The 1965 UNIC MZ36 Saverne "CROIX DE LORRAINE" truck: A symbol of French transport
This model car of the 1965 UNIC MZ36 Saverne truck proudly displays the colors of the "Croix de Lorraine," a historic French emblem. This scale model accurately captures the essence of an era when French manufacturers dominated the European heavy-duty transport market.
An exceptional collector's item, this faithful reproduction of the UNIC MZ36 Saverne is aimed at automotive history enthusiasts and collectors of French utility vehicles from the 1960s.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: UNIC MZ36 Saverne
- Brand: UNIC
- Year: 1965
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Decoration: "CROSS OF LORRAINE"
- Protective case included: Yes
The UNIC MZ36 Saverne: A giant of French transport
The UNIC MZ36 Saverne was launched in the mid-1960s in a context of accelerated modernization of the French utility vehicle fleet. This rigid truck embodied the UNIC philosophy: robustness, reliability and adaptation to national road conditions still largely composed of winding departmental roads.
Equipped with a diesel engine developing respectable power for the time, the MZ36 was distinguished by its Saverne cab , renowned for its relative comfort and optimal visibility. Its generous payload and rustic design made it a popular work tool for regional hauliers and construction companies.
This model enjoyed notable commercial success, contributing to the economic boom of the Trente Glorieuses by ensuring the distribution of goods throughout France, from major cities to the most remote villages.
UNIC: The legacy of a visionary builder
Founded in 1905 by Georges Richard, the UNIC (Union des Industries de Châssis) brand quickly established itself as a benchmark in French heavy transport . By the 1960s, UNIC had become a subsidiary of Simca, itself controlled by Chrysler, while retaining its French technical identity.
The MZ36 Saverne era corresponded to UNIC's golden age, a period during which the French manufacturer competed with European brands in the road transport and public works markets. The UNIC philosophy favored pragmatic and proven solutions, adapted to the specific requirements of the French market.
This approach allowed UNIC to maintain a strong position until the 1970s, before the concentration of the sector and the arrival of foreign manufacturers profoundly changed the landscape of European heavy transport.
The Cross of Lorraine: Between History and Identity
The "Croix de Lorraine" decoration of this UNIC MZ36 truck evokes one of the most powerful symbols in modern French history. Adopted by General de Gaulle as the emblem of Free France during World War II, the Cross of Lorraine quickly transcended its medieval religious origins to become a symbol of resistance and national independence.
During the 1960s, a period of reconstruction and modernization in France, many French companies proudly displayed this symbol on their commercial vehicles. This practice demonstrated a deliberate economic patriotism and a desire to assert national expertise in a context of growing European competition.
The hauliers who decorated their UNIC trucks with the Cross of Lorraine thus expressed their attachment to French values while claiming their participation in the effort to rebuild the country. This gesture, apparently anecdotal, actually revealed a time when national identity was intimately intertwined with economic activities .
Today, these trucks decorated with the Cross of Lorraine have become precious witnesses of a France in full transformation, oscillating between tradition and modernity, between national pride and European openness.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This model car of the UNIC MZ36 Saverne truck naturally finds its place in any collection dedicated to French automotive heritage. It harmoniously interacts with other vintage models, notably Simca vehicles from the same period or contemporary Renault utility vehicles .
Collectors specializing in heavy goods vehicles will find it an ideal complement to other French manufacturers such as Berliet or Willème . This piece also fits perfectly into a thematic collection dedicated to vehicles from the 1960s .
Whether you're a fan of automotive history or a seasoned collector, you'll appreciate the quality of this model car reproduction, which faithfully captures the spirit of a bygone era when French brands shone on European roads.
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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