Pilen
The first series of 10 models that Pilen launched in 1968-69 look similar to the Formula 1 cars of the Penny-Politoys series in 1966.
The latter race cars are on a scale of 1/66 and Pilen copied them with the only difference being that they were on a 1/43 scale. The general outline is right, but the details are rough and the exaggerated wheel axle width classifies them as toys. The bodywork and chassis are made from zamac, while the engines, suspension and exhaust pipe are in chrome plated plastic. These models, now remodelled and improved, are in perfect harmony with the Dinky Toys’ Grand Prix of the 1950s: they are built on the same scale.
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Pilen |
Pilen makes miniature cars that are now considered the best: the trimmings, the detail and the paintwork are perfect. Unfortunately, most of these models have a certain “déjà vu”: the first, which came out in 1969, are copies (Corgi, Tekno, AMT) and today’s models are mainly duplicates. Since 1975, Pilen has reissued the French Dinky Toys with some improvements and some changes to the details. The wheels are finely reproduced in each model. The parts that open work very well. The “Rally” versions differ from the cruising models only in the unmodified stickers on the bodywork. |
Available throughout Europe, these series are reasonably cheap and interesting because of some original models: Indra, Seat 85O Spider, Vauxhall SRV, etc.
