Miniature Golf is Popular in France
by Doug Breithaupt
If you were asked which toy car company has done the best job representing
the history of the VW Golf would Majorette be your first answer? While it
seem curious that a French company would be the only one to offer the most
complete selection of Golf models to date, it is clearly the case. Not only
has Majorette offered models of the Golf since it's introduction in the
mid 1970's, these models have been very consistant in scale and features
for the past 25 plus years. Comparison of the four models shows that all
are very close in scale. All four also offer opening hatches and sport trailer
hitches. One can see the progressive design of the Majorette trailer hitch
with it's consistant plastic piece to keep the trailer secured to the hitch.
While tyhese images do not show the detail of the inside of the hatch area,
the series I and II models include an assortment of items moulded into the
plastic floor. All four models have seperate headlights of metal or plastic
and the series IV model includes painted tail-lights. The series I model
is the only 4-door version of the Golf offered as the models that followed
are all 2-door examples. Let's hope that Majorette continues to offer the
Golf in their line as it would be a shame for this to end.
VW Golf series I
VW Golf series II
VW Golf series III
VW Golf series IV
Majorette is not the only French toy car company to offer an interesting
VW Golf history lesson. Norev offered the Golf series I in their Mini-Jet
line. Norev has just introduced the latest Golf series V in their current
line of small-scale cars. The comparison of the two models is quite interesting.
The first surprise is that both models are close to the same scale. The
last of the original Mini-Jet models were done larger than the traditional
1:66 scale used by Norev. The Golf series I shown here looks to be around
1:60 scale, perhaps even larger. The new Golf V may be a bit bigger although
it does not seem as large as 1:55 scale, the size of most of the new Norev
castings. Both models are all diecast and of excellent quality. Clearly
the older Mini-Jet is more toy-like and was produced in an era when adult
collectors were far fewer than today. Still, if it sported more accurate
wheels and tires along with some painted detail, it would be quite competitive
with the newer model. Neither model has opening features. It is interesting
to see the progression of the Golf design over the last several decades
and these two Norev models allow for an excellent comparison. Norev is the
first to offer the new series V Golf and they have set a high standard for
others to meet. It is wonderful to see this company producing great little
cars once again.