Simca Océane blue "Butagaz" Tour de France 1960 - Scale 1/43
This blue Simca Océane miniature in Butagaz colors represents one of the most emblematic advertising vehicles of the 1960 Tour de France. Faithfully reproduced at 1/43 scale, this collector's item perfectly captures the spirit of the advertising caravan that accompanied the Grande Boucle in the sixties.
A true witness to French automotive history , this miniature is aimed at fans of advertising vehicles, collectors of scale models and cycling enthusiasts who wish to own an authentic fragment of the epic Tour de France.
Characteristics of the miniature
- Model: Simca Océane
- Brand: Simca
- Year: 1960
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Blue with Butagaz markings
- Protective case included: Yes
The Océane, Simca's affordable convertible
Launched in 1957, the Simca Océane represented the French brand's ambition to democratize the pleasure of the convertible. Based on the Aronde platform, this four-seater convertible offered an affordable alternative to the luxury convertibles of the time. With its canvas top and elegant lines designed by coachbuilder Facel-Metallon, the Océane perfectly embodied the French art of living of the 1950s and 1960s.
The model enjoyed notable commercial success, with nearly 13,000 units produced until 1962. Its 1.3-liter, 57-horsepower engine allowed it to reach 140 km/h, a respectable performance for the time. The Océane particularly appealed to a young and dynamic clientele, eager to enjoy the pleasures of open-top driving without sacrificing the practicality of a real four-seater.
Simca, the rising star of French automobiles
In 1960, the year of this Tour de France model, Simca was going through a prosperous period in its history. Founded in 1934 by Henri Théodore Pigozzi, the Société Industrielle de Mécanique et Carrosserie Automobile had established itself as the third-largest French manufacturer, behind Renault and Citroën. The company then benefited from Italian capital from Fiat while developing a resolutely French identity.
This period corresponds to the golden age of Simca , marked by the success of the Aronde and the imminent arrival of the 1000, which would revolutionize the small car market. The brand with the red diamond then embodied a certain idea of French automotive progress, combining technical innovation and accessibility. Océane's participation in the Tour de France advertising caravans demonstrated this desire for proximity to the French public.
The Butagaz caravan, ambassador of bottled gas
The association between Butagaz and the Tour de France in the 1960s perfectly illustrates the emergence of French consumer society. The brand with the jovial truck driver used the advertising caravan to promote a domestic revolution: the adoption of bottled gas. At a time when many French homes still cooked with coal or wood, Butagaz embodied modernity and practicality.
Butagaz vehicles on the Tour distributed leaflets, promotional items, and good cheer on the roads of France. This blue Simca Océane was part of the joyful group that preceded the peloton, creating a festive atmosphere and helping to make the Tour de France a total spectacle. The Butagaz teams were particularly appreciated by the public for their generosity and their proximity to the spectators gathered along the roadsides.
This marketing strategy proved particularly effective: by associating its brand with France's most popular sporting event, Butagaz directly reached French households in their daily lives. The advertising caravan thus became a privileged vehicle for disseminating new lifestyles, transforming each stage of the Tour into a gigantic open-air commercial demonstration operation.
Butagaz's use of the Simca Océane was not insignificant: this French convertible perfectly embodied the image of dynamism and modernity that the gas brand wanted to convey. Its elegant silhouette and French nationality made it the ideal ambassador to win the hearts of the French and convince them to adopt this new domestic energy.
Complete your miniature collection
This Simca Océane Butagaz naturally finds its place in several collection themes. It fits perfectly into a set dedicated to advertising vehicles , alongside other emblematic models of French advertising. Fans of Tour de France vehicles will find it an ideal complement to recreate the unique atmosphere of cycling caravans.
For French car enthusiasts, this miniature model blends perfectly with other Simca models or French cars from the same era. It also sits happily alongside convertibles from other brands, illustrating the evolution of the popular convertible in France.
This piece will appeal to both experienced collectors and novices looking to start a thematic collection. It also makes an ideal gift for cycling or advertising history enthusiasts, offering a unique window into an era when automobiles and sporting entertainment forged special ties. Fans of the 1960s will particularly appreciate its historical authenticity and exceptional documentary value.
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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