Solido

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Solido

Company type	SARL
Founded	1932; 93 years ago (1932) in Nanterre[1]
Founder	Ferdinand de Vazeilles
Headquarters	Josselin , France
Key people	Jean Blanche Bertrand Azéma
Products	Die-cast scale model cars, military vehicles, commercial vehicles
Owner	Simba Dickie Group
Number of employees	55 (in 2025)
Parent	Simba-Dickie-Group
Divisions	OttOmobile GT Spirit
Subsidiaries	Collection models
Website	solido.com

Solido is a French manufacturer of toys and miniature vehicles created in 1932 by Ferdinand de Vazeilles. The company has been based in Josselin (Morbihan) since 2015.

• 
  1st model by Solido - Candle Gerogovia.
• 
  Portrait of Ferdinand de Vazeilles.
• 
  Transformable models in zamak.

In 1919, Ferdinand de Vazeilles created the Nanterre Precision Foundry. It has become one of the most renowned in Europe for die casting of special materials applied to the automobile and aviation. In the 1930s, it sought to diversify and was contacted to mold an object for use in advertising by the company Gergovia, a French manufacturer of auto parts famous for its spark plugs. The success was immediate and this, now legendary, «Bougie Gerogovia» caused Ferdinand de Vazeilles to have an idea. The French industrialist decided to start producing metal toys and filed a patent for this new activity in 1932. The adventure was launched! Two years later, the Solido brand was registered by de Vazeilles. Its name refers to the strength of the toys offered. This new company will go through the decades and settle in the French industrial landscape.

Despite the Second World War, Solido continued its activities. Production slowed down, the materials used were of lower quality, but the factory remained open despite the conflict! The brand adapted to the situation and offered «camouflage» toys. It also developed new toys, in-keeping with the times, such as a board game on the UK blockade with ships to be destroyed using small explosive mines. A kind of Monopoly mixed with a naval battle. Guns are also developed for children, as well as other toys related to the concerns of the time.

The post-war period was, as for many French companies, a period of a great growth.

• 
  First Solido's factory in Ivry-la-Bataille.
• 
  Pannel in front of the first Solido's factory.
• 
  Entry of the Ivry-la-Bataille's factory.

With the arrival of his son Jean in the family business, Solido was propelled into a new dimension! The brand was growing in France, neighboring countries, USSR and Japan! Jean de Vazeilles had an idea: to propose real cars but on a reduced scale. This is how the 100 Series arrived at the end of the 50s. The 1/43 scale was chosen in order to compete with the N°1 in the sector at that time, Dinky Toys. The success of the "100 Series" was immediate and allowed Solido to develop hugely.

The 1960s accelerated this development and Solido made a name for itself thanks to its many innovations. The arrival of opening elements (doors, hood or trunk) was a revolution. The patent filed in 1961 for metal tracks on Solido tanks showed the company’s ability to propose major inventions. The world of auto sports also allowed Solido to make a name for itself. Thus, during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the spectators of the race could have a chance to own the very same cars of the race that they had experienced live! An example of responsiveness and seriousness unequalled in the sector. This capacity opened many doors for Solido, who began working increasingly closely with the car manufacturers. Sometimes, some creations are too forward-thinking or fail to meet success despite their quality. This was the case for the "Built 1000" products. A series of miniature 1/43th dioramas in bricks to build, like those of the Lego brand. A good idea, but unable to find its audience at the time.

The 70s mark the great diversification of Solido which now offers in its catalog: cars, trucks, construction equipment, tanks, Formula 1, police vehicles, firefighters, but also helicopters and snowplows! It’s time for Solido. But this decade marks the end of the family business because Charlotte, the daughter of Ferdinand de Vazeilles, leaves the company, giving control to someone outside of the family.

• 
  Catalog Solido 1989.
• 
  Oulins' factory in 2022.
• 
  Michel Debrock, project manager of Solido in the 90s.
• 
  Yves Jarrod, responsible of Solido ads.
• 
  Golden Age Series' Model.

The 80s began with great news: Heller and Solido announced their merger at the Toy Fair in Nuremberg, on February 1, 1981. It was at this time that Emile Véron took over the management of Solido^[9]. The co-founder of Norev (Véron upside down) and creator of Majorette is thus appointed to head one of its direct competitors. Antimilitarist^[10], he immediately set aside the Solido's flagship military vehicle range. Nevertheless, a few years later, following a partnership for the commemorations of the Normandy Landings, he decided to relaunch this series of vehicles in the face of very great demand from the public - children and adults! It was under the direction of Emile Véron that Solido developed greatly. The 1/18e arrived at the end of the 80s and highlighted the modernity brought by its new director a few years ago.

In the 1990s, one out of every two miniature cars sold in France came from the Solido/Majorette association. This is a typical example of French success. A popular product that crosses generations thanks to its accessibility and robustness. Some models have sold more than a million copies! This is the case with the Bugatti Royale or the Char Patton M47. Just before the arrival of the new millennium, Solido experienced a new revolution with the explosion of the 1/18th scale! This scale became increasingly popular, whether by children or adult collectors. The “children of Solido” are growing up, but they are not giving up the brand. As they become adults, more and more people are collecting small cars. Car manufacturers understand this well and that is why many launches of real cars are accompanied by their model. As for example with the Renault Twingo! The small city car is accompanied by a fabulous range of derivatives, including a 1/43 scale model produced by Solido. Miniatures became promotional items. Thus, Solido/Majo Pub ran at full speed and more than a third of the miniatures produced were for advertising purposes!

• 
  Citroën Xsara WRC at 1/18.
• 
  Clément Rouvière Project Manager at Solido.
• 
  Frédérick Guilier Sahuqué, CEO of Solido, OttOmobile and GT Spirit.
• 
  History of Solido Documentary's cutscene in 2022

The 2000s brought challenges for Solido too! The brand was bought by toy giant Smoby. Nevertheless, faced with a new generation of children more attracted by electronic toys and video games, we must adapt and react. Solido focuses on quality and strong partnerships. Like those made with Peugeot and Citroën in the World Rally Championship or Mitsubishi in Rallye-Raid: the launch of the new Pajero miniatures takes place at the same time as the Paris-Dakar rally! A stroke of genius. The Tuning wave is also followed by Solido. Unfortunately, the situation became critical and Smoby resolved to close the historic plant in Oulins, France in 2006^[12][13]. This period was complicated further with the takeover of Smoby by Simba-Dickie in 2008 and a market that was then in total mutation and in full decrease.

In 2015, Simba Dickie wanted to relaunch Solido and entrusted^[14] the management of the brand to a 1/18 scale specialist based in France: Mini Express! The Breton company became known a few years earlier by launching the OttOmobile brand. A dazzling success story that allows Solido to offer itself a new youthfulness on the eve of its 90th birthday!^[15] The focus is on 1/18, exactly what made OttOmobile and Solido strong in the past: iconic models accurately reproduced and sold at attractive prices. Now, Solido only offers collection cars. Yesterday’s children have become adults and the new generations of collectors, the ‘kidultes’, love this type of product. Solido expands anew and reappears gradually in specialist stores and supermarkets. At the beginning of 2025, the Breton company has more than 700 dealers in France and Belgium. These are toy stores, websites, auto parts outlets, specialty stores or large stores. Solido also surfs on social networks to find a new public of collectors. But at the end of the day, we find the same desire and passion that was at the origin of the brand in the 30s! Solido gives us a date for a unique anniversary in the sector: its 100 years, in 2032! Until then, the brand continues to develop internationally. Europe remains the historical market, but small Solidos are sold in almost a hundred countries. Asia and South America are developing strongly. Since 2024, Solido meets the passionate thanks to an increased presence at shows: Epoqu'Auto, Essen, Diecast Con Madrid, ...

1932: Ferdinand de Vazeilles, director of the Nanterre Precision Foundry, files a patent to create toys for assembly.

1934: creation of the Solido brand.

1953: Ferdinand de Vazeilles' son, Jean, launches the first reproductions of real miniature cars.

1957: The 100 series is launched with the Jaguar Type D Le Mans. Scale 1/43 is selected to compete with Dinky Toys.

1960: Solido develops its first military vehicles and applies for the patent of metal tracks.

1974: The factory moves from Issy-la-Bataille to Oulins.

1980: Solido is bought by Majorette.

1989: Solido enters the 1/18 market.

2003: Solido becomes the property of Smoby.

2006: Production is completely relocated to Asia.

2008: Smoby is acquired by Simba Dickie who retains the Solido brand.

2015: Simba-Dickie entrusts the management and creation of models to the Mini Express group (Ottomobile & GT Spirit).

2022: Solido celebrates its 90th anniversary!

2024: Solido becomes a major distributor in Europe with brands such as Jada Toys (France & Benelux), MiniGT, TSM and True Scale Models. The Solido brand also blows its 90 candles.

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· The Major series - “140”: This is the very first range produced by Solido. The number corresponded to the length of the chassis in millimetres.

· The Junior series – “100” ^[18]: Created in 1933 and renamed Junior in 1938, this series was Solido’s success. These are toys to assemble and customize infinitely.

· The "80" series: Launched in 1936, the 80 series was renamed "Baby" in 1938. It is based on the same principle as Duplo for the Lego brand: to offer a range of toys aimed at the youngest children.

· The «Mosquitos» series: A series of very small vehicles to accompany trains on the 00 scale.

· Series 100: the legendary range of Solido. Launched in 1957, it marks the arrival of the 1/43 scale in the Solido catalogue.  Since then, its success has been undeniable with two models selling more than one million copies! This series is very popular with nostalgic collectors.

· Series 10: the second series in 1/43 of the history of Solido. The models are «simpler» than the series 100.

· Series 200: The first series of military vehicles at Solido. For 20 years, it will offer many models and see the Patton Char M47 exceed the million units sold !

· Series 300: dedicated to heavy goods vehicles and construction equipment.

· Series 1300: 1980 marks the transition to a 4-digit numbering at Solido. Initially named Cougar, this series was intended for children. This range competes directly with the cars of Burago at 1/43 scale.

· Series 1500: named «Hi-Fi» then «Today», this series is dedicated to «modern» vehicles and follows the automobile releases of the time.

· Series 1800: launched in 1992, this series features cars from the 70s. It then takes the name of “Yesterday”.

· Series 1900: in 1993, Solido launches a range entirely dedicated to motor racing (rally, endurance, Paris-Dakar). It is also known as “Racing”.

· TonerGam series: includes a lot of commercial vehicles, construction sites, but also the first fire engines.  

· Series 4000/4100: these are the models «Age d'Or», which are vehicles of the first half of the twentieth century, like the Bugatti Royale.

· Series 4400: a range of commercial and public transport vehicles called «retro».

· Series 4500: the little sister of the «Age d'Or» series, there are cars from the 60s, European and American!

· Series 6000: developed for the 40th anniversary of the Allied invasion in Normandy, this range relaunches military models and becomes one of the most important in the 90s !

· Series 7000: a series of sets combining several Solido models in the same box. Variations and shapes are numerous.

· Series 8000: the "Prestige" series marks the arrival of the 1/18th in the Solido catalogue. It was launched at the end of the 1980s.

· Series 9000:  includes the other vehicles in 1/18, modern or competition car.

· Club Solido: It allowed collectors to get exclusive or limited edition models, to exchange with members but also to visit the factory in Oulins! A range of products was dedicated to it.

• 
  Peugeot 205 Rallye au 1/18 Solido.
• 
  Gamme Solido Works.
• 
  Gamme Solido 1/43.
• 
  Gamme Camion.

· Range 1/18e: This is the main range of Solido since 2015. It includes civil cars, racing cars (rally, endurance, DTM...) and tuners cars.

· Solido Works range: Always at 1/18, this range offers fictional models on real bases, a bit like in a video game. The ideal range for tuning enthusiasts.

· F1 range: in 1/18 and 1/43, this collection launched in 2018 with the RS18 and now includes four teams (Alpine, McLaren, Kick Sauber and Williams) and many variations of each single-seater.

· 1/43 range: since 2022, Solido is making a comeback in the 1/43 scale. Many new moulds are released every year and focus on modern youngtimers and sports models. These are new moulds at this scale and/or in this price range.

· Trucks 1/24e range: launched in 2022, this range offers tractors and trailers at the scale of 1/24e. These are detailed reproductions, with opening doors and steering wheels, of current trucks (Scania, Mercedes, Volvo, Man...).

· My First Solido: range of first-age cars that can also be used as decorative design elements. Dishwasher safe.

· Specific projects (OEM): Solido makes model cars for different companies, personalities: Starfobar^[19], En Avant Guingamp, Kith, Deus Ex Machina, Renault, Porsche, Bardahl ...

The methods for creating a miniature car have evolved^[20]. The advent of computing has brought a revolution in the design of a scale model. Solido, like other manufacturers, uses the scan of a real car to design its miniatures. Here are the ten steps in designing a 1/43 or 1/18 car at Solido:

1. Choice of model.

2. Scan of a real car.

3. 3D modeling of the miniature based on the scan.

4. 3D printing for model validation.

5. Creation of the injection cluster: the different parts that will constitute the miniature are produced.

6. Correction of the first shoot then validation.

7. Development of test models.

8. Production launch.

9. Assembly.

10. The final product is created, this is the one that arrives at retailers and collectors.

• 
  3D Modelisation of an 4cv.
• 
  First phase of model's fabrication
• 
  Injection tank zamak.
• 
  Automatic paint booth.
• 
  Assembly.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Solido.

• Official website

• Les Automobiles de Solido 1932-1957, Bertrand Azéma, Éditions Drivers, 1991.
• Les Automobiles de Solido 1957-1991, Bertrand Azéma, Éditions Drivers, 1991.
• Les Automobiles de Solido 1991-2004, Bertrand Azéma, Éditions Drivers, 2004.

1. ^ What do we know about the Solido brand? on Tibormodel.com, 9 Apr 2023
2. ^ Bertrand Azéma, Solido Toys , 1 : 1932-1957, EPA, Coll. "Solido. , 1; L'enthousiaste collection", 1991 (read online)
3. ^ Bertrand Azéma, Solido , 2: 1957-1982, EPA, coll. "L'Enthousiaste", 1983 (read online)
4. ^ Bertrand Azéma, Guide Solido : 1/43 tous les modèles de 1957 à 1995, EPA, 1995 (read online)
5. ^ Bertrand Azéma, Solido : toys 1957-1991, EPA, 1991 (read online)
6. ^ Bertrand Azéma, Les automobiles de Solido: 1991-2004, Drivers, coll. "Les carnets du collectionneur", 2004 (read online)
7. ^ Antoine Pascal, Our childhood cars models : Dinky toys, Solido, Norev, Majorette..., Éd. "Ouest-France", 2012 (read online)
8. ^ "Majorette files for bankruptcy - INA" (consulted on March 27th 2025)
9. ^ Emile Véron, Pour en sortir, Albin Michel (digital reedition FeniXX), January the 1st 1984 (lire en ligne)
10. ^ "90 ans de Solido, Chapter 5: The special items"
11. ^ Trains, toys, books, large pack of 50s, 60s and 70s' models : Solido, matchbox..., fashion accessories, fans, lace, tissues, linens, fabrics, shawls, unknown editors, 1992 ()
12. ^ Redaction "L'USINE NOUVELLE", «Oulins solido factory's closure : 89 layoffs », journal,‎ 22 mars 2006 (lire en ligne).
13. ^ "Au revoir SOLIDO !!!!", on www.aquitaine33.com (consulted on March 27th 2025)
14. ^ Simon Delporte, "Mini Express (Ottto, Solido, GT Spirit) : bienvenue au paradis de la miniature.", sur Le Mag Auto Prestige, 26 octobre 2018.
15. ^ "Oulins. On tracks of the elders of Solido's factory", L'Écho Républicain, 23 juillet 2022 (lire en ligne).
16. ^ Solido, , Solido, Coll. "[Recueil. Modèles réduits. Modélisme. Catalogues", 1964 (lire en ligne)
17. ^ , French toys, 1976 (lire en ligne)
18. ^ Étienne Flament, Solido : Golden Age 100th serie, Volume 2, SAFAM ed, coll. "Illustred Argus", 2009 (lire en ligne)
19. ^ Emilien Le Borgne, "Une BMW M3 E36 Starfobar Brown arrive at 1/18 at Solido", November 25th 2022.
20. ^ Birth of a toy - Solido ARCHIVES - Creation of a miniature in 1990 - RADIOVISION RV331 "Birth of a toy - Solido ARCHIVES - Creation of a miniature in 1990 - RADIOVISION RV331" Solido Models, November 10th 2022, 26:11 min (consulted the March 17th 2025).