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The collection of Italian Model cars available at Bernard Models invites you to rediscover the Italian art of living through its most iconic automobiles. From the Dolce Vita of the 1950s to contemporary racing cars, each model tells a part of the fascinating history of the transalpine automotive industry.
A specialist dealer serving collectors
As a specialist dealer in Model cars, I offer a carefully curated selection of Italian Model cars that reflects my current inventory. This approach allows me to offer you a vibrant collection, regularly updated with new arrivals and discoveries.
The majority of the models presented are in 1/43 scale , the reference format for collectors, offering a perfect balance between detail and display space. You will also find some remarkable pieces in 1/24 and 1/18 scales for fans of larger models, as well as Models in HO 1/87 scale perfect for dioramas.
Because each model is available in limited quantities —usually between 1 and 2 pieces—the visible collection corresponds exactly to the pieces immediately available. This approach guarantees the authenticity of the stock and avoids disappointments related to shortages.
A complete overview of Italian automobiles
This collection allows you to explore the richness of Italian motoring. You'll discover the Fiat family saloons that powered post-war Italy, from legendary Ferrari racing cars to elegant Lancia coupes . Motorsport enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the Alfa Romeo competition models and racing prototypes that have made motorsport history.
Italian sports cars occupy a prominent place with the daring creations of Lamborghini , the technical refinements of Maserati, and the creative interpretations of coachbuilders like Bertone or Pininfarina. Not to mention the utility models like the legendary Piaggio Ape or the Fiat vans that accompanied the Italian economic miracle.
The Golden Age of the Italian Automobile
The Italian automobile industry really took off in the 1950s and 1960s , a period of reconstruction and modernization of the country. This period saw the birth of models that have become legendary, such as the Fiat 500, a true symbol of the democratization of the automobile in Italy, and the first road-going Ferraris, which established the worldwide reputation of the Prancing Horse brand.
Italian manufacturers then developed a unique approach, combining performance and aesthetics in unprecedented proportions. This philosophy of Italian automotive design still influences designers around the world today. Italian coachbuilders like Pininfarina, Bertone, and Giugiaro revolutionized aesthetic codes and established Italian style as an international benchmark.
This prosperous period also corresponds to the emergence of Italy as a European industrial power , with automobiles becoming ambassadors of transalpine know-how on the roads of the entire world. From Turin to Modena, via Milan, each region develops its specialties and contributes to this automotive renaissance.
The Italian art of living on four wheels
An anecdote perfectly illustrates the Italian spirit in automotive matters: at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini presented its Miura , revolutionizing the approach to the supercar. Ferruccio Lamborghini, a former tractor manufacturer, had decided to create his own sports cars after a dispute with Enzo Ferrari over the clutch of his personal Ferrari. This rivalry would give rise to some of the most beautiful automobiles ever designed.
This anecdote reveals the Italian entrepreneurial spirit : transforming a setback into a creative opportunity. This is precisely the philosophy that drives the entire Italian automotive industry, favoring creative audacity over simple commercial logic. The result: automobiles that stand out as much for their beauty as for their performance.
Italian automobiles also reflect the Mediterranean art of living: prioritizing driving pleasure over mere utility, and considering the car as an object of art as much as a means of transportation. This hedonistic approach to the automobile is evident in every line, every curve of Italian models.
Complete your collection of Italian Models
Italian model cars occupy a special place in the world of model car making. They allow collectors to own pieces that represent a unique school of design, characterized by elegant lines and bold concepts. These Models often constitute the centerpieces of collections, as their aesthetics stand out from the productions of other nationalities.
This collection fits perfectly with other themes such as Formula 1 cars , where Italy has excelled for decades, or models from the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Italian manufacturers have achieved some of the greatest victories. Rally car enthusiasts will also appreciate the Lancia models that have dominated this discipline.
For collectors seeking thematic coherence , these Italian Models are ideally suited to French models from the same period, allowing them to recreate the European automotive atmosphere of the Trente Glorieuses. Automotive design enthusiasts will find plenty of material to create thematic displays based on stylistic developments.
The perfect gift idea for enthusiasts
An Italian Model car makes an ideal gift for a variety of occasions. For Father's Day, giving a Model Ferrari to a car-loving dad is a gift full of symbolism and emotion. At Christmas, a Model Lamborghini or Alfa Romeo under the tree will delight collectors of all ages.
For a birthday, choosing a Model that matches the recipient's year of birth creates a strong personal connection with the item. Italian models, with their diversity and presence across several decades, offer numerous possibilities for personalizing the gift according to each person's tastes and personal history.
Characteristics of our Italian Models
Complete delivery: each Model comes with its original base and protective box
Noble materials: made from metal alloy for an authentic finish
Remarkable fidelity: meticulous reproduction respecting the proportions and details of the original model
Careful packaging: protected and secure package to guarantee delivery in perfect condition
Authenticity guaranteed: models from manufacturers recognized for their expertise
This collection of Italian Model cars invites you to discover or rediscover Italian automotive excellence. Each model tells a story, evokes an era, and perpetuates the tradition of beauty and performance that has characterized Italian automobiles for over a century.
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The Hidden History of the Lamborghini Miura
Receive by email a little-known story that reveals the genius and passion behind Italy's most iconic cars.
Did You Know? Anecdotes and Curiosities about our Miniatures
Why are Italian cars so popular in model making?
Italy is home to legendary brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo. These manufacturers have created iconic designs and legendary sports cars that fascinate collectors. Italy also has a rich automotive tradition, with famous coachbuilders like Pininfarina and Bertone.
What is the difference between 1/43 and 1/64 scales for Italian model cars?
The 1/43 scale (approximately 10-12 cm) offers more detail and is preferred for high-end Ferrari or Lamborghini models. The 1/64 scale (approximately 7 cm) is more compact and economical, perfect for starting a collection or for limited editions. Italian manufacturers like BBR or Looksmart excel in 1/43.
Why are some model car Ferraris so expensive?
Ferrari strictly controls the licenses of its model cars. Authorized manufacturers like BBR, Looksmart, and MR Collection produce very limited editions with exceptional details. Some models, like the Ferrari F40 or the limited-edition 250 GTO, can be worth several hundred euros due to their rarity and handcrafted finish.
What are the most sought-after Italian brands in model car?
Ferrari dominates the market, followed by Lamborghini and its spectacular models like the Countach and the Aventador. Alfa Romeo seduces with its classics like the Giulia and the Spider. Maserati, Lancia with the legendary Stratos, and even Fiat with the vintage 500 have their passionate collectors.
How to recognize an authentic Italian model car from a counterfeit?
Check for the official logos of authorized manufacturers and manufacturers. Genuine Italian model cars have impeccable workmanship, precise details, and come with a certificate of authenticity. Beware of unusually low prices and choose authorized dealers. Counterfeits often have dull colors and approximate proportions.
