Safir (models)

Lore & Background

Safir originated from the French toymaker Jadali, founded in 1952 by Léon Gouttman and his son Jacques-Henri Gouttman. Jadali produced toys under license from D.C.M.T. (Lone Star Toys) and Matchbox, initially in Nanterre and later in Issy les Moulineaux or Montreuil. In 1955–1957, production shifted to Barcelona, Spain, where toys were known as Jadali Metamol. Meanwhile, Jacques-Henri established a diecasting business in Langeac called Jadali S.I.F.M.A., supplying parts for automobiles and appliances.

In 1959, Jacques-Henri began producing two 1:43 scale vehicles: a Ford Model T and a 1902 Renault Paris-Vienne racer. In 1960, he entered an agreement with Mr. De Beque, owner of a plastic moulding and diecasting company called Safir. Juge Jean-Paul served as Safir's original technical director. Gouttman supplied zamac metal parts for a new range of classic vehicles, while De Beque handled plastic molding. Most Safir assembly took place in Montreuil, with diecast parts from Langeac. As Gouttman's interests shifted, the Paris factory focused solely on plastic vehicles.

Safir's classic lineup included mostly French vehicles such as the 1892 Peugeot, 1898 Panhard, 1901 Decauville, and 1908 Unic Taxi, alongside occasional Italian or German marques. The contemporary line, often called Safir Champion, featured Land Rovers, a Renault Estafette, and a Citroën 2CV with Paris-Persepolis rally decals. Smaller 1:66 scale Grand Prix models called Championettes were also produced, as were detailed 1:43 plastic models under the Champion and Super Champion names, including Ferrari 512Ms and Porsche 917s. These later models, packaged in clear plastic display cases and labeled Safir Racing, were apparently the company's last products.

Reader's Guide

Safir's significance lies in its blend of diecast and plastic construction, allowing for intricate detail at lower cost, particularly on veteran car models. The company's undercarriages were noted for surprising detail in plastic, including chains and drivetrain parts, considered among the best in contemporary 1:43 scale. However, some models shared parts such as seats, fenders, and parasols across different marques, reducing realism. Safir's unique clear plastic disc wheels with etched radial spokes were distinctive, though not highly realistic.

The company's packaging was varied, including orange boxes with white lettering, special CIKY boxes shaped like old French garages, and later clear plastic display cases. Promotional packaging for Mobil Oil, Nestlé, and Sopad appeared. In the late 1970s to early 1980s, Hong Kong companies acquired some Safir tooling and reproduced models, often with melted plastic joints and reduced accuracy. These Hong Kong copies also appeared as Straco remote control vehicles. Safir's legacy is tied to its role in French miniature vehicle production alongside contemporaries like Minialuxe and RAMI by J.M.K., offering a range of classic and contemporary models that appealed to collectors.

Did You Know?

• Safir arose from the French toymaker Jadali, whose name was an acronym of the founder's three children: Jacques, Daniel, and Linette.
• The Safir 1898 Panhard was made of diecast metal, while many veteran car models from other makers used plastic for intricate detail.
• Safir produced a 1923 Citroën B2 in ambulance, postal, and fire brigade versions, the latter with decals reading 'Regiment des Sapeurs Pompiers de Paris'.
• Some Safir models had clear plastic disc wheels with radial spokes etched into the plastic, a look similar to jeweled headlights on Corgi or Dinky models.