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Guisval has offered many unique cars like the Jaguar XJ12C #48, Ford Fiesta Rallye #23, and the Renault 18 #57 (with skis!)
 Porsche 962 |
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 Aston Martin AMR1 |
..Porsche 962 |
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Aston Martin AMR1 |
Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Guisval story is that unlike
so many diecast car companies that started in the1960's, Guisval is still
here today. It may be that Guisval has done a good job serving their primary
markets. It may be that Spain's labor costs have not matched the rest of
Europe. It may be that Guisval has not tried to push into the competitive
North American markets. What ever it is, diecast collectors should take
a closer look at these wonderful little cars from Spain.
Guisval began in 1962 in Spain but limited history is available on how or
why they started producing diecast cars. The Guisval Website (Guisval.com)
provides the following:
OUR COMPANY: Guisval S.A. is a company founded in 1962
and specialized in the manufacture of metal miniatures with plastic parts,
and exports to over 35 countries thanks to its quality, design, range of
products and competitive prices.
OUR MARKET TARGET : Our models are addressed not only to children, to whom our "Guisval TOYS" line of products is addressed, but also to the collector, interested in products down scaled with utmost detail, to whom our "Guisval COLLECTION" line is addressed.
OUR PRODUCTS: Three series complete our wide range of
products (models down scaled at 1/58, 1/43, and 1/32 real size). All these
series include a great variety of different models as: Cars, Public Services,
Bikes, Construction Work Machinery, Replicas, etc.
 Chaparral GT  Bizzarini GT  Ferrari Dino 206 Pinin Farina  Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC  Seat Malaga  Renault 11  Renault 18 GTS  Seat Ritmo  Alfa Romeo GTV6  Ford Scorpio  Jeep Willys  Porsche 928  Opel Corsa  Opel Kadett |
Guisval has been active in the production of 'collector' scale cars,
1:43 and 1:30-1:33. However, it is to the toy scales of 1:58-1:64 that this
article turns it's focus. The earliest small-scale Guisval cars were solid
axle, solid wheel cars like the majority of European manufacturers. The
wheels were chromed plastic and the tires were fully-treaded. These tires
can be seen on the Chaparral and Bizzarini models. The second wheel was
of metal with smaller tires featuring less tread. This is shown on the Ferrari
Dino and Porsche 917 models. All of the early cars are quite heavy with
full metal bases. Opening doors or engine covers are featured on some of
the cars. While the overall quality was a bit crude, these early cars had
a certain charm and represented rare racing and street vehicles.
The following is a partial list of 1:64 scale Guisval products since the 1960's. If any readers can provide additional information, it would be appreciated. If you have some duplicate Guisval models, not currently in my collection, that you might wish to trade, that would be even better.
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 Renault Espace TSE  Mercedes-Benz Ambulance  Peugeot 405 Coupe  Peugeot 205  Seat Ibiza  Talbot Horizon  Audi Quattro  Citroen BX  Matra Simca Bagheera  Mercedes-Benz Sauber C9  Jaguar XJR12 Le Mans  Porsche 917 Le Mans  Ford Escort WRC  Renault Twingo |
The Formula one and sport/GT racing cars from Guisval have
always been a special treat. In many cases, Guisval will be the only manufacturer
to reproduce certain racing cars. The Aston Martin AMR1 is an excellent
example of this practice. Current F1 cars include Jordan, Benetton, Ferrari,
Lotus, and several McLarens, with a Brabbham pictured to the right. 
