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Model Car Trolleybus Berliet VBH 85 - Vétra Berliet - Trolleybus in Lyon
Echelle: 1/43ème
Le blister a été découpé au niveau du carton afin de sortir le véhicule de son emballage afin de faire les photos
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This miniature of the Berliet VBH 85 trolleybus takes us back to the golden age of electric urban transport in France during the 1960s and 1970s. Faithfully reproduced in the authentic colors of the city of Lyon, this exceptional piece captures the essence of an era when these silent giants roamed the streets of our metropolises.
A true collector's item for transport enthusiasts and urban history, this miniature reflects the French industrial craftsmanship and technical innovation that characterized the 1960s in public transport.
Miniature Features
- Model: Trolleybus VBH 85
- Brand: Berliet
- Year: 1963-1975
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: TCL Lyon Livery (blue and white)
- Protective box included: Yes
The Berliet VBH 85, symbol of modern urban transport
The Berliet VBH 85 was developed in the early 1960s to meet the increasing mobility needs in large French cities. This trolleybus represented an avant-garde ecological solution, combining the flexibility of road transport with the cleanliness of electric energy.
Measuring 11 meters long and capable of carrying up to 85 passengers, the VBH 85 was distinguished by its modern and functional bodywork. Equipped with a 150-horsepower electric motor, it could reach speeds of 65 km/h while offering remarkable ride comfort due to the absence of vibrations and the operational silence characteristic of electric traction.
This model achieved a notable commercial success in several French cities, particularly in Lyon, where it formed the backbone of the trolleybus network for over two decades. Its reliability and ease of maintenance made it a preferred choice for public transport operators.
Berliet, a French giant in transport
In the 1950s and 1960s, Berliet established itself as one of the leading European players in heavy transport and industrial vehicles. Founded in 1899 by Marius Berliet, the Lyon-based company had diversified its production beyond trucks to venture into the promising market of urban transport.
The history of Berliet is rooted in the French automotive adventure of the early 20th century. Marius Berliet, the son of a modest silk manufacturer, transformed a small artisanal business into an industrial empire. By the 1920s, the brand with the red triangle had become synonymous with robustness and innovation, particularly in the field of heavy vehicles and utility vehicles.
This expertise in professional transport vehicles naturally led Berliet to the market for buses and urban trolleybuses, where the company could leverage its know-how in robust chassis and functional bodies suited for intensive use.
The saga of Lyon's trolleybuses
Lyon has a special relationship with trolleybuses dating back to the 1930s. The city was one of the first in France to massively adopt this mode of transport, creating a dense network that had up to 17 lines in the 1970s. The Berliet VBH 85s formed the backbone of this system, daily traversing the arteries of the Rhone city.
A significant anecdote highlights the attachment of Lyon residents to their trolleybuses: during the major strikes of May 1968, it was the trolleybus drivers who maintained a minimum service to allow residents to get to work. These electric vehicles, perceived as less polluting and quieter, enjoyed a positive image among the population.
The gradual decline of the Lyon trolleybus network in the 1980s, in favor of diesel buses and then the metro, marked the end of an era. The last Berliet VBH 85 ceased service in 1988, closing a half-century of urban electric transport. Even today, some Lyon residents nostalgically remember the silent glide of these blue-and-white giants through the streets of their city.
This miniature thus perpetuates the memory of a technical and urban heritage that has now disappeared but has shaped the landscape and daily life of generations of French city dwellers.
Complete your miniature collection
This reproduction of the Berliet VBH 85 trolleybus holds a unique place in the world of French transport miniatures. It perfectly fits into a collection dedicated to public service vehicles or light utility vehicles from the era.
Collectors passionate about urban history and French industrial heritage will particularly appreciate this piece, which can advantageously complement a collection of Berliet vehicles or miniatures representative of the 1970s. Its rarity and historical authenticity make it a valuable investment for enthusiasts of exceptional French miniatures.
This miniature is aimed at both specialized collectors and public transport enthusiasts who wish to preserve the memory of a bygone era when French innovation shone in the field of electric urban transport.
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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