The Bernard Miniatures Boutique

Hello and welcome to Bernard Miniatures ! I'm Bernard, and I'm pleased to present my website dedicated to model cars.

My Story: From the Auto Exchange to E-commerce

My story in the world of model cars began long before the creation of this site. Originally from Brittany, I spent years attending Breton car fairs , from Rennes to Brest via Vannes and Quimper. It was during these events that I became interested in French model cars and discovered this market.

Then came the COVID-19 period. Stuck at home for over a year, like many of us, I decided to create this website. This period gave me the time I needed to set up this platform.

More than 1500 References at your disposal

Today, I offer you more than 1,500 model car references . My catalog is regularly expanded, as not all of my models are online yet - I am constantly adding new items as I go along.

These references come from my finds at Breton car fairs over the years. Some models are discoveries made on site, others correspond to specific requests I received. The stock evolves according to opportunities and what I find during my travels.

Expertise Focused on the 1/43 Scale

My specialty is the 1/43 scale , which represents the majority of my collection. This scale offers a good compromise between detail and size. 1/43 models allow for a satisfactory level of finish while remaining within reasonable dimensions for storage and display.

To suit different tastes and needs, I also offer models in 1/18 , 1/24 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The 1/18 scale is particularly suitable for collectors who value detail and have the necessary space. The 1/87 scale, traditionally used in model railways, is ideal for diorama enthusiasts or those who wish to build large collections in a limited space.

A Focus on French Automobiles

I focus particularly on French automotive heritage . This orientation reflects both my personal tastes and my interest in models that have marked the history of the automobile in France. You will discover emblematic models such as the Citroën DS , symbols of French innovation in the 1960s, the Renault 4CV which democratized the automobile after the war, and the practical Renault 4L which equipped many French families.

There are also the Simca Aronde , representative of the French automobile industry of the 1950s, and the robust Peugeot 404 which enjoyed international success. These models bear witness to the technical and stylistic evolution of the French automobile industry over several decades.

French and International Brands

My catalog presents the major brands that have marked automotive history: Renault , Citroën , Peugeot , but also manufacturers less present today such as Panhard , Hotchkiss or Talbot .

Beyond French brands, I also offer models from international manufacturers that have marked their era: Ferrari , Porsche , Mercedes-Benz , BMW , and even Volkswagen . This diversity allows us to cover the entire history of European and global automobiles.

A Selection that Crosses the Eras

Automotive Time Travel

My site offers a true historical journey, from the pioneering vehicles of the 1910s to the contemporary models of the 2020s . Each period brings its own innovations and particular style.

The 1930s were characterized by models with elegant lines and innovative technical solutions. The 1960s marked the rise of mass production and the emergence of new aesthetic concepts. The 1980s saw the emergence of on-board electronics and new materials.

This chronological approach allows us to understand the technical and stylistic evolution of the automobile, while offering collectors the opportunity to specialize in a particular period or to build a cross-disciplinary collection.

Bodywork for All Uses

The diversity of body styles reflects the automobile's adaptation to society's diverse needs. You'll find family sedans , true symbols of the democratization of the automobile, convertibles that evoke leisure and escape, coupes with sporty lines, and practical station wagons that have accompanied the evolution of lifestyles.

Each type of bodywork tells a particular story and responds to specific uses, which enriches the historical and sociological interest of these miniatures.

Available Brands

You will find in my stock different manufacturers depending on arrivals: Dinky Toys , Eligor , Norev , Solido , Atlas , among others. Availability depends on what I find at fairs and collections that I occasionally buy.

More than a Sales Site

Bernard Miniatures isn't just about sales. I've also created a space to share information about model cars and their historical context.

The Journal: Stories and Context

In my Journal section, I share stories and anecdotes about the models and brands in my catalog. Each article provides context on the production period, technical innovations, or the particularities of certain models.

These articles provide a better understanding of the story behind each miniature, whether it's the evolution of a manufacturer, the circumstances surrounding the creation of a particular model, or the social impact of an automotive innovation.

Newsletter and New Releases Tracking

To stay informed about my latest acquisitions and the articles I publish, you can subscribe to my newsletter . It's a simple way to discover new releases that arrive regularly, as well as articles from the Journal.

The newsletter also allows you to report the arrival of rare models or limited reproductions that may be of interest to specialist collectors.

Specialized Thematic Collections

Motorsport and Competition

Motorsport occupies a special place in automotive history. My collections dedicated to the 24 Hours of Le Mans trace the evolution of this legendary event and the cars that have marked it. Formula 1 is represented by different eras, allowing us to follow the technical evolution of this discipline.

Alpine Renaults hold a special place, a testament to French excellence in sports and racing cars. These models illustrate how a small French manufacturer was able to establish itself in international competition.

Service and Utility Vehicles

The automobile is not limited to private cars. Fire engines , ambulances, and rescue vehicles demonstrate the automobile's adaptation to public services and civil security.

Light commercial vehicles and vans tell the story of economic development and the evolution of freight transport. These vehicles, often less spectacular than sports cars, are no less important in the history of mobility.

How I Work

What you see on bernardminiatures.fr mainly corresponds to what I currently have in stock. I sometimes find interesting models at fairs, I sometimes buy from private collections, or people contact me to sell their miniatures.

Sometimes customers ask me for specific models. If I come across them while traveling, I can contact them. However, I can't guarantee to find a specific model on a given date.