Busch Models (2th p)
by Lorenzo Achilli
Let's now examine the individual models, made of plastic and with a scale of 1:87. Thanks to Busch itself, which sent me the list of the various 500s produced*,
we can first highlight the long series of the 500 F, open top, with around twenty colour variations (code 48700) (examples in photos 1-2-3).
Alongside these so-called “series” models, there are the special editions:
● Fiat 500 “Karstadt” for the Cologne company of the same name (photo 4);
● Fiat 500 “Veterama LU 1999” for the 1999 classic car fair of the same name in Ludwigshafen am Rhine; the “100 years” writing on the bonnet could refer to the centenary of Fiat (which was founded in 1899) (photo 5).
● Fiat 500 “Hindenburg Märklin Set”, made for Märklin (a toy company specializing in model railways) on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the “Hindenburg-dam” road;
● another model was also made for Märklin, with a closed hood, in two colour variations (red and blue);
● Fiat 500 “DFV”, for the German Fire Brigade Association (abbreviated to DFV), complete with flashing lights and ladder;
● Fiat 500 “Wirtschaftsförderung Wuppertal AöR” for the Economic Development Authority of the city of Wuppertal;
● Fiat 500 “Automotive Lighting” for the homonymous division of Magneti Marelli based in Reutlingen;
● Fiat 500 “Falh”, for the Cologne advertising agency of the same name;
● Fiat 500 F + Messerschmitt KR 200; model for the 1998 Nürberg toy fair, limited edition of 1500 pieces (photo 6).
Product 48701 instead has a closed roof, with Positano yellow or white bodywork, black interior and hood (photos 7-8).
The Fiat 500 “Schwarz” (product 48702) is a black version with red interior and red rims.
The Fiat 500 “Pizza Service” (product 48703) presents the twin-cylinder as a typical home delivery vehicle. The model is red with the writing “Pronto Pizza Service” (photo 9).
The Fiat 500 “Rallye” (product 48704) is a Sport with the racing number 5 on the sides (photo 10).
The Fiat 500 “Fiat” (product 48705) is a red model with the word “Fiat” written in a black band on the side.
The Fiat 500 “Crazy car” (product 48706) is black with grey interior; the blue “flames” edged in silver make it more aggressive (photo 11)
The Fiat 500 “Reptilia” (product 48707) has a dinosaur in the package and the model is a promotional model for a reptile show (photo 12).
We will continue the roundup in the next issue.
I would like to thank Franco Riso of RIPA SrL of Milan, official importer, my friend Franco Spreafico of “F1 del Modellismo” and my partner Claudio Mattioli for their kind collaboration.
For more information, visit www.busch-model.info.
To contact me, write to the box lorenzo500pc@alice.it.
* the descriptions are the result of our translation of the above document, which is in German, duly supported by research and direct comparison (where possible) with the models or with photos of the same; we apologize for errors and inaccuracies (editor's note).
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