It does not take an expert in aviation history to know about the Arc-en-Ciel piloted several times by Mermoz across the South Atlantic. The aircraft fame is probably due to the feat accomplished, to its renowned pilot, Mermoz, and because of its unique shape, René Couzinet’s signature, its designer and manufacturer.

The model presented here is, of course, not contemporary with Mermoz’s time, it most likely dates back to the ’60s or earlier. Its making shows the greatest care and expertise: even though it is painted, it is made of wood on top of which aluminum sheets were fitted and cover the whole model. Only the engine cowls have not been painted and one can imagine how this piece could have looked like if it had not been painted!

Another highlight of its fine making is the fitted cockpit and rear of the aircraft that can be seen through the windows and the cockpit panes.

This is a 1:30 scale model with a wingspan of a little over one metre. This is not a factory model, however, it is a very fine and unique piece that captures the so distinctive lines of this aircraft. This piece is really interesting as it is a fact that there are very few models of this aircraft and even fewer of that scale!

For sale in the catalog