Guisval was always a few steps ahead compared to their national competitors like Mira or Guiloy in the small scale. Guisval´s 3 inches (which is for a motorbike around 1:32) was clearly better built and were most successful than other 1:64s. In the same 3 inches prize category were included these motorbikes. They are slightly bigger, but use lots of plastic parts.
These motorbikes are among the oldest models made by Guisval. They started in 1974 with 6 different models (3 casts each in two versions). The new series was named Tauro (Taurus).
- 201 Bultaco
- 202 Guzzi competición
- 203 Honda
- 204 Bultaco competición
- 205 Guzzi
- 206 Honda competición
In 1975, the Harley Davidson, with reference 207 is added to the collection.
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| Nº 207 - Harley Davidson (1975) |
In 1976, two models appear for the first time: 208 - Kawasaki and 209 - Harley Davidson Policia.
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| Nº 208 - Kawasaki (1976) |
In 1977, the new models are: 210 - Montesa Cote 348 and 211 - Harley Davidson Militar.
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| Nº 210 - Montesa Cota 348 (1977) |
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| Nº 211 - Harley Davidson Militar (1977) |
In 1978, only one model is added to the Tauro series: 212 - BMW R100 RS.
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| Nº 212 - BMW R100 RS (1978) |
In 1979, two motorbikes are discontinued: 201 is now a Benelli 500 and 203 is a Benelli 750 SEI.
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| Nº 203 - Benelli 750 SEI (1979) |
In 1980, three new models: 205 - Ducati 900-SD "Darmah", 207 Ducati 500 "Desmo" and 211 Ducati N.C.R. 900 "Desmo".
In 1981, three new models: 202 Guzzi 850 Le Mans II, 204 - Guzzi 850 T3 and 206 - Guzzi 850 T3 California. Interestingly, the Montesa Cota 348 appears now with reference 213 while reference 210 is not shown.
In 1982, still no 210 reference, but two more references added: 214 - Benelli 500 "Competición" and 215 - Ducati 500 "Competición". These include fairings that hide almost completely the body of the motorbike.
In 1983, there are no new models added to the collection, and there won't be any more. Ever.
By the last 80s, all motorbikes came with fairings and also several plastic parts, although there were still a few different body casts (Honda, Moto Guzzi, Bultaco). The quality of the plastic figure representing the driver is also lower, they are all the same man with a helmet, in different colour combinations, while in the models from the 70s and early 80s, there were different casts including a woman, a police and at least two types of men drivers. The head of this figures was customized in factory with one type of helmet, or hair (driving without helmet was ok back then!).
These motorbikes seem to be "inspired" by some models made by Britains between 1965 and 1975. I learnt about Britains Bikes on an article by Eric Bryan in DieCast Collector, issue 192, October 2013, and I think those Britains motorbikes are better made and better detailed. There is also a great variety of models.
Mr. Bryan, if you read this, you forgot to include Guisval and other Spanish die-cast in your "Some Other Vintage Diecast Motorbikes" box! For example: Mira (#216), Guiloy (with license from Mercury), Dalia (with licenses from Mercury and Tekno) or Guisval.
FACTS AND FIGURES:
- Name: BENELLI 750 SEI, HARLEY DAVIDSON, KAWASAKI, MONTESA COTA 348, HARLEY DAVIDSON MILITAR AND BMW R100 RS (Nr. 203, 207, 208, 210/213, 211 and 212) (respectively)
- Scale: 1:32
- Year: 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979
- Company: Guisval (Spain)
- Size: approx. 7 cm
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