HISTORY
Bburago is one of the most famous or known die-cast
manufacturers in the world. The Bburago story is long, it started in a small place
in Northern Italy called Burago which is situated next to the Malgora river hence the name
Bburago Malgora. The second (or the first) B in Bburago stems
from the founders name Mario Basena.
Basena had previosly managed Mebatoys (An Italian company specialized
in the the making of miniature die-cast models in 1/43 and 1/24 scales which was bought by Mattel
in the early 1970's) for quite some time before starting
on his own. It is said that he bought Mebatoys from Mattel in 1974.
After reorganizing and preparing, he launched the company by producing 1/24 die-cast
models under the name of Martoys , these were marketed between 1975 and 76.
It was not until 1977 that the name Bburago started to appear. During that same year
the first 1/18 Bburago was produced, the Rolls Royce Camargue (actually in 1/22).
Today it has become one of the most sought after big scale models
from this maker. It is also Bburago's only 1/18 model out of production (forever).
Between 1977 and today Bburago has produced hundreds if not thousands of
different models. From 1977 - 1984, the HAT (Hobby and Toys) series was produced
which were very well made 1/14 Formula 1 models. From 1977 -1983, the Tons
series, which were mostly 1/43 trucks. From 1982 - 1990 , the 9000 series, a cheap
assortement of 1/24 models.
from 1982 - Current , the series 4100
which are an assortement of 1/43 cars which remind a lot of the matcbox toys. Also
From 1982 - Current, the Grand Prix series, 1/24 Formula 1 models.
A few other series were also produced.
BBURAGO TODAY
Bburagos are one of the few die-cast collectibles still manufactured
in Europe instead of Asia.
Their models mostly replicate Italian sports cars such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo
and Bugatti. But also represented are Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar and even Dodges.
Many models are available both as pre-assembled models and unassembled kits. They are
currently best known for their 1/18 range of models, however, they produce a much wider range
of scales such as 1/24, 1/43 and even 1/87 key holders!!!
Today Bburago has one of the most advanced die-cast production facilities in the
world. Fully automated they can literally produce models by the millions!!
An amazing 2.5 million!! 1/18 Ferrari F40s have been produced.
Bburagos are also a very popular choice of base for conversions.
Many small model makers who specialize in elaborations of die-casts from other makers
often choose Bburagos as their base.
RARE BBURAGOS
The large assortment of die-cast vehicles Bburago has, has made them
very popular for collectors. Serious Bburago collectors are an elite group,
some are so taken by these replicas that they become Bburago fanatics.
The most sought after 1/18 Bburagos
today are their two first models. The 1/22 Rolls Royce Camargue
Ref #3001, 3003 (old box) production series 1977 - 1979 and the Mercedes SSKL 1931
(first version, old box) Ref #3001, production series 1978 and 79. (This series was actually made
from 1978 - 1987.)
COUNTERFEIT BBURAGOS ?!?!
What is a counterfeit Bburago? It's simply a repainted Bburago .
Not all repainted models are or can be regarded as counterfeits. They only become so if
they are presented as originals. The most common ones in the Bburago brand
are the rare models. A good way to avoid getting a false model (when one is not buying
from a retailer) is to beware of colors that look too exotic or suspicious. Try to refer to the many
catalogues Bburago has. It's harder when it comes to repaints, that means models
that have been repainted with the same color as the original. Repainted models are usually the rare
ones, repainted in order to present them as "mint" quality and obtain a higher market price,
or repainted into a more valuable out of series color.
To find out more on how to avoid buying such a model look in the COUNTERFEIT!! page.
BBURAGO LITTERATURE
A good way to find out about the value of your Bburago model is in Modellauto
Katalog Bburago, by Eberhard Fluhs. Pub Alba Publications, Alf Terloeken Gmbh & Co KG, Dusseldorf.
This catalogue covers most models from Bburago and Martoys.
PRICES
These approximate (average) retail prices below
can vary depending on the country and point of sale. Large retailers
tend to be cheaper than toy or hobby shops. Prices can also vary
from model to model, and these do not represent
limited editions or special issues within the brand.
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