Estimate shipping costs

Chargement de vos recommandations...

Hotchkiss JH102 1960: A French military automotive legend

This 1960 Hotchkiss JH102 model car faithfully represents one of the most iconic utility vehicles in the French automotive industry. Reproduced at a scale of 1:43, this collector's item perfectly captures the essence of this legendary off-road vehicle that marked the history of the Hotchkiss brand and the French automobile industry.

Intended for passionate collectors of French automobiles and military history enthusiasts, this model car stands out as a precious testimony to an era when the French automobile industry excelled in the design of robust and versatile vehicles.

Characteristics of the model car

  • Model: Hotchkiss JH102
  • Brand: Hotchkiss
  • Year: 1960
  • Scale: 1/43rd
  • Type: All-terrain utility vehicle
  • Protective case included: Yes

The real model: an exceptional vehicle

The Hotchkiss JH102 was launched in 1960 as French manufacturers sought to develop high-performance off-road vehicles to meet both civilian and military needs. This model is part of the line of light utility vehicles developed by Hotchkiss, direct heirs to the expertise acquired during the Second World War.

Equipped with a robust engine and all-wheel drive , the JH102 stands out for its ability to operate on all types of terrain. Its design prioritizes reliability and ease of maintenance, essential characteristics for a vehicle intended to operate in difficult conditions. The open body and clean lines reflect a functional approach typical of military vehicles of the time.

This model has enjoyed notable success with the French armed forces and also in the civilian sector, particularly for agricultural and industrial applications. Its versatility makes it a popular vehicle for professionals requiring mobility and durability.

Hotchkiss: French off-road excellence

Founded in 1867 by Benjamin Berkeley Hotchkiss, the Hotchkiss brand quickly established itself as a major player in French industry . Initially specializing in armaments, the company diversified into automobiles at the beginning of the 20th century. In the 1960s, when the JH102 was created, Hotchkiss went through a phase of strategic transition.

The French company, renowned for its prestigious Hotchkiss vehicles and technical innovations, then focused its production on utility and off-road vehicles. This focus was driven by the evolution of the French automotive market and the growing demand for specialized vehicles. The expertise acquired in metallurgy and precision mechanics gave Hotchkiss a natural legitimacy in this demanding segment.

The Parisian manufacturer cultivated a reputation for technical excellence, particularly appreciated by the armed forces and professionals. This period marked the peak of French engineering in the field of specialized vehicles, before the industrial upheavals of the following decades.

The Unsung Legacy of a Pioneer

The history of the Hotchkiss JH102 is part of an exceptional family tradition often overlooked by the general public. Benjamin Berkeley Hotchkiss, the brand's founder, was an American inventor who revolutionized the European gunmaking industry before settling permanently in France. His technical legacy has been passed down through generations of French engineers who perpetuate his spirit of innovation.

The JH102 is a testament to this remarkable historical continuity. Its designers drew direct inspiration from lessons learned in the production of light armored vehicles developed during world conflicts. This lineage explains the model's legendary robustness and ability to withstand extreme stresses.

A particularly interesting anecdote concerns the endurance tests conducted in North Africa. The JH102 prototypes were tested in the desert conditions of the Sahara, where they demonstrated exceptional reliability in the face of extreme temperatures and sandy terrain. These tests, conducted in collaboration with the French army, significantly contributed to the international reputation of Hotchkiss engineering.

The model quickly became a symbol of French technical excellence for export, particularly appreciated in the French colonies in Africa where its robustness and ease of maintenance made it a benchmark vehicle for civil and military missions.

Complete your collection of French model cars

This Hotchkiss JH102 model car occupies a special place in the world of collectors passionate about French automobiles. It fits perfectly into collections dedicated to French vehicles or automobiles from the 1960s , a prosperous period for French industry.

Collectors will particularly appreciate the model's complementarity with other French utility vehicles of the period. It harmonizes remarkably well with model car Citroën utility vehicles or Renault models from the same period, thus creating a coherent panorama of the French automotive industry during the Trente Glorieuses.

This piece will also appeal to racing car enthusiasts interested in the technical evolution of off-road vehicles, as well as military history enthusiasts keen to recreate an authentic automotive heritage . Its careful finish and 1/43 scale make it a model perfectly suited to display and highlight in any collection worthy of the name.

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.

What our customers say

Customer feedback and testimonials

GUILLOU Vérifié
Shipping Speed
Shipping speed, friendly email exchanges, and products ordered match the images
il y a 1 jour
M. VIROL Patrick Vérifié
Clear site
Clear site Fast and neat delivery Material conforms Well done on a first experience
il y a 1 jour
Jeantess Vérifié
Miniatures are excellent...
Miniatures are of excellent quality. Bernard listens to our expectations. The search for miniatures that are not yet on the site (I had asked if he could find me 3 Lagunas and he found them. I was able to complete my collection. Thank you again.
il y a 2 jours
Olivier Martinage Vérifié
First order received quickly and...
First order received quickly and very well protected, meets my expectations, thank you Bernard
il y a 2 jours
Lionel Barrier Vérifié
Perfect
Order as described, I recommend it.
il y a 3 jours
yann harivel Vérifié
Respet
Great team, nothing to say but positive things
il y a 3 jours
Christophe E. Vérifié
Good feedback experience
I appreciated the seriousness of the order follow-up and the quality of the shipment.
il y a 3 jours
Michel Rodriguez Vérifié
A perfect site for collectors
The sales site is very detailed and pleasant. The selection of models is easy and intuitive. The delivery is fast. The packaging is done with exemplary care that ensures maximum protection of the purchased models. New models are added very regularly. to enrich my collection.
il y a 3 jours
Georges BRUGAT Vérifié
Excellent contacts with the seller
Excellent contacts with the seller, quick shipment of the order, product quality, wide choice.
il y a 4 jours
vasseur Vérifié
Super
Good delivery on very serious times. Thank you
il y a 4 jours
Olivier GERBIER Vérifié
Top 👍
Super professional seller: precise description, packed with the utmost care, sent on time.
il y a 4 jours
Ezio Serratto Vérifié
Nice surprise! Great store
Extremely satisfied with the purchase for the quality of the model and the ease of placing the order. Very well made website. Fast and cheap shipping, I was very pleased to find a handwritten thank-you note inside the package!!! Thank you
il y a 5 jours