Volvo 144 models by Punch / Minialuxe

The French company Minialuxe once distributed a small range of their diecast cars in chain stores under the name 'Punch'. Among these models offered under the label Punch were also a handful of Volvo 144 models. The model of the Volvo 144 was exactly the same than those offered under the brand Minaluxe. The scale model sold under the name Punch came in a different box and the colors varied from those by Minialuxe. The two models on the following pics are the only one I have come across so far.

Some facts about these models:

• 1:43 scale
• plastic body fixed with rivets to the bottom-plate
• with opening hood which reveals an engine
• chromed bumpers, front grille and additional headlights
• front lights: separately mounted parts
• rear lights: painted on body
• with glazing
• black interior with separately mounted steering wheel
• chromed rims with rubber tires
• with sprung axles
• packed in acrylic box

Colors I've found so far for the Volvo 144 by Punch:

• dark green with black interior
• cream with rally stickers and black interior

Colors I've found so far for the Volvo 144 by Minialuxe:

• blue with black interior
• red with black interior
• red with tan interior
• dark red with black interior
• orange with black interior
• brown with black interior
• white with black interior
• white with tan interior
• cream with black interior
• turquoise with brown interior
• green with black interior

Minialuxe is once again in business. The company celebrates his 62nd anniversary this year. A new owner took over the company and has started to manufacture scale models in France. They are manufacturing today models which they used to offer in the past with newly tooled forms and molds. Minialuxe has not yet revealed if they will reproduce the Volvo 144.