Alfa Romeo P2 ‘Bicolore’ Tinplate Toy by CIJ

CIJ (Compagnie Industrielle du Jouet).

A highly important and extremely rare example of the Alfa Romeo P2 tinplate toy in bicolore (two-colour) red and silver. French, circa 1932.

Length: 22 inches (55 cm).

As illustrated on pages 50 & 51 of Mestrot’s definitive work on the Alfa Romeo P2, the bicolore versions of this toy are exceedingly rare and desirable. Three different colour combinations are recorded including this striking red and silver version.

The bicolore was introduced by CIJ, as an option on the 3rd and last series of the toy, produced from 1931-1935, in an attempt to revive flagging sales in the face of more up-to-date offerings from Italian makers such as Domo of Milan. In almost 40 years of collecting Alfa Romeo P2’s, this is the only the second bicolore example we have seen or owned (see 5477), amazingly within 2 years of each other, this one having undergone a programme of expert restoration.

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