Model Car Beige Isetta Velam from 1957
Scale 1/43
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An emblematic model car of French automobiles
This 1:43 scale beige 1957 Vélam Isetta model car represents one of the most original vehicles in French automotive history. With its instantly recognizable silhouette and unique front door, this faithful reproduction perfectly captures the essence of this micro-car that marked the 1950s. This collector's item is aimed at enthusiasts of atypical French automobiles and collectors eager to own an authentic witness to an era where innovation took precedence over convention.
A true collector's item , this model car bears witness to a pivotal period in the automobile industry, when French manufacturers did not hesitate to explore bold concepts to democratize individual mobility.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Velam Isetta
- Brand: Vélam
- Year: 1957
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Beige
- Protective case included: Yes
The story of the original model
The Vélam Isetta was born in 1955 from a licensing agreement between the Italian manufacturer Iso and the French company Vélam. This revolutionary microcar, initially designed by Renzo Rivolta, responded to the needs of a post-war Europe seeking economical and practical mobility solutions. The 1957 model represented the pinnacle of this French production, with technical improvements that made it a more reliable vehicle than its predecessors.
Equipped with a 198cc single-cylinder engine , the Vélam Isetta developed 9.5 horsepower and could reach 85 km/h. Its exceptionally low fuel consumption of 3 liters per 100 kilometers made it an ideal solution for the time. Its ingenious design, with a front door that opened forward and carried the steering wheel and dashboard with it, demonstrated a decidedly innovative approach to interior space.
Despite its relative commercial success with nearly 5,000 units produced in France, the Vélam Isetta remains a niche vehicle that has never managed to massively convince the French public, more conservative than its German or Italian neighbors in terms of automotive innovation.
Vélam, a pioneering brand of innovation
Founded in 1951, Vélam (Véhicules Légers Automobiles et Motocycles) quickly established itself as a bold player in the French automotive industry. The company, headed by Charles Mochet, specialized in the production of atypical and economical vehicles, seeking to democratize the automobile among the emerging middle classes of the Trente Glorieuses.
The acquisition of the Isetta license in 1955 was part of this innovation strategy. Vélam adapted the Italian concept to French tastes, notably modifying the grille and certain aesthetic elements. The company also produced other original models such as the Vélam Éclair, confirming its reputation as an avant-garde manufacturer. This pioneering approach to urban mobility made Vélam a precursor to the ecological and economic concerns that would mark the automobile industry in the following decades.
A star of cinema and comics
The Vélam Isetta owes part of its fame to its appearances in French popular culture. Starting in the 1950s, this microcar quickly became a symbol of offbeat modernity, attracting the attention of filmmakers and illustrators. Its unique silhouette and endearing character made it a character in its own right in many artistic productions of the time.
The French Isetta notably appeared in several comedy films of the 1960s, where it often embodied the resourcefulness and thriftiness of the average Frenchman. Its anti-conformist side also appealed to young urban couples who saw it as a way to show their difference from their parents' traditional sedans.
More recently, the Vélam Isetta has seen a resurgence of interest from collectors and enthusiasts of unusual vehicles. Its rarity on the used market, with only a few hundred examples still in circulation, makes it a coveted object for lovers of exceptional French automobiles. Classic vehicle gatherings always give it an enthusiastic welcome, testifying to the enduring affection felt for it by enthusiasts.
This posthumous popularity confirms that the Vélam Isetta was simply ahead of its time , anticipating current concerns about sustainable urban mobility and space optimization. Its functional design and philosophy of use still inspire designers of urban electric vehicles today.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Vélam Isetta model car naturally finds its place in any collection dedicated to French model car cars. It harmonizes perfectly with other atypical models of the time, notably Citroën model cars like the 2CV or the Traction Avant models, witnesses to French inventiveness in the automotive field.
Passionate collectors of 1950s automobiles will particularly appreciate this piece, which is the perfect addition to a collection representing this decade of innovation. It sits harmoniously alongside the classic model cars from 1950 to 1979 , a period of great automotive creativity. This model car will also appeal to fans of concept cars and experimental vehicles, the Vélam Isetta being, in a way, the concept car that managed to reach series production.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or an enlightened amateur, this model car Vélam Isetta represents a precious addition to any French automobile collection, testifying to an era when audacity and innovation still guided industrial choices.
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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