page_title: Bburago
section_title: Rebirth
hierarchical_section_title: Bburago / Rebirth
caption_attribution_description: Bburago (a May Cheong Group brand) diecast emergency force truck. Made in China in 2014
context_page_description: BBurago is a diecast metal brand of toy model cars. Originally, the company was based in Burago di Molgora, Italy, where all products were made from 1976 to 2005. At its most popular, Bburago's main competition were Politoys and Maisto, the latter of which was to become dominant in the 1:18 market segment around 2000. Bburago has been a brand under the umbrella of Maisto since 2007.
context_section_description: BBurago cars, especially the early 1/24 scale models, are now collectible, and it is thought that the final models issued under the old management will also become similarly prized. Of the early cars, the rarest models are generally considered to be the Lancia Beta sedan introduced under the Martoys name, and the Innocenti Mini 120. The Lamborghini Cheetah 4x4, Renault 4L, Fiat 124 Spyder Abarth, Alfetta GTV and BMW 3.0 CSL "Batmobile" are all also now rare and valuable.
  Other collectible BBuragos include some rare promo models, like examples of the Camargue finished in metallic gold green, and at least one model that was issued only in mainland Europe; the Lancia Ypsilon in 1/24. The final 1/18 car issued before bankruptcy was the Peugeot 907 concept car. At the time the company ceased production of all its Ferrari models, a model of the Ferrari 360 Spider in 1/18 scale was about to be introduced. It is thought that a few may have left the factory in Italy (although this is not confirmed).
  In the beginning of 2007, the name was relaunched by May Cheong, which markets Maisto, so the situation is analogous to Mattel owning both Hot Wheels and Matchbox.
  In order for both lines to be successful, they must be differentiated in some manner and May Cheong's logical answer was to make BBurago's offerings more European. A count from the two brands' websites in 2011 confirms the two approaches. Out of 64 1/18 scale cars, BBurago only has six models that are not European, or 9%.
  Maisto, with 113 total 1/18 scale models, on the other hand, has fifty three non European models or 47% non European. May Cheong bets it can avoid internal competition among brands by having Maisto carry a more global selection of marques. Many of the earlier BBurago models made at the time of the May Cheong takeover are now being produced again in Thailand and China, along with new castings.
  By 2011, some models, like the smaller scale "Race and Play" series of "garage" scene Ferraris, were again appearing in retail stores, such as Toys "R" Us. It appears that no models are made in Italy any longer.
caption: A Maisto era Bburago tow truck. These newer Bburagos are made in China, not Italy.
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