Since the beginning of the 20th century tinplate model cars were made in France. These models were often of higher quality and more expensive than the predominating German toys. After companies such as AR, CD and SR had also released simple lead models in smaller scales in the 1920s, production of diecast model cars started in France around 1930, mainly in 1/43rd scale. Several French producers have made models in this size since the 1950s, and still today many French enthusiasts are specialised in collecting model cars in 1/43rd scale (and trucks in 1/50th scale). The most important model series were made by Dinky Toys, CIJ, and Solido. Solido made the world's first diecast model cars with real suspension and opening doors in about 1960. Besides these 1/43rd scale diecast models, plastic models in the same scale (Norev, Minialuxe) and smaller toy cars (Majorette, Norev) were also made. In the 1970s and 1980s, small factories producing resin models in kit or built form such as Record, Alezan, Heco, Provence Moulage, and Starter appeared. In the 1990s, mass-produced models of classic and current French cars could primarily be found in the ranges made by Norev, Solido, Vitesse and Eligor. In the meantime, the traditional French model car manufacturers Solido and Norev have moved their production to China. After the year 2000, a new field for collectors have become popular in France, like in Spain and Italy: partworks, i.e. collections of model cars sold along with magazines at newspaper stands. Most of these models, released by publishing houses such as Altaya, Atlas or Hachette, are variations of well-known models made by Chinese manufacturers.
France