Norev

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Norev diecast model cars have captured the detail and personality of French and European automobiles since the 1940s, from vintage Renaults and Citroëns to modern Porsche and BMW performance cars. Founded in Lyon, France, Norev built its reputation on faithful proportions and vivid factory-correct colors, qualities that still define its 1:18 scale lineup today.

About Norev

Norev was founded in 1946 by the Véron brothers, who took their own surname and reversed it to name the company. The company began producing 1:43 scale plastic toy vehicles in 1953, starting with a Simca Aronde, and grew its catalog from a dozen models to nearly 100 by the mid-1960s. Norev transitioned to diecast metal construction around 1965 and introduced its popular Jet-Car series in 1971.

While Norev's early catalog focused on French marques — Renault, Citroën, and Peugeot — the brand has since expanded to cover German, Italian, British, and American vehicles as well. The company remains headquartered near Lyon, France, though much of today's production takes place in Asia.

What Makes Norev Collectible

Norev's collectibility rests on decades of proportion and color accuracy that set the template for European diecast, paired with a catalog that now spans everything from 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen replicas to current-production Porsche 718 and 911 GT3 variants. Its 1:18 scale models are known for factory-correct paint, accurate badging, and license-accurate detailing on modern performance cars — qualities that appeal equally to vintage-car historians and contemporary Porsche and BMW collectors.

Notable Norev Series

Certain Norev lines carry particular recognition among collectors:

Jet-Car: Introduced in 1971, this diecast metal series helped establish Norev's transition from plastic toys to serious collectible models.
Porsche & BMW performance replicas: Norev's modern 1:18 lineup is especially well regarded for current-generation Porsche 911, 718, and BMW M-series models.

Frequently Asked Questions

What scale does Norev primarily produce?
Norev is best known for 1:18 scale diecast, though its history includes 1:43 and 1:12 releases as well.

Is Norev a French brand?
Yes. Norev was founded in Lyon, France in 1946 and remains headquartered in the Lyon area today.

Are Norev models diecast metal or plastic?
Norev's current lineup is diecast metal; the brand's earliest models in the 1950s were plastic before it transitioned to metal construction around 1965.

Does Norev make modern cars or only vintage models?
Both. Norev's catalog spans historic vehicles like the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen alongside current-production Porsche and BMW models.

What makes Norev different from other French diecast brands?
Norev's eight-decade history and early transition to diecast metal gave it a head start in proportion and paint accuracy that still shows in its modern releases.

Browse Military Issue's Norev selection for French motoring history and today's Porsche and BMW performance icons, all in 1:18 scale.