In the Miniatures Journal, I share the history of your favorite models and brands. Over 100 articles, podcasts, and videos to help you learn more about the miniature cars you collect. You'll find anecdotes about specific models, brands, and eras.
Here I present my collection of Model police and gendarmerie cars , a fascinating world that traces the evolution of intervention and patrol vehicles of the French police force. This selection brings together the emblematic models that have marked the history of the national police and the gendarmerie, from the legendary Citroën DS to the modern BMW and Peugeot of today.
A regularly updated reseller stock
As a specialist retailer, I offer a representative selection of police and gendarmerie Models currently in stock . The collections presented are not necessarily complete but faithfully reflect my current availability. This approach allows me to regularly renew the offer and to offer varied models according to arrivals.
The majority of the models are offered in 1/43rd , the reference scale for collectors, offering a perfect balance between detail and size. I am also enriching this range with some pieces in 1/24th and 1/18th for lovers of large scales, as well as 1/87th (HO scale) models particularly appreciated by model railway builders.
Each model is available in limited quantities , usually between 1 and 2 copies. This policy reflects the reality of the Model market and guarantees the authenticity of each piece offered. All the vehicles you discover in this collection correspond exactly to my current stock.
The world of Model intervention vehicles
This collection invites you to discover the richness of the French law enforcement vehicle fleet. You'll find the patrol sedans that crisscross our roads, from legendary Citroën DSs to contemporary Peugeots , including the robust Renaults that have equipped the gendarmerie for decades.
Specialized vehicles also occupy a prominent place: intervention vans, CRS buses, armored vehicles, and dog units. This diversity perfectly illustrates the technological and operational evolution of law enforcement, from the first motorized patrols to today's elite units.
The collection is also enriched with rescue and emergency response vehicles , demonstrating the complementarity between the various civil security services. These models reveal the ingenuity of car manufacturers in adapting their chassis to the specific needs of security missions.
The Automotive History of French Law Enforcement
The history of Model police and gendarmerie cars takes us back to the first steps in the motorization of law enforcement in the 1920s. France was a pioneer in the adoption of motor vehicles for the police, notably with the famous "salad cars" and the first Parisian motorized patrols.
The 1950s and 1960s marked a decisive turning point with the massive adoption of Citroën DSs by the national police. These revolutionary vehicles, with their hydropneumatic suspension and exceptional comfort, became the emblem of the French police. The gendarmerie, for its part, favored the robust Peugeot 403 and 404, perfectly suited to missions in rural areas.
The evolution continued in the 1970s with the arrival of the Renault 16 and the first Peugeot 504, marking a gradual standardization of the vehicle fleet. The 1980s saw the emergence of more efficient vehicles, notably the BMW 5 Series, which still equips certain specialized units today.
Anecdotes and cultural heritage
French police vehicles have captured the collective imagination far beyond their primary function. Who doesn't remember the spectacular chases in Claude Lelouch films or 1970s police series? The legendary white and blue Citroën DS has become a true cinematic icon, just like the American Ford Mustang or the Italian Alfa Romeo.
A notable anecdote concerns the adoption of BMWs by the French police in the 1980s. This choice, controversial at the time because it favored a foreign brand, was explained by the exceptional performance of these vehicles compared to the sports cars used by certain criminals. This decision perfectly illustrates the constant adaptation of law enforcement to societal changes.
The livery of police vehicles also has its own history. The transition from the traditional blue and white to the current colors reflects changes in institutional communication and the desire to modernize the image of law enforcement. These color changes are faithfully reproduced on the Models, demonstrating the manufacturers' attention to detail.
Complete your collection of law enforcement Models
This collection of Model police and gendarmerie cars naturally finds its place alongside other themes linked to public services. It combines perfectly with fire engines , creating a coherent ensemble dedicated to French civil security.
Classic car enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the models from the 1950s and 1970s, the golden age of French automobiles. These Models fit harmoniously into larger collections devoted to French cars or classics from 1950 to 1979 .
This theme fascinates a diverse audience: collectors passionate about history , former or current members of the police force, fans of thematic Models and those nostalgic for French automobiles. Each model tells a story, evokes an era and bears witness to the technological and societal evolution of our country.
A gift idea full of history and emotion
Giving a Model police or gendarmerie car is much more than just a gift. It's a way of passing on a piece of history, honoring public service, and sharing a passion for automobiles. Whether for a birthday, Father's Day, or Christmas, these Models are particularly appealing to those who have served in the police force or are simply passionate about French history.
These models also provide excellent educational tools for explaining to younger children the evolution of French society and the role of institutions. They provide an opportunity to explore the history of the automobile while raising awareness of respect for law enforcement and republican values.
Technical characteristics of our Models
Complete delivery: each Model comes with its display base and original protective box
Noble material: made of high-quality metal alloy ensuring durability and exceptional finish
Remarkable fidelity: meticulous reproduction of the original model, respecting proportions, details and historical livery
Secure shipping: careful packaging and reinforced protection to guarantee the integrity of your Model during transport
Certified authenticity: official models licensed by the car manufacturers and relevant services
This collection of Model police and gendarmerie cars invites you to rediscover the history of French law enforcement through their iconic vehicles. Each model bears witness to an era, a technological evolution, and a commitment to public safety. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply a fan of automotive history, these Models will find their place in your passionate world.
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The little-known anecdote of the DS Police
Receive by email a little-known story about the evolution of emergency vehicles and their model car reproduction
Did You Know? Anecdotes and Curiosities about our Miniatures
Why are French police cars often blue and white?
This distinctive livery was adopted in the 1970s to harmonize the appearance of police vehicles throughout France. The blue represents the authority of the state, while the white symbolizes neutrality and justice.
What is the difference between the National Police and Gendarmerie vehicles on the model cars?
National Police vehicles generally bear the words 'POLICE' with blue stripes, while Gendarmerie vehicles display 'GENDARMERIE' with blue and red stripes. The license plates also differ: civilian format for the Police, military format for the Gendarmerie.
Why do some model car emergency vehicles have different flashing lights?
Flashing lights have evolved over the decades: older models used rotating red or blue lights, while modern vehicles are equipped with multi-colored LED strips. This technological evolution is faithfully reproduced on the model cars according to their era.
What are the most sought-after model car police vehicles?
The Peugeot 504 and 505 of the National Police from the 1980s, the Citroën DS21 of the Gendarmerie, and specialized vehicles such as CRS vans or BMW motorway police motorcycles are particularly prized by collectors for their historical authenticity.
How to recognize an authentic police vehicle model car from a fantasy reproduction?
An authentic model car model adheres to official color codes, precise marking locations, actual serial numbers, and era-specific equipment. Fantasy reproductions often mix liveries or use non-standard colors.
