ixo-MODELS
Junior Line
CIXJ000047 – RENAULT Fuego GTX
1982 Silver
Die Cast
1:43 Scale
Retails up to $20.00
Released – ixo November 2006 Schedule; USA release late February – March 2007
ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT AVAILABLE FOR THE REGULAR CUSTOMERS PLEASE INQUAIRE
Renault Fuego was sold on the US market through American Motors Corporation (AMC) dealers from 1982 through 1985. Models sold in US were equipped with 2.2 litre engine and updated interior.
The four-seater, three-door hatchback Fuego was a sport car heavily based on the Renault 18. It had 4 cylinders in line engine, which had 5 gas variants (1.4L 64hp/ TL and GTL, 1.6L / 96 hp / GTS, 1.6 turbocharged, 2.0L / 110hp /TX and GTX., 2.2L for the US market) and 2.1L turbo diesel. Its rounded design was a radical departure from its predecessors Renault 15 and 17. Production started in 1980 and European production ended in 1987, however in continued by Renault Argentina for another 5 years. GTX variant was introduced in 1981 and was powered by 4 cylinders in line 1995cc engine rated at 110hp. It was top of the line in Fuego’s 5 variants line. In 1983 the Fuego Turbo was added to the line. This variant had a facelift including changes to grille, front bumper and interior trim. Over 250k Fuegos were produced, mostly in France but some were manufactured in Spain. Additional quantities were produced in Argentina.
ABOUT ixo-MODELS JUNIOR LINE.
Numerous die cast model brands had and some still have Junior lines. Usually products from Jr. lines were inexpensive low quality models or even toy like products. In recent years famous brands like Schuco and now Corgi simply sale inexpensive Hong_well models badge under their Jr. Line.
With ixo-MODELS Junior line the only Jr. part is a low ‘Junior’ price and different colors of carton sleeve. Models are of the same high quality as from any other IXO line. In fact some models from Jr. Line were issued in other regular ixo lines, and ixo-Junior issues doesn’t show any simplifications. Packaging consists of regular IXO display case with the model name printed on the display base and same type of carton sleeve but in different colors. It is in white color and a wide orange stripe around the sleeve at a right side.
ABOUT THE MODEL MAKER
ixo-MODELS are made in China by SONIC INTERNATIONAL (TOYS) LIMITED.
Packaging is attractive, models attached w/a screw to the black plastic display case w/printed model name on it, has a clear acrylic top, display packed in a carton sleeve.
In 2001 the popular on the 1/43 diecast models market firma V_itesse G_roup went into liquidation. Soon after the new ixo-MODELS brand was introduced. In fact most models previously released under S_kid, O_nyx, Q_uartzo, V_ictoria, A_Models and 2-W_heels and some models of V_itesse badges were made by this company..
New castings (models) and previously released models of sport and rally cars in new liveries are issued on the regular basis.
The current IXO product list consist of 11 collections: R_ally Cars Modern and Classic, LeM_ans and G_T Cars Modern and Classic, R_oad Cars Modern and Classic, MotorBikes (1/24 Scale), Fe_rrari Collection, La S_toria (F_errari F_1 cars in special premium quality packaging) ixomodels Junior and the latest one the Museum Series (classic cars or pre-WWII era).
As a collector I can say it is a good product indeed. While a quality is very competitive to Mini_champs the price is much more affordable. It is especially noticeable with sport and rally cars. Ixo newest releases shows that they are capable to produce models of premium quality while staying in moderate price range
It appears that IXO issued their models on the Limited Run basis. The company will release the model in relatively small number at a time and in most cases it will be never release again. However, some popular models of Le M_ans and R_ally M_onte C_arlo Winners cars may be re-release at some time in a future when a demand for a model will be strong.
