Minialuxe is a French manufacturing company that produces and commercialises plastic scale model cars and trucks. The original Établissements Minialuxe was based in Oyonnax, producing models usually made in 1:43 scale, but some larger 1:32 scale vehicles were also manufactured, for example, a Peugeot 403.
After its closure in 1978, in 2012 Minialuxe was revived as a limited liability company, producing its model cars and commercial vehicles.
History
Minialuxe started production of plastic cars about 1954 (some sources say 1959) and ceased production in the late 1970s. The company was based in the town of Oyonnax in eastern France about 20 miles from Geneva, Switzerland, and about 50 miles northeast of Lyon (where toy makers Norev and Majorette were headquartered). Oyonnax was known for its plastics industry, with experiments in celluloid long before WWII and a new burgeoning industry post-War. One landmark event that saw the area's explosion as a toy center was the local plastics industry's first trade fair which was located in Oyonnax in 1953.
Minialuxe claimed to be the first to produce models in a new plastic called Rhodalite, but apparently Norev beat them by about a year. Models featured were mostly, but not exclusively, French makes. There were two main series, a contemporary line and a classic line. Minialuxe appears to have started with the contemporary line, expanding into the classic line around 1970. Collectors traditionally seem to be more interested in the unique selections of the classic series, but all models, though somewhat simpler than the zamac metal diecast of other companies, were clever and included details that were quite endearing.
In 2010, Marc Faujanet, owner of Passion 43ème (a specialized magazine dedicated to scale 1:43 model cars) began negotiations with the daughter of Edouard Blanc after he had expressed his intentions to re-launch the Minialuxe brand. On 12 March 2012, a license agreement for a duration of 20 years was signed so Faujanet established a company with the same name to produce its model cars and trucks. The factory is located in Canéjan.
The Contemporary Line
The contemporary line was started in 1954 with a few selections and it continued through the mid-1970s. It featured mainly French brands. Renaults seen were the Dauphine, Floride, 10, 16, Alpine A310, 5, 17, and an Estafette delivery van. Peugeots produced were the 203, 204, 403, 404, 504, and 604; Citroëns (11CV Traction Avant, Ami sedan and break, Dyane, Méhari, DS 19 and 21, SM, CX, and GS), Simcas (Aronde, Versailles, Marly Ambulance, Beaulieu, 1000, 1100, 1300, Océane, and Aronde Plein Ciel). For plastic, the selection and detail were impressive. Less well known French brands from the 1950s through the 1970s such as the Hotchkiss Grégoire, Panhards, and Matras were available and distinct from Norev – their main competition. Several models were offered in police livery, especially the Citroen 11CV fourgon (delivery van) which was available for several years in a variety of liveries. As time passed, model details and proportions became increasingly more accurate. For example, the Jaguar XK-E was simply stunning and could compare well to any Corgi or Tekno version. The Hotchkiss (and other cars) were available with various trailers or features such as luggage, skis, or a canoe affixed to the roof. The Peugeot 604 came with four plastic bicycles, advertising the "Grand Prix de la Montagne" in Tour de France style. This was a major difference between Norev and Minialuxe; though Norevs were better detailed, Minialuxe had cars and train accessories without the trains! Available were stop lights, street lights, fire hydrants, gas pumps, signs, policemen directing traffic, garage lifts and other pieces.
Other non-French makes were a significant part of the line-up. A couple of Volvos, Porsche 911 Targa, Mercedes W196 Grand Prix car, Jaguar E-Type and D-type, a Ford GT Mark IV, a Fiat 124 and a Siata-Fiat were included. European Fords (Consul, Anglia and Taunus), a VW K70, a BMW 1500, and a Vespa 2CV rounded out the offerings. Formula 1 race cars such as a Matra MS80, Ferrari 312B, and a Gordini added extra sport to the line. Minialuxe also made a few motorcycles, a Paris bus, and a couple of trucks.