Willeme LC610 "Shark Nose" 1963 Red Truck with Grey Tarpaulin, High Sides and Cover (D Maïni on Door)
Scale 1:43
Truck in blister pack
PLEASE NOTE: the first image is a computer-generated render and may not exactly match the vehicle in this listing, so please check the photos that follow it.
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Get it between Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November
This stunning replica of the 1963 Willeme LC610 truck with its high stake sides and signature tarpaulin perfectly captures the spirit of French road transport in the 1960s. Affectionately nicknamed "nez de requin" (shark nose) for its distinctive grille, this model represents one of the most iconic heavy trucks of French industry.
This collector's piece is made for automotive history enthusiasts and discerning collectors who look for authenticity and detail in their commercial vehicle miniatures. The "D Maîni" marking on the door adds an extra historical touch, recalling the hauliers of that era.
The Willeme LC610 was launched in the early 1960s, during a period of economic expansion when road transport was becoming increasingly important in France. This rigid truck was designed to meet the growing demands of freight transport over long distances, with a remarkable payload capacity for its time.
Powered by a powerful diesel engine and a robust transmission, the LC610 stood out for its exceptional reliability and its ability to cover many kilometres without failure. Its configuration with high stake sides and a tarpaulin made it a versatile vehicle, capable of carrying a wide variety of goods while protecting them from the elements.
This model enjoyed notable commercial success with French hauliers, quickly becoming a staple of many transport company fleets. Its toughness and longevity made it a preferred investment for professionals in the sector.
Founded in 1904 by Marius Willème in Nanterre, the Willeme brand quickly established itself as one of France's most innovative manufacturers in the field of industrial vehicles. In the 1960s, when the LC610 was created, the company went through a phase of remarkable expansion, developing cutting-edge technologies and strengthening its reputation for excellence.
The history of Willeme is closely tied to the development of France's transport industry. A pioneer in the design of custom chassis and technical solutions suited to the specific needs of each customer, Willeme built a reputation for excellence that endures today. The brand was particularly known for its heavy-tonnage trucks and specialist vehicles, notably serving construction sites and major French infrastructure projects.
This technical expertise and attention to detail are perfectly embodied in the LC610, which represents the culmination of decades of innovation and refinement in the art of building reliable, high-performance heavy trucks.
The nickname "nez de requin" of the Willeme LC610 is no accident. This popular name, born in transport yards and at roadside rest stops, refers to the distinctive shape of its grille, whose profile indeed resembles that of the fearsome predator of the seas. This aesthetic feature, far from being purely decorative, in fact reflected a remarkable concern for aerodynamics for its time.
Truck drivers of the era developed a genuine affection for this truck, which they also called "le requin de la nationale" (the shark of the main road). On the national highways of the 1960s, spotting a Willeme LC610 with its signature tarpaulin was a symbol of professionalism and reliability. The hauliers who owned these vehicles enjoyed an excellent reputation in the trade.
A well-known story tells of a haulier from the Lyon region, who owned a fleet of LC610s and had real shark teeth painted on the grilles of his trucks, creating a unique visual identity that left its mark. Though marginal, this practice reflects the particular attachment professionals felt for this iconic model.
The Willeme LC610 perfectly embodied the spirit of the Trente Glorieuses, that period of economic expansion when France was modernising at full speed. These trucks travelled the roads under construction across the Hexagon, actively taking part in the nation's industrial growth and the development of trade between regions.
This Willeme LC610 miniature fits naturally into a collection dedicated to French commercial vehicles or to iconic heavy trucks of the 1960s. It pairs perfectly with other models from the same era, notably Bernard trucks or Saviem vehicles that shared French roads during this prosperous decade.
Collectors passionate about the history of French road transport will especially enjoy pairing it with other heavy truck miniatures from the range, creating a true panorama of the evolution of industrial vehicles. This piece also fits admirably into a themed collection devoted to the 1960s, a pivotal period for the French automotive industry.
Whether you are a seasoned collector hunting for rare pieces or a enthusiast of industrial history looking to expand your collection of commercial vehicles, this Willeme LC610 miniature is an excellent addition. It will also appeal to fans of French miniatures who wish to preserve the memory of our industrial heritage through faithful, detailed replicas.
Stephane Bazille
14 November 2026
Always delivered within the agreed deadlines, well-packaged and protected materials. Nothing negative to report. A constantly renewed range that, despite the intention to remain cautious, always finds new temptations...
Claude Lang
13 November 2026
I placed my second order and everything went smoothly, delivery without issues, items in good condition, and delivered on time. After this second order, I can only recommend the site to Bernardminiature, a serious person. Top delivery, thanks again to him and good for a next order.
Serge PINSON
12 November 2026
In addition to the fact that the 1/43 miniatures received are perfectly in line with the photographs and my expectations and are of great finesse, they arrived very quickly (I was even informed of the shipment) and very carefully packaged. Very satisfied, I placed a new order with Bernard Miniatures, a seller I recommend for their selection and reliability.
The scale is the reduction ratio between the real car and the model. At 1:43 scale, for example, every centimetre of the model represents 43 centimetres of the real vehicle.
In practice, a 1:18 Ferrari model is about 25–30 cm long, while at 1:43 it measures roughly 10 cm.
Our model cars mainly come in 1:43, 1:24, 1:18 and 1:87 (HO) scale. The scale is always listed on the product page.
The smaller the second number, the bigger the model (e.g. 1:18 is larger than 1:43).
Yes, every model car ships in its protective box. The box preserves its collector value and protects your model from dust and knocks.
We pack every order with great care: bubble wrap, snug padding and polystyrene. Your model car is fully secured on its way to you.
In-stock items ship within 24–48h. Allow 2–3 business days for mainland France with Colissimo, or 4–5 days with Mondial Relay.
I can't say exactly when new stock will arrive, as it comes in a trickle. Feel free to contact me and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.