This December 2004 release is part of a series of police models from Hachette in France. Their announcement in French of this release translates as follows:
"Like many police and security forces around the world, the Gendarmerie of France use Jeeps for certain functions. The Willys MB and Ford GPW models are used, and particularly the M201 version built by Hotchkiss in France. This 1/43 scale metal and plastic model represents an example employed by the Gendarmerie at helicopter bases, equipped with a fire extinguisher for fast emergency response."
The model is produced by Norev and distributed by Hachette. See also a rear view photo (60K JPEG), and a photo of the packaging (50K JPEG) which is a replica of an older Norev box.
The model also comes with a booklet (50K JPEG) including articles on Willys history and Jeeps in police work, and some photos of the prototype, a Willys MB which was apparently modified in the 1970's with a large dry powder extinguisher, and in service into the early 1990's. See a prototype front view (90K JPEG). Photos courtesy Laboratoire central de la gendarmerie nationale.
Thanks to J-C Guerry and Peter Wörthmüller.
Another battery-operated item is this "Police Patrol" Jeep by made by T.N. in Japan. Nine inches long, it has a tin body with plastic base, interior, driver and blinker light. Forward, reverse and turning is controlled by the switch in the rear.
This mint item from 1974 is in the collection of Juan Manuel Yeste Cortes. Manufactured in Spain by Rico, the 400mm (16 in.) metal toy has full-function remote control including electric siren. Juan is interested in selling the Jeep for US$150.
See also a photo of a prototype Spanish police Jeep (20K JPEG) which is a little less decorated, from the Jeeps in Spain page.
Meanwhile the Carabinieri (Italian police) are represented by this 1970's diecast from Mebetoys in Italy. See a larger photo including the box (60K JPEG) showing some of the rear end detail. Mebetoys also made a fire service version.
When Corgi was considering a series of police models in 2001, some people were hoping to persuade the company to include a Mahindra CJ-3B which served as a Highway Patrol vehicle (30K JPEG) for the West Bengal Police in India.
Thanks to Juan Manuel Yeste Cortes, Roly Hermans, J-C Guerry, Mike Albright and Peter Wörthmüller. -- Derek Redmond
Also on The CJ3B Page, see:
See other Emergency Services Jeep Toys.
Return to the Toy Jeeps Pages on The CJ3B Page.
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