RAMI by J.M.K.

Lore & Background

The company originated around 1957 when the decision was made to produce miniature versions of automobiles housed in the Automobile Museum Malartre of Rochetaillée sur Saône. The first prototype vehicles were made in wood in 1958 in Villeurbanne by a Monsieur Rivoire. Production models were then manufactured in Lure, in the department of Haute Saône, near the Swiss and German borders. The founders brought diverse experience: Jarry had worked for model maker Quiralu, Malartre had been in the auto parts business and collected classic vehicles, and Koch had worked in a weaving factory.

RAMI models were made of diecast zamac metal alloy, with only wheels and tires in plastic. Early models, such as the Marne Taxi, were made in diecast halves joined down the middle, a construction method avoided on most later models. Seats, thin fenders, and even tops purportedly of cloth were diecast metal, making the models notably heavy. The lineup included 39 different models, 33 of which represented vehicles made before 1920. Among them were two steam vehicles, one electric taxi, and 34 French vehicles, along with two American Fords, a Packard, and a Mercedes. The Hautier Electric Taxi was particularly unusual, resembling a horse carriage with an electric motor and a driver's seat positioned up and behind the cab.

Packaging consisted mostly of red boxes with a cream white illustration of the 1895 Panhard & Levassor on two sides, regardless of the model inside. The letters "RAMI" appeared in white without punctuation. Boxes came in different sizes, and the model name and year were stamped on the sides and end flaps. Neither boxes nor model bases carried numbers, though they did indicate "1:43" scale. Some later models were available in clear plastic display cases.

Reader's Guide

RAMI by J.M.K. occupies a distinct place in diecast collecting due to its direct connection to a real automobile museum. The concept of producing miniatures of museum vehicles was similar to Dugu Miniautotoys in Italy and Cursor Models in Stuttgart, but RAMI was among the earliest, beginning in 1958. The company's focus on veteran and brass-era vehicles, many from before 1920, set it apart from manufacturers that emphasized more modern subjects. The use of all-metal construction for parts often made in plastic by competitors, such as thin fenders and steering tillers, gave RAMI models a distinctive heft and durability. The models also featured whimsical details like 'mother-in-law' seats and parasol tops that did not cover passengers. Early diecast collector Cecil Gibson noted the company's unique selection, delicate details, and willingness to depict odd body shapes. Production ended in 1969 after the deaths of Koch and the retirement of Jarry, leaving Malartre in charge. The 1927 Mercedes-Benz SSK was the final model released.

Did You Know?

• The acronym J.M.K. stood for the three founders: M. Jarry, Henri Malartre, and M. Koch.
• The first prototype RAMI vehicles were made of wood in 1958 in Villeurbanne.
• Only 39 different models were produced between 1958 and 1969.
• The Hautier Electric Taxi model had opening front doors and a driver's seat positioned behind the cab.