Gruisval 122 Citroën SM & 2 politie motoren Set "Tour de France"

A magnificent Gruisval 122 Citroën SM with two police motorcycles, modeled as a 1:37 scale "Tour de France" set. The set is in very good condition and comes with the original packaging, which shows only minor signs of wear. This set is one of Gruisval's rarer and more distinctive releases and is a particularly fine example of Spanish toy design from the 1970s and early 1980s.

Gruisval, a Spanish manufacturer primarily known locally, produced limited editions of diecast vehicles and figures with a distinctly French/Spanish signature. The models were sturdy, colorful, and often linked to typically French/Spanish themes such as police, sports, emergency services, and national events. This "Tour de France" set fits perfectly within that tradition and offers a glimpse into a period when toys were still robust, playful, and recognizably nationally oriented.

The Citroën SM, the centerpiece of this set, is one of the most iconic grand tourers France has ever produced. Launched in 1970, the SM was praised for its futuristic design, hydropneumatic suspension, and the characteristic Maserati V6 that Citroën incorporated into the model at the time. The SM was the car of elegance, speed, and technical innovation, a perfect choice as a support and escort vehicle for prestigious events like the Tour de France. In the racing world, the SM regularly played a role as a company car, press vehicle, or medical vehicle, thanks to its stability, comfort, and high speed.

The addition of two police motorcycles completes the set and immediately brings to life the atmosphere of rider escort, security, and dynamism of cycling. Motorcycle officers were, and still are, a crucial part of the Tour, responsible for route security, timekeeping, press escort, and keeping the road clear for the riders. The Gruisval miniatures capture this image in a charming, typically French way.

The 1:37 scale gives the set a striking presence, large enough for a beautifully detailed model, yet compact enough for a beautiful spot in a display case or collector's cabinet. The set is in exceptionally good condition for its age, with bright colors and undamaged parts. The original box shows minor signs of wear, but significantly enhances its authenticity and collector value.

This Gruisval "Tour de France" set is a beautiful piece of Spanish toy and automotive history, beloved by collectors of Citroën models, vintage die-cast models, and cycling memorabilia. It's an atmospheric and rare object that combines the elegance of the SM with the sporting energy of the Tour de France.