Model Car Berliet GLR8 M2 fuel tanker truck - Hachette collection
Echelle: 1/43ème
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Discover this exceptional miniature of the Berliet GLR8 M2, an iconic tanker truck from the French industry of the 1960s. This faithful reproduction at 1/43 scale captures the essence of this industrial vehicle that marked the history of French road transport.
Published by Hachette in its prestigious collection, this miniature is a must-have piece for any collector passionate about French automobiles and vintage utility vehicles.
Features of the miniature
- Model: Berliet GLR8 M2 fuel tanker
- Brand: Berliet
- Year: 1965
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Delivered in Berliet colors
- Protective case included: Yes
The Berliet GLR8 M2, giant of the French road
The Berliet GLR8 M2 made its appearance in the mid-1960s, fitting into the lineage of robust trucks that forged the reputation of the Lyon-based brand. Designed to meet the increasing needs for goods transport in France, this tanker truck represented the pinnacle of French technology in industrial vehicles at that time.
This model stood out for its exceptional capacity and legendary reliability. Equipped with a Berliet engine that delivered remarkable power for the time, the GLR8 M2 could transport significant amounts of oils and fuels over long distances. Its reinforced chassis and suspension designed for heavy loads made it a favored work tool among specialized transport companies.
The commercial success of the GLR8 M2 can be attributed to its versatility and resistance to harsh conditions. It equipped both the fleets of large oil companies and those of independent transporters, contributing to the development of the French road network during the Glorious Thirty.
Berliet, a flagship of the French automotive industry
In the 1960s, the era of the GLR8 M2's creation, Berliet was undergoing a remarkable expansion. Under the leadership of Paul Berliet, the founder's son, the Lyon-based company developed a complete range of industrial vehicles that were exported worldwide. This decade marked the peak of the diamond-shaped brand, which competed with the largest European manufacturers.
Founded in 1899 by Marius Berliet, this family business established itself as one of the cornerstones of the French automotive industry. From its humble beginnings in a Lyon workshop to the great international successes of the mid-20th century, Berliet continually innovated in the field of utility vehicles and trucks.
The history of Berliet spans nearly eight decades, marked by legendary creations such as military trucks from World War I, Parisian buses, and Berliet vehicles that equipped numerous French companies. This rich heritage makes each Berliet miniature today a precious testament to French engineering.
A French industrial epic
The Berliet GLR8 M2 tanker fits into a fascinating era in French history: the Glorious Thirty and the explosion of road transport. In the 1960s, France underwent a radical transformation in its energy consumption habits. The development of gas stations, the rise of petrochemicals, and the expansion of the motorway network created a growing demand for vehicles specialized in hydrocarbon transport.
These Berliet tanker trucks traveled thousands of kilometers daily, connecting refineries to regional depots, and then to nearby gas stations. They thus participated in this silent revolution that saw France transition from a largely rural economy to a modern consumer society. The drivers of these GLR8 M2 trucks were often regarded as elite professionals, carefully handling these giants of the road loaded with flammable products.
The most striking anecdote regarding these vehicles remains their involuntary participation in the events of May 1968. Several Berliet tanker trucks, immobilized by general strikes, became symbols of the country's economic paralysis. Some drivers sympathetic to the movement even participated in the protests, creating surprising images of these imposing industrial vehicles at the heart of the social upheavals of the time.
This historical and social dimension makes the GLR8 M2 much more than a simple utility vehicle: a unique witness to the transformations of modern France, an era when national industry still shone on European roads.
Complete your miniature collection
This miniature of the Berliet GLR8 M2 tanker Hachette holds a special place in the world of French utility vehicles. It integrates perfectly alongside other emblematic references such as the miniature heavy trucks of the same era or the light utility vehicles that complete the ecosystem of French transport in the 1960s.
Collectors passionate about 1960s automobiles will find in this model an ideal complement to their series of vintage French cars. This miniature naturally interacts with the contemporary Citroën DS, Renault 16, or Peugeot 404, reconstituting the automotive atmosphere of this golden decade.
This piece is particularly aimed at lovers of industrial vehicles and French history, as well as collectors of Hachette miniatures who appreciate the consistent quality of this collection. It also serves as an excellent entry point to discover the world of 1/43 scale miniatures, the absolute reference for fans of French automobiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
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