This miniature of the Renault Saviem SG 2 MB 35 in the iconic colors of Jean Lefebvre perfectly captures the essence of French heavy transport from the 1960s-70s. This double cabin dump truck model, in its characteristic orange and green livery, represents a golden era of the construction industry in France.
A prized collectible among enthusiasts, this miniature showcases the excellence of French manufacturing and Renault's expertise in heavy utility vehicles.
Miniature Features
- Model: Saviem SG 2 MB 35 double cabin dump truck
- Brand: Renault Saviem
- Year: 1960-1970
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Orange and green Jean Lefebvre
- Protective case included: Yes
The original vehicle: a giant of the construction site
The Saviem SG 2 MB 35 was launched in the mid-1960s to meet the growing needs of the construction and public works industry. This double cabin dump truck represented a major innovation, allowing the transport of both a team of six workers and several tons of materials in one vehicle.
Equipped with a robust diesel engine and a transmission suited for the harsh conditions of construction sites, this truck could carry up to 7 tons of payload. Its double cabin configuration was particularly appreciated by public works companies, avoiding the need for a separate vehicle for personnel transport.
The model achieved notable commercial success among French construction companies, quickly becoming a symbol of reliability on infrastructure sites across the country.
Saviem: the Franco-German union in service of utility
In 1962, Renault created Saviem (Société Anonyme de Véhicules Industriels et d'Équipements Mécaniques) by merging its heavy-duty truck activities with those of Latil and Somua. This new entity aimed to compete with European giants of road transport, including Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.
During the 1960s, the French public works industry experienced an unprecedented development. Major highway projects, industrial complexes, and urban expansion required suitable and reliable vehicles. Saviem met this demand with a comprehensive range of trucks, from light to super-heavy.
The brand developed its vehicles in close collaboration with Renault manufacturers, thus benefiting from the technical expertise of the diamond in terms of engines and chassis. This synergy allowed Saviem to offer innovative solutions such as the double cabin of the SG 2.
Jean Lefebvre: when orange conquers the roads
The company Jean Lefebvre, founded in 1929, revolutionized the French road industry by developing cold asphalt techniques that allowed roads to be constructed faster and more cheaply. During the Trente Glorieuses, its orange and green trucks became ubiquitous on all major highway projects across the country.
The orange color of Jean Lefebvre was not just an aesthetic choice: it met safety imperatives on road construction sites. This bright, easily recognizable hue allowed for quick identification of the company's vehicles in the often chaotic environment of road works. The green complemented this palette, creating a strong visual identity that has left a lasting mark on the landscape of French public works.
The Saviem trucks from Jean Lefebvre contributed to the construction of thousands of kilometers of French highways, transporting gravel, asphalt, and teams of workers from one end of the territory to the other. These robust trucks worked day and night, helping to shape the modern road network of France. Their presence on construction sites was so characteristic that they became, for a whole generation, synonymous with modernity and technical progress.
Even today, this orange and green livery instantly evokes the epic of major works that transformed France in the 1960s-70s, making this Saviem a privileged witness of an era when French industry shone on its construction sites.
Complete your miniature collection
This Saviem miniature holds a special place in the world of 1/43 utility vehicles. It perfectly complements collections focused on French heavy vehicles or advertising vehicles from the Trente Glorieuses.
Passionate collectors of Saviem utilities will find an iconic model, while enthusiasts of 1960s vehicles will appreciate its historical authenticity. It harmonizes perfectly with other construction miniatures or utility vehicles of the era.
This piece will attract both nostalgics of major French works and collectors seeking models with authentic company liveries, witnesses to a time when French industry shaped the national territory.
