The dark blue 1981 TALBOT Tagora Presidency represents one of the most iconic and controversial models in French automotive history. This 1:43 scale model perfectly captures the elegance and ambition of this high-end sedan, which marked the end of an era for the Talbot brand.
A true collector's item for French car enthusiasts, this faithful reproduction bears witness to a pivotal period in French car manufacturing, a time when tradition and modernity were at the forefront. Its meticulous finish and distinctive dark blue color make it a must-have for any discerning collector.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Tagora presidency
- Brand: TALBOT
- Year: 1981
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Dark blue
- Protective case included: Yes
The real model: an exceptional sedan
Launched in 1981, the Talbot Tagora was born from the PSA Group's ambition to conquer the premium segment of the European automotive market. Initially designed by Chrysler Europe before its acquisition by Peugeot, this prestige sedan was intended to embody French expertise in the luxury vehicle category. Its elegant lines, designed by the Whitley design studios, reflected a resolutely modern approach to the high-end automobile.
Technically, the Tagora stood out for its refined engines, notably the V6 PRV engine developed in partnership with Renault and Volvo. Its spacious body and luxurious interior, with careful finishing and avant-garde equipment for the time, made it a credible rival to contemporary Mercedes and BMWs .
Despite its undeniable qualities, the Tagora never achieved the expected commercial success, a victim of difficult positioning and a brand image still under construction. Production ended in 1987, after only 20,000 units were produced, making it a rare car sought after by collectors today.
Talbot's story: between tradition and renewal
In the early 1980s, the Talbot brand was undergoing a period of renaissance under the auspices of the PSA group. Heir to a prestigious automotive lineage dating back to 1903, Talbot had endured many ups and downs before being relaunched by Peugeot following the acquisition of Chrysler Europe in 1978. This period marked the French manufacturer's desire to diversify its range and invest in the upper segments of the market.
The Tagora was part of this ambitious strategy, spearheading Talbot's move upmarket. At the same time, the brand already offered popular models like the Simca Horizon, renamed the Talbot Horizon, creating a coherent range from the popular vehicle to the prestige sedan. This diversification reflected the French ambition to compete with German manufacturers on their own turf.
The Talbot adventure, although brief in its modern version, perfectly illustrates the challenges of the European automobile industry in the 1980s, between group consolidation and the search for new brand identities.
A little-known presidential sedan
One of the most fascinating anecdotes about the Talbot Tagora concerns its official use by certain French administrations. Although never adopted as an official presidential vehicle, the Tagora was nevertheless used by various prefectures and government departments, notably in the "presidential" version like the one reproduced in this model car. This special version benefited from reinforced equipment and a particularly meticulous finish.
The dark blue color of this model car is not insignificant: it corresponded to one of the official shades preferred by the French administrations of the time. This color, sober and elegant, symbolized respectability and institutional seriousness. Paradoxically, while the Tagora struggled to attract the general public, it found its place in the courtyards of honor of the prefectures and official processions.
A funny detail of history is that several Tagoras were used as official vehicles by mayors of major French cities, keen to support the national automobile industry. These elected officials, sometimes more out of economic patriotism than aesthetic conviction, contributed in spite of themselves to anchoring the Tagora in the French collective imagination as a "car of notables."
This institutional dimension of the Tagora partly explains why it remains so present today in collections of French model cars : it embodies an era when the national automobile wanted to reflect the French ambitions, between republican tradition and industrial modernity.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Talbot Tagora Presidency naturally finds its place in any collection dedicated to French sedans from the 1980s. It dialogues perfectly with other emblematic models of this decade, such as the Peugeot 505 or the Renault 25, testifying to the creative richness of the French automobile during this pivotal period.
For collectors passionate about French industrial history, this model car is a valuable testament to the ambitions and contradictions of our automotive industry. It fits perfectly into a thematic collection devoted to classic cars or European prestige models, offering a French alternative to the traditional German models in this category.
Whether you're a novice or expert collector, this dark blue Talbot Tagora is a prime acquisition, combining historical rarity and reproduction quality. It will appeal to both those nostalgic for French automobiles and those who love unique industrial history, perpetuating the memory of an era when boldness and ambition still guided French manufacturers.
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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