Information

The small scale 1:66 models featured on these pages were made between 1969 and 1976 by Schuco as a more detailed fast wheeled "successor" range to the Piccolo models which could not compete effectively with Hotwheels and Matchbox Superfast. The brand "Schuco" (from Schreyer und CO. Nuremberg) currently belongs to the Simba-Dickie-Group and these days they sell highly detailed topical or classic models. Schuco now offer ranges again in 1:87, 1:72 and 1:43 packaged in small plastic glass boxes as well as window boxes and new retro Piccolo models in traditional boxes under their brandname but made in China, initially exclusively by Hongwell but subsequently by a variety of Chinese factories. But these pages exclusively cover the 1:66th models and their brothers made using Schuco tooling in France (Norev) and Brazil (REI). I have found no previous attempts to list these complete ranges online.

These models feature diecast zinc bodies and baseplates with plastic parts (windows,interiors, wheels and hubcaps). The wheels run on 0,5mm-springwire-axles fastened with 90 degree bent ends which are "riveted" concentricaly on the base plates which provides rather realistic spring suspension. The models were sold 1969-1976 initially on red / orange coloured blisterpacks, later in blue and finally from 1976 on silver-coloured blistercards (so-called coplay packets) or for stores which did not sell blisterpacks, crystal-clear plastic glass boxes - in each case inset with the technical data of the original vehicles. Promotional items given away or sold by their sponsers were also supplied in the smart crystal plastic boxes.

In the range were, with few exceptions as a result of the cooperation with their French partner Norev, mainly only German makes of car which were popular fullsize and commonly seen on the roads 1969-1976. New model selection strategy aimed to give children of these years the chance be able to play with cars that their fathers, friends or neighbours had in their garages (an exception here of course are the Formula 1 racers from TV also in the series). Design concept protoypes, generics and imaginary models popular with other manufacturers of those years were deliberately never in the new release program.

Play value was added with movable parts, almost always opening doors and spring suspension. Cars mostly featured both front doors opening, with some instead featuring an opening tailgate (e.p. Capri MkII), with van models featured the loading area an opening sliding door and with some trucks an movable loading area.

The trucks of the series (Bussing and Faun models) are descended directly from the Piccolo series, thereby they continue in about 1:90 scale rather than 1:66. Schuco had adapted only the casting moulds to the new range standards and had made some parts in plastic to reduce costs. Additionally, the Mercedes O321 coach also being descended from the Piccolo series also counts as part of this series although its in an even smaller scale (1:125) - and finally the Magirus trucks was to 1:75 scale.

All models of the series feature the body and the base are plugged together, except for a handfull of the last designs - e.g. VW Golf, VW Scirocco, VW Polo, VW van or wagon, Ford Transit van or wagon (base was riveted to the body in the same way favoured by other big diecast makers). Also the Norev and REI versions were always constructed in the same Schuco manner - except for the final Norev models which had wheels of standard Norev one-piece design - their baseplates were always riveted on.

During the Schuco production years some models were abroad made. Though these carry the Schuco logo, instead of "Made in Germany" is cast "PR.NA Z.F.DE MANAUS" on the baseplate. These models were produced in Brazil by "REI / Alfema" with original Schuco tools. The probably best known model here is VW Porsche 914 in middle blue.
 A rather unknown row with the same inscription of the base plate is the X-Series which there was in portuguese marked and in design of the '76th Schuco-blisters. The models carry very striking colours like pure white, signal yellow, brillant blue or signal red.

The real copies from Brazil (REI) come from a later time - in the middle of the 80s - most models of that series are listed in catalogue of 1986.

I have collected Schuco myself as an adult intensely since 2004. Because these cars were not available new when I was a child at the time in the GDR (also not in the Intershop), I had exchanged my Matchbox cars for some of these models. Amusing and amazing detail of these small Schuco cars charmed me ever since I had my first, a Renault R16 which I "restored". When I got my first VW Transporter with sliding door that should open I discovered that unfortunately it had broken off and been stuck back on! I wanted to have even more of these models of course. Thus I was able to extend my collection on to 11 Schuco castings. However, this millenium, it is no problem to get the models, now only the condition is a problem - because finally, all the models are more than 40 years old and were intended as toys (not many children forget their toys in the cupboard - even more rarely still in box!).

Therefore, this 10th pack is still also very rare. Here this would have to come from 1975 or 1976, because the latest model - the Escort II - came still in 1975 on the market. The packet has own number (301 803) and is known to me in blue and silver.

For traders also a sales stand was offered in two versions: as Nº 301 800 with 84 passenger cars (21 types per 4 pieces) and as Nº 301 801 by 84 racers (21 types per 4 pieces). Of course this is not to be got any more original filled (because also blank quite extremely rare) - these here I have also anew put together again.

From model versions in the overview which I do not own myself, my friends Michael, Rolf, Peter (†), Mick, Holger and Jens have made pictures available to me kindly - this is also noted in the respective description. Many thanks for it also on this way; o).

One more word to the colour names: for the regulation I use RAL colour fields with richly 200 tones - hence, the information is only "approximate values", particularly as there are rather much colour variations (before all with the metallic varnish). Also are my declarations of weight only "approximate values", because one and the same model can have differently weight (+/-1 gramms are no rarity).

Also I have consciously renounced an assessment - first today a model can be traded expensive and the next week is to be got it for comparatively few money and secondly there is to the orientation some literature to the subject - and this side should be not a rival, maximum a supplement. I hope for your understanding. However, if requested some collector I has added coloured "moon's" which register whether a model is to be found often or in this version rather rare (move cursor to the graphics - meaning appears).

A few own thoughts about the promotion models you can read here.

Owing to the 100-year-jubilee of Schuco in 2012 has appeared from the chief editor of the magazine "Modellfahrzeug" - Andreas A. Berse - the book "The Schuco Saga". Mr. Berse by the searches to the book also has made a visit to me - from page 88 there is a report about my collection. Also the history of Schuco is described here very entertaining for the first time - therefore, for every Schuco fan a must read.