Maker record
Pilen
Pilen was a Spanish toy maker based in Ibi, Alicante, known chiefly for metal miniature cars. Founded in 1968 by Pilar and Enrique Climent after their earlier Clim business, Pilen first made Formula One miniatures at 1:36 scale and soon expanded its car range at 1:43 and 1:64. The company also manufactured models for Dinky Toys under an arrangement with the French maker. Its production combined original miniatures with designs and tooling associated with other European model-car makers.
- Founded
- 1968
- Final year
- 1980
- Countries
- Spain
- Locations
- Ibi, Alicante, Spain · 1968
- Founders
- Pilar Climent · Enrique Climent
The story of Pilen
Pilar and Enrique Climent established Pilen in Ibi, Alicante, in 1968, following the Climent family’s earlier toy business, Clim. Pilen concentrated on metal miniatures, especially cars. Its first models included Formula One cars at 1:36 scale; the range soon shifted toward 1:43, and the company also produced 1:64 miniatures.
Pilen’s model range drew on designs and tooling associated with several European manufacturers, including Corgi, Tekno, Politoys and Mebetoys. The company also made models for the French Dinky Toys under an arrangement that allowed production in Spain. Pilen miniatures appeared in varied finishes and with different wheel types. The brand’s history is distinct from Clim’s: Enrique Climent had worked with his brothers in the earlier family venture before founding Pilen with Pilar.