUV from Porsche below the Cayenne. The first-generation Macan went on production from February 2014 with pet ...
*
Renault 17
The Renault 17 (''R17'' for short) was a three-door station wagon coupé introduced by Renault in July 1971. The front-wheel drive vehicle was based on the Renault 12 and replaced the Renault Caravelle after three years of Renault's absence fro ...
* Renault 21 Turbo
*
Renault 4CV
The Renault 4CV (, as if spelled ''quat'chevaux'') is a car produced by the French company Renault from August 1947 through July 1961. It is a four-door economy car with its engine mounted in the rear and driving the rear wheels. It was the fir ...
*
Renault 4L
*
Renault 4L F4
*
Renault 5 GT Turbo
*
Renault 5 Maxi
*
Renault 5 Turbo
*
Renault 8
The Renault 8 (Renault R8 until 1964) is a rear-engined, rear-wheel drive small family car produced by the French manufacturer Renault in the 1960s and early 1970s. It also formed the basis for the larger Renault 10, introduced in 1965.
The ...
*
Renault Fuego
The Renault Fuego (''Fire'' in Spanish) is a sport hatchback that was manufactured and marketed by Renault from 1980 to 1986, replacing the Renault 15 and 17 coupés of the 1970s.
Marketed in the United States by American Motors Corporatio ...
*
Renault Twingo I
* RWB Bodykit
*
Shelby Cobra 427
*
Shelby GT500
*
Skoda Superb
*
Subaru Impreza 22B
*
Subaru Impreza WRX Sti
*
Toyota GR Supra
The Toyota GR Supra (model code J29/DB or A90/A91 for marketing purposes) is a sports car produced by Toyota since 2019. The fifth-generation Toyota Supra, Supra, the GR Supra was sold under and developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) brand in ...
*
Toyota Supra MK.4 (A80)
*
Volkswagen Beetle 1303
*
Volkswagen Caddy I
*
Volkswagen Golf L
*
Volkswagen T1
*
Volkswagen T2
Past Series
· The Major series - “140”: This is the very first range produced by Solido. The number corresponded to the length of the chassis in millimetres.
· The Junior series – “100” : Created in 1933 and renamed Junior in 1938, this series was Solido’s success. These are toys to assemble and customize infinitely.
· The "80" series: Launched in 1936, the 80 series was renamed "Baby" in 1938. It is based on the same principle as Duplo for the Lego brand: to offer a range of toys aimed at the youngest children.
· The «Mosquitos» series: A series of very small vehicles to accompany trains on the 00 scale.
· Series 100: the legendary range of Solido. Launched in 1957, it marks the arrival of the 1/43 scale in the Solido catalogue. Since then, its success has been undeniable with two models selling more than one million copies! This series is very popular with nostalgic collectors.
· Series 10: the second series in 1/43 of the history of Solido. The models are «simpler» than the series 100.
· Series 200: The first series of military vehicles at Solido. For 20 years, it will offer many models and see the Patton Char M47 exceed the million units sold !
· Series 300: dedicated to heavy goods vehicles and construction equipment.
· Series 1300: 1980 marks the transition to a 4-digit numbering at Solido. Initially named Cougar, this series was intended for children. This range competes directly with the cars of Burago at 1/43 scale.
· Series 1500: named «Hi-Fi» then «Today», this series is dedicated to «modern» vehicles and follows the automobile releases of the time.
· Series 1800: launched in 1992, this series features cars from the 70s. It then takes the name of “Yesterday”.
· Series 1900: in 1993, Solido launches a range entirely dedicated to motor racing (rally, endurance, Paris-Dakar). It is also known as “Racing”.
· TonerGam series: includes a lot of commercial vehicles, construction sites, but also the first fire engines.
· Series 4000/4100: these are the models «Age d'Or», which are vehicles of the first half of the twentieth century, like the Bugatti Royale.
· Series 4400: a range of commercial and public transport vehicles called «retro».
· Series 4500: the little sister of the «Age d'Or» series, there are cars from the 60s, European and American!
· Series 6000: developed for the 40th anniversary of the Allied invasion in Normandy, this range relaunches military models and becomes one of the most important in the 90s !
· Series 7000: a series of sets combining several Solido models in the same box. Variations and shapes are numerous.
· Series 8000: the "Prestige" series marks the arrival of the 1/18th in the Solido catalogue. It was launched at the end of the 1980s.
· Series 9000: includes the other vehicles in 1/18, modern or competition car.
· Club Solido: It allowed collectors to get exclusive or limited edition models, to exchange with members but also to visit the factory in Oulins! A range of products was dedicated to it.
File:Voiture Solido 1-43 série 100.png
File:Solido 1-43 avec et sans boite.png
File:Gamme pompier.png
File:Jetcar solido.png
File:Club Solido 2000 combi vw.png
File:Scooter Lambretta avec figurine.png
File:Gamme 143.png
File:Coffret poid lourd.png
File:Easy kit tuning Solido.png
File:Miniature avec éclairage Solido Mustang.png
File:Gamme Tonergam.png
File:Chaparal 1F miniature Solido.png
File:Voiture de course au 43 Solido.png
File:R5 Solido 43.png
File:Formule 1 Solido miniature.png
File:Gamme Racing Solido.png
File:Gamme Verem.png
File:Porsche Solido avec phare en strass.png
Current Series
File:Peugeot 205 Rallye 1-18 Solido.jpg, Peugeot 205 Rallye au 1/18 Solido.
File:Gamme solido works.jpg, Gamme Solido Works.
File:Solido 1-43 2025.jpg, Gamme Solido 1/43.
File:Gamme camion.jpg, Gamme Camion.
· Range 1/18e: This is the main range of Solido since 2015. It includes civil cars, racing cars (
rally
Rally or rallye may refer to:
Gatherings
* Political demonstration, a political rally, a political demonstration of support or protest, march, or parade
* Pep rally, an event held at a North American school or college sporting event
Sport ...
,
endurance
Endurance (also related to sufferance, forbearance, resilience, constitution, fortitude, persistence, tenacity, steadfastness, perseverance, stamina, and hardiness) is the ability of an organism to exert itself and remain active for a ...
, DTM...) and tuners cars.
· Solido Works range: Always at 1/18, this range offers fictional models on real bases, a bit like in a video game. The ideal range for tuning enthusiasts.
· F1 range: in 1/18 and 1/43, this collection launched in 2018 with the RS18 and now includes four teams (''
Alpine
Alpine may refer to any mountainous region. It may also refer to:
Places Europe
* Alps, a European mountain range
** Alpine states, which overlap with the European range
Australia
* Alpine, New South Wales, a Northern Village
* Alpine National P ...
,
McLaren
McLaren Racing Limited ( ) is a British auto racing, motor racing team based at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, England. The team is a subsidiary of the McLaren Group, which owns a majority of the team. McLaren is best known a ...
,
Kick Sauber and
Williams'') and many variations of each single-seater.
· 1/43 range: since 2022, Solido is making a comeback in the 1/43 scale. Many new moulds are released every year and focus on modern youngtimers and sports models. These are new moulds at this scale and/or in this price range.
· Trucks 1/24e range: launched in 2022, this range offers tractors and trailers at the scale of 1/24e. These are detailed reproductions, with opening doors and steering wheels, of current trucks (''
Scania
Scania ( ), also known by its native name of Skåne (), is the southernmost of the historical provinces of Sweden, provinces () of Sweden. Located in the south tip of the geographical region of Götaland, the province is roughly conterminous w ...
,
Mercedes,
Volvo
The Volvo Group (; legally Aktiebolaget Volvo, shortened to AB Volvo, stylized as VOLVO) is a Swedish multinational manufacturing corporation headquartered in Gothenburg. While its core activity is the production, distribution and sale of truck ...
,
Man
A man is an adult male human. Before adulthood, a male child or adolescent is referred to as a boy.
Like most other male mammals, a man's genome usually inherits an X chromosome from the mother and a Y chromosome from the f ...
...'').
· My First Solido: range of first-age cars that can also be used as decorative design elements. Dishwasher safe.
· Specific projects (OEM): Solido makes model cars for different companies, personalities: Starfobar, ''
En Avant Guingamp
En Avant Guingamp (, ), commonly referred to as EA Guingamp, EAG, or simply Guingamp (), is a French professional Football in France, football club based in the Communes of France, commune of Guingamp, in France's Brittany region. The club wa ...
, Kith,
Deus Ex Machina
''Deus ex machina'' ( ; ; plural: ''dei ex machina''; 'God from the machine') is a plot device whereby a seemingly unsolvable problem in a story is suddenly or abruptly resolved by an unexpected and unlikely occurrence. Its function is general ...
,
Renault
Renault S.A., commonly referred to as Groupe Renault ( , , , also known as the Renault Group in English), is a French Multinational corporation, multinational Automotive industry, automobile manufacturer established in 1899. The company curr ...
,
Porsche
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, usually shortened to Porsche (; see below), is a German automobile manufacturer specializing in luxury, high-performance sports cars, SUVs and sedans, headquartered in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Th ...
,
Bardahl
Bardahl is a brand name, brand of Petroleum product, petroleum oil additives, lubricants and gasoline additives for motor vehicles and internal combustion engines made by Bardahl Manufacturing Corporation in Seattle, Washington.
Ole Bardahl
B ...
...''
Creating a thumbnail
The methods for creating a miniature car have evolved.
[Birth of a toy - Solido ARCHIVES - Creation of a miniature in 1990 - RADIOVISION RV331 idéo'']
Birth of a toy - Solido ARCHIVES - Creation of a miniature in 1990 - RADIOVISION RV331
Solido Models, November 10th 2022, 26:11 min (consulted the March 17th 2025). The advent of computing has brought a revolution in the design of a scale model. Solido, like other manufacturers, uses the scan of a real car to design its miniatures. Here are the ten steps in designing a 1/43 or 1/18 car at Solido:
1. Choice of model.
2. Scan of a real car.
3. 3D modeling of the miniature based on the scan.
4. 3D printing for model validation.
5. Creation of the injection cluster: the different parts that will constitute the miniature are produced.
6. Correction of the first shoot then validation.
7. Development of test models.
8. Production launch.
9. Assembly.
10. The final product is created, this is the one that arrives at retailers and collectors.
File:Modélisation 3D Solido.jpg, 3D Modelisation of an 4cv.
File:Miniature à la première phase de fabrication.jpg, First phase of model's fabrication
File:Plusieurs bac d'injection zamak.jpg, Injection tank zamak.
File:Cabine peinture automatique.jpg, Automatic paint booth.
File:Assemblage miniature Solido.jpg, Assembly.
External links
*
Bibliography
* ''Les Automobiles de Solido 1932-1957,'' Bertrand Azéma, Éditions Drivers, 1991.
* ''Les Automobiles de Solido 1957-1991,'' Bertrand Azéma, Éditions Drivers, 1991.
* ''Les Automobiles de Solido 1991-2004,'' Bertrand Azéma, Éditions Drivers, 2004.
Photos complémentaires
File:Catalogue Solido 1986.png
File:Camion benne tonergam.png
File:Solido début 2000.png
File:Pack Militaire anniversaire.png
File:Exemple Hachette collection chars.png, alt=References
File:Sifflets Solido.jpg
References
Die-cast toys
Model manufacturers of France
Toy cars and trucks
Toy brands
French brands
Simba Dickie Group
Toy companies established in 1932
French companies established in 1932
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