1974: Foundation of Bburago Bburago was founded in 1974 by the Besana brothers in the town of Burago di Molgora, in the province of Monza and Brianza, Italy. Initially, the company was called Martoys, but in 1976 it changed its name to Bburago, reflecting its place of origin.
1970s-1980s: Early Models and Growth During the early years, Bburago focused on producing scale models in 1:18, 1:24, and 1:43 scales. Their early models, such as the Ferrari 308 GTB and the Porsche 911, quickly gained popularity among collectors for their attention to detail and quality construction. The company stood out for its ability to capture the essence of the original cars, allowing it to build a solid following.
Innovations and Diversification Throughout the 1980s, Bburago continued to expand its product line, introducing a variety of models including classic cars, sports cars, and racing vehicles. The company innovated with features such as opening doors, hoods, and trunks, adding an additional level of realism and appeal to their miniatures.
1990s: Competition and Financial Difficulties During the 1990s, Bburago faced intense competition from other die-cast model brands. While it continued to release popular models, increasing competition and financial difficulties began to impact the company. In 2005, Bburago filed for bankruptcy, marking a critical point in its history.
2005: Acquisition by May Cheong Group That same year, the company was acquired by May Cheong Group (MCG), a Hong Kong-based company that also owns the Maisto brand. Under new management, Bburago was revitalized and began to regain its position in the die-cast car model market.
2000s-Present: Renewal and New Partnerships Following the acquisition, Bburago benefited from MCG's investment and support. The company modernized its production line and expanded its product catalog. One of the key strategies was to establish partnerships with prestigious automotive brands, allowing Bburago to produce models with official licenses from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and other iconic brands.
Improved Quality and Precision Bburago has continued to enhance the quality and precision of its models. Advances in technology and materials have enabled the company to create miniatures that are not only visually impressive but also durable. Attention to detail, from body lines to meticulously reproduced interiors, remains a hallmark of the brand.
1:18 and 1:24 Scale Models Bburago is especially known for its 1:18 and 1:24 scale models. These scales allow for a high level of detail and are popular among collectors. Models such as the Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Murciélago, and Bugatti Chiron are standout examples of Bburago's ability to capture the essence of the original cars.
Special Editions and Limited Editions To appeal to discerning collectors, Bburago also produces special editions and limited editions. These editions often include additional features and unique details that make them highly collectible.
Events and Exhibitions Bburago actively participates in automotive and collectibles events and exhibitions worldwide. These platforms allow the company to interact directly with its fan base and showcase its latest models and innovations.
Bburago has come a long way since its founding in 1974. Through its commitment to quality, innovation, and precision, the brand has established itself as a leader in the world of die-cast car models. Despite challenges, the acquisition by May Cheong Group marked the beginning of a renaissance for Bburago, which continues to delight collectors and car enthusiasts with its detailed and authentic miniatures.
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