Updated on 2011, October 27

In recent years, as never before, collecting obsolete models, such as 1:43 scale ones, has reached a high level of fierce passion. Let's face it: during the sixties, the models were children's toys that were purchased willingly by their parents because, deep down, they liked them too. Some parents, bought them for themselves and they started collections that became more and more extensive and interesting.

The search for the missing pieces has always been a big problem. Sometimes they travelled hundreds of miles just because they had heard that someone in this place, was selling one or more of the models they were looking for. To solve this problem the collector's small markets were created, literally taken by storm by collectors. Today the markets are falling: with eBay and a huge market has entered our living room via the Internet. Once past the initial distrust there was only an embarrassing wealth of options and the regret of not being able to buy everything you see. By doing a search with the single keyword "corgi", in the toys and models section, in all countries of the world, you find about 10,000 different lots whose auction expires within a week: about 1400-1500 lots a day! It is also too difficult and tiring to make your own choice. But then we are sure that whatever model we are looking for, it will eventually appear in front of us within a few days. If, however, you focuses your attention on a particular collection, you can perform a search of only the few items of interest and this is much more fun and relaxing.

Today the famous "100" series of the French Solido is undoubtedly one of the most interesting collections, due to the high value of its material, the sustainability of its value over time, the limited space it takes and the boundless fascination it exerts on the collectors around the world. Composed of only a hundred of models, one better than the other! They were all made from the late fifties to early seventies, right the period that I find more fascinating, as it is clear by reading the other pages of this site.

Actually, some numbers have not been produced yet, but some others were assigned to different models with the numbers marked with "bis": for example the number 113 is the Fiat Abarth and the 113bis is the Ford Thunderbird convertible. Of course, if you are truly passionate about these models you start looking for different colours and the collection immediately exceeds more than 1000 pieces, but the research can be done much easily by just searching for the variations of the models that we like. Below, some different colours of the Aston Martin DB5 (# 130).

The "100" series is a very diverse series. All the Solido models were numbered more or less progressively: road cars, race cars, vintage cars, buses etc. Only later (during the seventies and eighties) Solido began to number the series, differentiating them by type. So the beautiful Bugatti Royale 41, 1930, model No 136 of 1964, in the eighties became n. 4136, losing quality, among other things.

This re-numbering can sometimes create problems for collectors: still referring to the Royale # 136, it is normal for someone to buy one for € 30-40 in perfect conditions and with its original grey box marked "2" (with interior strictly red as in the picture below). But if, after opening the package that the postman has just delivered, we discover that we bought for that price a "4136" we feel cheated: the 4136 is worth much less (€ 5-10) and it is not part of our collection, even if a novice observer would not see the difference.


Fortunately, Solido, from September 1962 (the first was the Abarth 1000, catalogue number 124), decided to specify on the base of the model also the serial number and the month and the year of the beginning of the production. That decision is now of great importance to collectors. Below the photo of three different colours (and boxes) of the Abarth 1000.


But let’s look a bit more in detail at the "100" series. To allow the reader to get a more precise idea of it I have arranged, in the two columns on the side, the thumbnail photos of the models that I took personally. In the left column the models with code from 100 to 149 and the others, from 150 to 199, in the right column. As for the missing models, I left the blank space with the code and the name of the model. As the collection increases I’ll add more pictures. Moving your mouse over the pictures you can see the label with the code and the name of the model. By clicking on it, a window pops up with at least two large images (one front three-quarters and the other rear three-quarters, with the box when available) and some notes on the production period and the characteristics of the model. In some case I have also shown pictures of some variants.

There are models for everyone in the series "100". The fans of racing cars and sports cars will find many different Formula One, produced in various colours, usually with the pilot in the driving seat and with the race numbers and others with decal decoration. Often, the decals were provided on a small sheet included in the package, for the buyer to place them, if they deemed it necessary: As an example, see photos of the n.187, Alfa Romeo 33 / 3. This obviously creates some confusion in recognizing the real decals from those that were added by the owner and one can may mistakenly exchange an added variation for an original one. But even in the early models there are different variations, all with factory-applied decals: the race numbers can be large or small (eg on No. 107 - Aston Martin 3.5 L), some bands may be present or not. Below, see some variants of the decal Giulia TZ (art. 148).
The case of No 129 - Ferrari 2L5 it’s remarkable, it was produced both with shaped wheels and with spoked wheels (see photos of both versions). Moreover, notice that also the formula one cars are fitted with very well done suspensions: in some cases the rear arms are movable, adding realism to the rear suspension functioning (eg No. 167 - Ferrari V12 Formula One). All models have a riveted base just to prevent themselves to be de-assembled or handled.

For the fans of the classic car collection, "L'Age d'or" offers some interesting reproductions that are part of the "100" series. There are a total of 9 models, all beautiful (see photos). Two of these, the Mercedes Benz SS form the 1928, represent the same model, one with the folding top up (No. 132) and the other with the folding top open and the windshield folded down (No. 137).
Among these models, of particular interest are the versions with open doors, and without open doors: they are the Bugatti Royale 41 (n. 136, cited above) and the Voisin Carene (No. 144). Both are displayed in the catalogues with the open doors, but both versions have also been made without open doors: the proof is in the pictures on this page, that, for both models, refer to versions without open doors. All models of "L'Age d'Or" have, however, highly efficient suspension and riveted base. Some have open engine bonnet and a reproduction of the engine..
The earliest examples were made with no support base: their box was a simple cardboard box, similar to that of other models (see photo No. 137). They can be recognized because under the model there is not the thread to screw the bolt , in order to secures the model to the base. (Note that the bolt was initially hexagonal, without notches for the screwdriver).
Later the same models were sold attached to a flat plastic base of different colors topped by a rectangular perspex cover. The model closed by this cover was then inserted into a cardboard box, much bigger than other models. You can see an example of these boxes in the pictures of the Bugatti 41 Royale (the first type box without windows) and of the Voisin Carene (second type of box with cellophane window).
When you buy a model of the "L'Age d'Or" series check that all the details are there: it is easy to find a Bugatti without the elephant on the radiator, or a Hispano Suiza without the wonderful stork, always on the radiator.
Those who wish to buy other "L'Age d'Or" models to enrich their collection, can buy the ones from the "10"series, the overall quality is not very different from the "100" series. While I do not like the models of the "4000" and "4100", and they are worth very little.

In my opinion, however, the ultimate charm of the sixties is reflected in the models of the "Grand Tourisme GT series. I report here a detail of Solido catalogue that represents them all together.

These models are particularly sought after, that often can be purchased only by spending at least €80-100, with original box.
They have open doors and suspensions and all have a riveted base and rubber wheels. Some are equipped with rhynestone headlights (jewel headlights) and with spoked wheels (instead of shaped wheels). The spoked wheels of the first series, however, got oxidized quite easily: it is the case of the wheels of the Ferrari 250 GT 2+2 (No. 123). As for this model we note the difference between its very first version, with red plastic dashboard applied in front of the red steering wheel and the other versions, in which the dashboard is made directly on the molten metal. See detailed photos and the above mentioned details, by clicking on the image of No 123.
Worthy of note, it is also the beautiful Mercedes Benz 220 SE coupe, and in the catalogues (see photo above) and on the boxes is depicted inexplicably in convertible version (Model 126).

Another group of super popular models that are very sought after is the convertible type (very often with driver and always with suspension and riveted base). Their value usually exceeds 100 euro if the model is complete with box: the Mercedes 190 SL (No. 105), the Alfa Romeo Giulietta spider (No. 106), the Peugeot 403 cabriolet (No. 108, see photo below, with four different colours), the Renault Floride (No. 109), the Simca Oceane convertible (No. 110) and the Ford Thunderbird convertible (No 113bis). They are fantastically beautiful models that are a must in a collection of quality. It seems fair to point out , in this regard, that the Giulietta spider has a female driver and not a man. It was also produced without the driver, but if you find a male driver at the steering wheel you can be sure that it was added by the owner. It is not uncommon to find the drivers of Verem Version, produced on Solido molds, on Solido models, in order not to leave the model incomplete: keep an eye, then, on the pilots, if their colour is too sharp and lucid, they might be of recent manufacture. Pay also attention to the "re-edition" models which often differ only in more "modern" painting and in the writing on the box.

In the second half of the sixties we find the models of the " haute fidelité” series: the Maserati 3.5 L Frua (known as the" Mistral ") No 139 and the Panhard 24 BT n. 143. The first is fairly common and it costs about € 50-60; the other, less common, is worth € 70-100. With these models, the Solido brand comes close to the new standards imposed by the other brands, but the initial fascination begins to fade. A production characterised by original details slowly surrenders to the laws of the market. The models are beautiful, that's for sure, but also Mebetoys made a Mistral comparable to this and Dinky Toys has made the 24BT.

The same can be said about other newer models. For example, the Mangusta De Tomaso (No. 166) was also made by Dinky Toys (without open doors but, perhaps more beautiful) and Corgi Toys (without openings but with the funny and original mechanism of release of the of the frame-engine-suspensions block mechanism used on the Lotus Elan S2). And, again, the Citroen SM with a Maserati engine, No 184, which is not as beautiful as the one produced by Corgi Toys, which in addition has the open trunk which can be opened by lifting the rear parcel shelf.
Of course, the Corgi Toys has always produced some new "devilish gimmick", to catch the attention of the potential buyers (see the Corgi chapter on this website). But to tell the truth also Solido has a good record: the Ford Mustang, No 147 (photo), and the Oldsmobile Toronado, No 150, have lights inside the vehicle that turn on by opening the doors, just like in real cars.
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To power the whole system there is a wafer battery located under the model. But it is not easy to find this device in good working condition and over all, this gadget can be appreciated only by playing in the dark. It is, however, a good record.

Many other things could be said about this wonderful "100" series, but these pages are mainly discursive and not meant to dissect every possible technical aspect of the subject. I feel, however, to recommend the lovers of models to visit "Les Jouets Solido" website series dedicated to Solido models of the "100" and "10" series. On it you will find information on various Solido catalogues, on the combination of models with boxes, on the variants etc.The address is http://www.jouets-solido.net. It is worthwhile to visit him.
But the "sacred text" on the Solido world is undoubtedly the book written by Bertrand Azema "Solido: Catalogue d'un univers " - published by EPA. It costs very much but it is certainly money well spent for any serious collector who wants to correctly match the boxes to the models or who wants to know all the details that distinguish the different versions. It is difficult to find in on eBay and its price is around €30-40.

Thank you, dear friends, to have read these pages and for having followed my work so far. I hope I have done something useful and interesting for you.