#946 PILEN – MONZA G.T. (Ref. M-301) (1973)

This is a great model by Pilen that resembles quite a lot the Joal version of the same car. I presented the Joal version a long time ago in this blog (see #247)

Remember that Joal and Pilen were both based in Ibi, which is a small town, where also Guisval, Mira and other famous die-cast brands were based. The companies had family relations among them and it was not rare that casts went from one factory to the other.

The differences are clear. This model was simplified in order to produce it cheaper and does not have an opening bonnet. Just the cockpit can be opened. I would say, otherwise Pilen and Joal models are identical.

The cast debuted as Pilen in 1971 is a red and white version. The Joal version was two years older. In the 1973 catalogue it is the first time that this model is pictured, although there were another one with chrome finish. This last one does not appear in the catalogues, but the chromed versions are common for many Pilen models, so this one is no exception.

I like the decoration, which is rather simple. It carries race number 69, the words Escudería Pilen and two crossed flags.

This model is boxed, so we can observe that it came in a jewel box with yellow base, in which a sticker is placed with the reference number and the name of the car. I think I have shown these kind of boxes by Pilen before.

FACTS AND FIGURES:

• Name: MONZA G.T. (Ref. M-301) 
• Scale: 1:43
• Year: 1973
• Company: Pilen (Spain)
• Size: approx. 9 cm

#945 SIKU – OPEL SENATOR and MERCEDES-BENZ 500 SE (Ref. 1040 and 1042) (1981 and 1982)

These two cars are in a rather good condition, but present some scratches and paint losses. Still they are excellent miniatures quite rare to find today, as the approach their 40th anniversary.

Both are made in 1:55 scale as it is usual in Siku’s Super Series. Made in massive metal are bigger and heavier than most Matchbox models or equivalent in the 3 inches size category. The represent large cars, among the largest available back in the day.

Opel Senator was launched in 1981 and discontinued in 1988. My model is metallic red. Other colours include orange, and much rarer light blue, yellow and tourquoise.

Mercedes-Benz 500 SE was release one year later, in 1982 and discontinued in 1990. My car is metallic blue, but it seems to be available also in black and metallic red, but these are much rarer than the blue one here.

Great models!

FACTS AND FIGURES:

• Name: OPEL SENATOR and MERCEDES-BENZ 500 SE (Ref. 1040 and 1042)
• Scale: 1:55
• Year: 1981 and 1982
• Company: Siku (West Germany)
• Size: approx. 8 cm