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Discover this remarkable miniature of the V.A.B. (Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé) offered by Solido in its military series under reference FA2045. This faithful reproduction of the famous amphibious vehicle of the French army embodies the excellence of French military miniatures, combining technical precision and quality manufacturing.

This collectible piece is aimed at military history enthusiasts and collectors of armored vehicles, representing one of the symbols of the French defense industry of recent decades.

Features of the Miniature

  • Model: V.A.B. (Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé)
  • Manufacturer: Solido
  • Reference: FA2045
  • Scale: To be determined
  • Type: Amphibious military vehicle
  • Protective case included: Yes

The V.A.B. in French Military History

The Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé was born in the 1970s from an urgent need of the French army to replace its aging armored vehicles. Developed by Panhard and put into service in 1976, the V.A.B. revolutionizes the design of French military vehicles with its exceptional versatility.

This light wheeled armored vehicle, capable of transporting up to ten equipped personnel, stands out for its remarkable amphibious capabilities and off-road mobility. Its modular design allows for multiple configurations: troop transport, command post, medical vehicle, or weapon platform. This adaptability quickly makes it the backbone of French ground forces.

The success of the V.A.B. goes far beyond French borders, with over 5,000 units produced and exported to about fifteen countries, confirming the excellence of French military engineering.

Panhard and French Military Innovation

In the 1970s, Panhard went through a pivotal period in its century-old history. After marking the civil automobile industry since 1891, the brand strategically repositioned itself towards military and defense vehicles. This conversion proved visionary, placing Panhard at the heart of national sovereignty issues.

The French company capitalizes on its expertise in lightweight and robust vehicles to develop a full range of armored vehicles. The V.A.B. becomes the flagship of this new direction, demonstrating Panhard's ability to innovate in a highly strategic sector. This technical and commercial success assures the brand's longevity in an ultra-competitive global market.

The V.A.B. at the Heart of Operations

One of the most striking anecdotes about the V.A.B. dates back to the first interventions in Chad in the 1980s. The crews then discover the exceptional capabilities of their vehicle in the extreme conditions of the African desert. The vehicle proves its reliability by traveling thousands of kilometers in the sand, enduring temperatures exceeding 50°C.

A particularly memorable mission saw a V.A.B. crossing a flooded river thanks to its amphibious capabilities, evacuating injured soldiers to a forward medical post. This episode, which became legendary within the units, perfectly illustrates the vital versatility of the vehicle in theaters of operations.

More recently, during operations in Mali, modernized V.A.B.s continue to prove their worth, with some vehicles totaling over 40 years of active service. This exceptional longevity testifies to the robustness of the original design and the relevance of the technical choices made in the 1970s.

These vehicles have become true witnesses of contemporary military history, having participated in most of the French interventions over the last four decades, from Lebanon to Afghanistan, through the Balkans and Africa.

Complete Your Military Miniature Collection

This V.A.B. miniature from Solido occupies a prominent place in the world of French military vehicles reproduced at a reduced scale. It fits perfectly into collections dedicated to military vehicles, offering an authentic representation of equipment still in active service.

Collectors will appreciate the complementarity of this piece with other Solido productions from the military range, creating a coherent overview of French armament. This miniature also finds its place alongside Solido collections, an iconic brand of the French miniaturist heritage.

Whether you are a military history enthusiast, a collector of French vehicles, or an admirer of quality miniatures, this reproduction of the V.A.B. constitutes a tangible testimony to French defense engineering and a tribute to the men who have served aboard it.

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

Jérome BLONDIAUX Vérifié
Packages always impeccable and products...
Packages always impeccable and products of very good value for money, highly recommended.
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Impeccable Service
Impeccable service. Thank you
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delivered order
delivered order within the deadlines the miniatures are impeccable 'well protected with perfect packaging 'I highly recommend 'bernardminiature it's the best thank you to the whole team.
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Top Seller!
Very nice miniature! Top packaging and fast shipping. I recommend this seller without reservation. Thank you
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Excellent products in perfect condition
Excellent products in perfect condition. Fast delivery service.
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Alain Pineau Vérifié
Many choices in the categories...of fire truck miniatures that I am looking for
Many choices in the categories of miniature models searched, super well protected packages received in good condition, impeccable professionalism
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Very Satisfied
Package received in 24h, very well packaged. Matches the description perfectly. Very satisfied.
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A beautiful range of models
A beautiful range of models, attractive price, fast and convenient delivery
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Dominique Caillault Vérifié
I ordered two cars
I ordered two cars, I am happy and very pleased. Moreover, they are well wrapped and very well protected. I say bravo. And I recommend.
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Daniel Clodore Vérifié
Reasonable Price
Reasonable price. Quality miniature. Order placed on Wednesday evening, delivered on Saturday. Miniature well packed and cushioned in polystyrene, thick cardboard. I will recommend!
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H MARCUS Vérifié
at the top
I appreciate the Bernard miniatures site, pleasant to browse, quality miniatures, well-protected shipping, maybe a page for models before 1960 (retro model fans)
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Mari Carmen Vérifié
Everything great
Everything great. Fast shipping, very well packaged, and the items are exactly as described. Very happy, I recommend it 100%
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