#250 SIKU – VOLVO 760 GLE (1065) and BMW 735 iL (Ref. 1070) (1986 and 1988)

 

 Siku’s 1000 Series:

The year 1974 came full of news for Sieper Werke. Administration was automated to keep track of production numbers, prices ranges… the factory was updated for automatic paintworks (V series are painted by hand!).

In 1975, Siku new models were already categorized in the 4 digit price system. The new series, was called “Super Series”, although now it is more often referred as “1000’s series”. This numbering system is still used today.

From the four digit code, the first two indicates the type of vehicle and price range of the model, the second two indicate the model number. For example, both cars I am presenting here are 1065 and 1070, that’s category “10” (regular passenger cars) and numbers 65 and 70. Re-released V models became new numbers in the new series.

With the new series the scale of the cars was also changed. Old V modes were mostly 1:60 scale die-cast, while 1000-series cars are a bit larger: 1:60. This way, the cars could be casted with more details. Apart from that, the wheels were new, and also the packages and new company logo.

In 1986 the factory was rebuilt because of an accident that burnt most of it, and was updated again with new better machines. In 1990, Siku opened its first factory outside Germany: it was in Hong Kong, were they gradually moved the production, starting with the “club series” and the “super series”. Bigger models are still produced in Germany (Ludenscheid).

  
Siku is especialized in German models, just as Matchbox and Corgi had many English models, and Guisval made almost every possible Seat. Siku models (especially in this era) are very robust pieces of pure metal. With the change of scale, when displayed near other cars, make the other look like a toy.

The same cars I am presenting had a couple of variations:

-Volvo 760 GLE (Ref. 1065) from 1986 to 1989: available in gold, black, white (Polis), and silver

-BMW 735il (Ref. 1070) from 1988 to 1990: available in red and blue two different shades), brown.

UPDATE:
Silver Volvo 760 GLE

FACTS AND FIGURES:

• Name: VOLVO 760 GLE (1065) and BMW 735 iL (Ref. 1070)
• Scale: 1:55
• Year: 1986 and 1988
• Company: Siku (Germany)
• Size: approx. 7 cm