I first encountered Majorette when I visited Paris at the tender age of 9, way back in 1974. They were similar in size to Matchbox but Made in France not Made in England. The first model cars appearing on the market under the Majorette name came out in 1964.

Today Matchbox and Majorette are both Made in Thailand. Of my Majorette vehicles maybe ten are Made in France, the others are either Made in Thailand or Made in China. Manufacturing moved to Thailand in 1987.

I don’t remember seeing Majorette in the UK in my childhood. From Paris I brought back a couple of models, if I remember correctly a Chrysler 180 and a BMW 3.0CSL (I no longer have the models from my childhood).

Here in Tbilisi, the distribution is variable, XS Toys have just put up some display units for Majorette, which they seem to be promoting at the expense of Hot Wheels.

Prices vary according to the range from 6.95 lari ($2.81) for unbranded “Fiction Racers” to 12.50 lari ($5.05) for “Limited Edition” and “Farm” ranges. When I last looked they had a lot of Fiction Racers but not many models in the Limited Edition and Premium ranges. Other ranges are called : Street Cars, SOS (Emergency Vehicles), City, Lamborghini, Vision Gran Turismo and Farm ranges and some aircraft.

Some of the models especially in the Premium range have opening parts like this Camaro.

The full current range can be seen at their website… Majorette.com

I’m looking out for the Jaguar F-Type, a model which currently eludes me in Matchbox and Majorette.

Majorette recently returned to the American market after a long absence, but I don’t know how they will fare given the difficulties of Toys R’Us, the chain selling them. Majorette are returning to the US Market

The packaging can be blister packs or boxes.

The brand philosophy (from the Website) Majorette combines tradition with innovation. As one of the best known French manufacturers of model vehicles, Majorette knows how to appeal to car enthusiasts. What spurs us on is a desire to design increasingly better and more realistic vehicles for young and old that give pleasure to the whole family. The particularly well-processed materials mean that our products are guaranteed a long life.