France Jouets Garage "Shell" 1970

The France Jouets Garage "Shell", produced in the 1970s, is an iconic vintage toy that perfectly captures the spirit of the automotive world and petrol stations of that era. This metal garage, designed by the French manufacturer France Jouets, was a popular toy for children who wanted to build their own miniature world. Although complete, this example shows signs of wear and some surface rust, making it a characteristic and authentic collector's item that has visibly stood the test of time.

Founded in the 1940s, France Jouets was a leading French toy manufacturer specialising in metal toys, including cars, trucks and garages. The brand flourished in the period after the Second World War, thanks in part to the popularity of metal toy models that were often robust and durable.

In the 1960s and 1970s, France Jouets marketed a wide range of toys, including garages based on real petrol stations. These garages capitalized on the growth of the automotive industry and the visible presence of petrol stations, such as Shell, along European roads. The design of these garages was often detailed and realistic, which added to the realism and play experience for children.

The France Jouets Garage "Shell" is made of metal and reflects the industrial style of toys from the 1970s. This model recreated a real Shell petrol station, complete with petrol pumps, a workshop and parking space for cars. The garage was equipped with the recognizable red and yellow Shell logo, which evokes a direct association with the oil company that was known worldwide for its petrol stations.

Children could park, refuel and even carry out "repairs" in their miniature cars in the workshop, which increased the fun. The metal construction of the garage made it sturdy and suitable for intensive use. However, over the years many of these garages have suffered wear and tear, which in this case resulted in traces of use and flash rust. These features give the model an authentic vintage look and enhance the feeling of a toy with a rich history.

This example of the France Jouets Garage "Shell" shows clear signs of use, such as wear and surface rust. Surface rust is a thin layer of rust that forms on metal surfaces due to exposure to humidity and oxidation. Although this is normal for metal toys that are decades old, these signs of use contribute to the authenticity and nostalgic value of the model.

For collectors of vintage toys, the presence of surface rust can be a sign of the originality and age of the object. While some collectors prefer perfectly preserved examples, others value the visible signs of use as a reflection of the history of the piece. A complete model like this, even with signs of use, remains a valuable object, especially because of its rarity and the iconic Shell branding.

Produced in the 1970s, the France Jouets Garage "Shell" evokes an era when children could recreate the world of cars and gas stations with their toys. The garage offers a nostalgic window into a time when metal toys were popular and petrol stations, such as Shell, played an important role in daily life.

This model is not only a collector's item, but also a piece of toy history. Despite the traces of use and surface rust, it remains a complete and functional model that has retained its charm and playability. For collectors of vintage toys or automobilia, this garage offers a unique opportunity to get their hands on an authentic piece from the 1970s, complete with its own story and patina of time.

Dimensions: Length 50cm Height 37cm Width 30cm.