Graham 96 and 97 “Spirit of Motion” (aka “Sharknose”)

A little history

In dire straits by the late Thirties, Graham attempted what had succeeded back in 1932 with its “Blue Streak” line: to create a car with a body so modern that it would inspire the whole automobile industry. The result was called “Spirit of Motion”, a vehicle that would look as if moving even when parked. A very aggressive front grille with horizontal vents matched the front wings with their enclosed headlights. Even the wheel arches reflected this research for a visual perception of motion.

Under the striking skin, the new Graham was much more conventional. Continental provided its six-cylinder, 3.6-litre engine. The standard block could rely on 90 bhp to power the base Model 96. With an optional supercharger the Graham would become a Model 97, advertised for 116 bhp.

The motoring press liked the Spirit of Motion line – not the American public. Slightly more than five thousands were built for the 1938 model year: the Spirit of Motion wasn’t the expected saviour. With pockets emptier than ever, Graham couldn’t change much of its car for 1939. Modifications were limited to the removal of the running boards. Nevertheless the company was able to create two more bodies, a two-door sedan and a coupe. This widened choice allowed the sales to climb… by only a few hundreds, sadly. Bearing up under adverse circonstances, a few more of these cars were built as 1940 models, before they were replaced by the Graham Hollywood, courtesy of a deal with Hupmobile that had just negociated businessman Norman De Vaux.

About the model

Model: Graham Model 97
Year: 1939
Maker: Ixo
Scale: 1/43
Distributed by: Altaya as no.13 of its Voitures Classiques press series
Acquired: brand new, in August 2006, in Souillac, France

Altaya proposed a Graham, once again built in Ixo’s Chinese factory. Its choice didn’t go to the mainstream sedan but to a rather unfamiliar convertible, built as a one-off in 1939 – Graham certainly didn’t have the resources needed to put such a low-volume vehicle in regular production. How nice this die-cast could have been if only Ixo would have succeeded in reproducing the front wings as well as it did the bonnet. Alas they cannot be more dissimilar to the shape of the original ones, betraying the very meaning of the Spirit of Motion look. No need to try comparing the two at length, just look for a photo of the real car and place it next to the pictures posted below – you’ll then understand why I didn’t give more than 8/20 to this die-cast. It should be added that this model is branded as a “Sharknose”, a nickname the 1938-40 Graham didn’t receive until several years after its production had ended and consequently that I avoided using here.

Renault Kangoo

A little history

The Renault Kangoo was introduced in 1997 as a panel van, replacing the Express. A passenger version was also offered, and encountered an unexpected success – though Spartan, it was relatively cheap to buy and operate, sturdy, practical and roomy. A four-wheel-drive version was added in 2002, one year before the Kangoo’s career was extended thanks to a facelift. Production was interrupted in 2007, when a New Kangoo entered the scene.

(This car’s history will be expanded in due time, please be patient.)

About the models

Model: Renault Kangoo
Year: 1998
Maker: Vitesse
Scale: 1/43
Distributed by: Renault Boutiques, ref. unknown
Acquired: second hand with stand and box, in July 2006, in Brive, France

Vitesse used to offer a large range of Kangoos, including this panel van version sold through Renault dealerships. The model is good looking and well detailed, though the combined opaque headlights/bright orange turn signals seem somehow odd – I even thought for a time that its previous owner had tampered with them for reasons unknown, but pictures of brand new models seen on the internet rather point to a strange rendition of them by the Portuguese brand. Decoration has been neatly applied, and doors can be opened – though I never took any chance. A 13/20 rating to this model.





Model: Renault Kangoo
Year: 1998
Maker: Solido
Scale: 1/43
Distributed by: Hachette as no.36 of its Sapeurs Pompiers de France press series
Acquired: second hand in original blister pack, in December 2008, in Brive, France

Hachette didn't provide any date for its firefighters Kangoo, but Solido sells similar die-casts made from the same mould as 1998. This variation looks desperately bare, sporting no other decoration than two logos on the doors. The plate numbers are conspicuously absent, and even the Renault badge is nothing more than a bump on the bonnet – no decal has been applied. Rear lights are plain red, though headlights and turn signals are somewhat more refined. In addition, the wheels are nothing short of ridiculous and the rear bumper has been poorly assembled on my model. Not exactly good, even for a press release, this model cannot reasonably fetch more than 7/20.







Model: Renault Kangoo
Year: c.2003
Maker: Norev
Scale: 1/43
Distributed by: Norev, ref. unknown
Acquired: brand new but with neither box nor stand, in January 2007, in Hong Kong, S.A.R.

A much better model than the previous one, Norev’s model of the facelifted Kangoo is excellent, notably sporting very well done rear lights. My rating: 14/20.

Fiat Ritmo

A little history

Fiat introduced its Ritmo at the Turin motor show in 1978. During its development the Italian manufacturer’s attention had mostly been on Bertone’s styling, which left no one unmoved, rather than on the technical side, for the Ritmo was heavily based on the already known 128 model, retaining its front-wheel-drive technology and 1.0- to 1.5-litre engines. Though sold at an extremely fair price, the little car struggled more and more through its career to attract buyers, particularly outside its native Italy. Building quality was typically low, and performances were anything but exciting. Fiat tried to add glamour to its car by introducing a sporting version, the 105TC (1.6-litre, 105 hp), in 1981, followed shortly thereafter by an even more aggressive Abarth 125TC (2.0-litre, 125 hp), the latter having the dubious distinction of being the last car ever produced in Abarth’s own facilities.

A 1982 facelift which introduced a milder look and the addition of a convertible (again due to Bertone) and a Regata saloon didn’t change the Ritmo’s fate. By 1988, 1.8 millions had been made – not too bad at first sight, but a rather poor result nonetheless when compared to some of its closest rivals. The Ritmo disappeared silently, and was replaced by the more successful Tipo.

(This car’s history will be expanded in due time, please be patient.)

About the models

Model: Fiat Ritmo 75CL
Year: 1979
Maker: Ixo
Scale: 1/43
Distributed by: Altaya as no.81 of its Nos Chères Voitures d'Antan press series
Acquired: brand new, in May 2007, in Souillac, France

Not much to complain about Ixo’s work here, except once again the Chinese maker’s bad habit of fitting yellow headlights to most models intended for Altaya’s French series. Rating: 13/20.









Model: Fiat Ritmo 125TC
Year: 1981
Maker: Norev
Scale: 1/43
Distributed by: Hachette as no.9 of its Fiat Story press series
Acquired: brand new, in December 2006, in Hong Kong, S.A.R.

Not a great Norev. The distinctive plastic bumpers, which encompass the grille up front, are much cruder than the ones from Ixo, and furthermore aren’t as carefully adjusted to the body. Another typical touch, the round door handles, are painted a solid black, making them practically unnoticeable. Windshield wipers and radio antenna are made from a black plastic and look way too thick. I won’t give more than 11/20 to this model.

Nissan Laurel

A little history

The Laurel stood in the upper part of Nissan’s range, just a notch below the luxurious Cedric, for almost thirty-five years. Based on a Prince project, the first Laurel was introduced in April 1968.

Exactly four years later the original car was replaced by a brand new model powered by engines ranging from a 1.8-litre four to a 2.8-litre six in later versions. Customers had to choose between a saloon and a hardtop coupe, so gracefully nicknamed “pig’s ass” by the witty Japanese due to its heavy, American-influenced “coke bottle” tail.

These two cars were replaced by a third generation Laurel in January 1977, followed by five subsequent versions, successively launched in 1980, 1984, 1989, 1993 and 1997. Production of the Laurel was finally cancelled in 2002.

(This car’s history will be expanded in due time, please be patient.)

About the models

Model: Nissan Laurel SGX
Year: 1972
Maker: Ebbro
Scale: 1/43
Distributed by: Ebbro, "Oldies" series ref. 43561 (white) or 43563 (green)
Acquired: brand new, in February 2007, in Hong Kong, S.A.R.

These models are among my favourites in Ebbro’s range of vintage Japanese cars, as they represent an original car (Laurels were seldom sold outside Japan throughout their career) that is both good looking and masterfully executed in scale. The body sports many separate parts, including the door handles, the side turn signals, the scoops on the C-pillars and the crest on the boot lid. Ebbro didn’t forgo quality inside its model, and of all splendid details the steering wheel is probably the most stunning. Upholstery being colour-keyed, I have a preference for the green version of this car which offers, in my opinion, a better contrast of tints than the white or the brown. As a result, I sold my white Laurel since these pictures were taken. I’d give 15/20 to these beautiful die-casts.

Austro-Daimler ADR Bergmeister

A little history

Arguably the most famous of all Austrian automobile manufacturer, Austro-Daimler got deeply involved in motor racing during the Twenties. The six-cylinder ADR, more performance-oriented than its lavish cousin the ADM, exploited the image thus created. Introduced in 1927, the ADR’s main particularity was its all-independent suspension, at a time when most cars still had two rigid axles. The ADR evolved into the upgraded Bergmeister, fitted with a 3.6-litre engine. Unfortunately the very poor economic situation Austria had to face during the next decade forced the prestigious company to its knees. In 1934 it was forced to merge with Steyr, and its production stopped before the end of the year.

(This car’s history will be expanded in due time, please be patient.)

About the model

Model: Austro-Daimer ADR Bergmeister
Year: 1933
Maker: Ixo
Scale: 1/43
Distributed by: Altaya as no.44 of its Voitures Classiques press series
Acquired: brand new, in October 2007, in Souillac, France

This is another model that I’d place among the best this press series has to offer. A nice albeit rare touch is the photo-etched mascot standing on the radiator, though mine wasn’t glued straight – no model car can be perfect, particularly in this price range. Also, the hood's scissors are probably a little too thick, but overall this die-cast deserves at least 14/20.

Peugeot 302 Darl’Mat

A little history

During the Thirties, Emile Darl’Mat ran an important Peugeot dealership in Paris, and also made himself famous for the sportscars built in his workshop. None became better known than his very first machine, based on a Peugeot 302 chassis fitted with a 2.0-litre engine taken from the 402. A little more than a hundred of these were sold as stylish coupes or convertibles, easy recognizable with their waving “rivets” on both sides of the bonnet, a trendy Art Déco touch. These exquisite creations were signed by coachbuilder Pourtout.

The Darl’Mat proved themselves as fast on the track as they were elegant on the road, and were regular competitors in the 2-litre class at the Le Mans 24 Hours. Production was interrupted by the war, though Darl’Mat continued to design special cars based on Peugeot platforms – one of them will appear in a future post about the 203.

(This car’s history will be expanded in due time, please be patient.)

About the models

Model: Peugeot 302 Darl'Mat
Year: 1937
Maker: Norev
Scale: 1/43
Distributed by: Hachette as no.40 of its Collection Peugeot press series
Acquired: brand new, in October 2007, in Souillac, France

Somehow the Darl’Mat coupe, a splendour inspired by other Pourtout creations for the Bugatti T57’s chassis, doesn’t look as good when reproduced as a scale model by Norev. It certainly isn’t an ugly duckling, but it seems to lack some of the allure the original still displays on old sepia pictures. The front grille isn’t far from ridiculous, and furthermore is flanked by two headlights that aren’t among the most realistic ones due to the highly visibly stems that hold them in place. The choice of the body’s dark blue colour, albeit highlighted by a fine red line running along the bonnet and around the small passenger compartment, is also questionable – I personally think, but it’s probably a matter of taste, that a light to medium grey would have done wonders to enhance the car’s natural beauty. I’d give 11/20 to this model.







Model: Peugeot 302 Darl'Mat
Year: 1937
Maker: Ixo
Scale: 1/43
Distributed by: Altaya as no.42 of its Voitures Classiques press series
Acquired: brand new, in June 2007, in Souillac, France

Going their way hands in hands once more, Ixo and Altaya strode straight up to the obvious trap and plunged into it. Unlike what is commonly but erroneously written, there has never been a car named the Peugeot 402 Darl’Mat – it was definitely a 302, though as we saw above, it was powered by a 402 engine. Insufficient research once again? The two old cronies obviously called their model a 402.

So the whole affair starts poorly… and doesn’t get better when the die-cast itself is examined. Ixo’s took its inspiration from a model still extant today, going as far as copying its modern plate number. Too bad for a car that is more than seventy years old… Nonetheless all errors you could find about this car would be nothing with regards to the huge problem this model has: its windshield is glued straight up on the body, in such a way that I can’t help thinking Ixo probably confused this neat tourer for a jeep. I cannot possibly award more than 7/20 to this thing.









Model: Peugeot 302 Darl'Mat
Year: 1937
Event: 1937 Le Mans 24 Hours, driven by Charles de Cortanze and Maurice Serre (8th overall and 3rd in class)
Maker: Norev
Scale: 1/43
Distributed by: Hachette as no.8 of its Collection Peugeot press series
Acquired: brand new, in June 2006, in Souillac, France

More than anything else while collecting die-casts of race cars I enjoy backmarkers. Norev could have chosen the class-winning Darl’Mat from 1938 but instead selected a relatively obscure entrant that wasn’t even the fastest of all Peugeots in the Sarthe in 1937 – just what I like! The model is correctly made, though not particularly impressive. More than anything else the grille is a liability to the front’s appearance. Inside the tiny cockpit, the all-black wheel unfortunately looks extremely toyish. On the other hand the beautiful blue paint perfectly becomes this model, to which I’ll give 12/20.