Early models
One of the earliest Bburago lines was a series of 1:43 scale Fiat trucks, but these seem to have disappeared by about 1980, according to. Continuing the Martoys lineup, however, most models were produced initially in 1/24 scale and mostly represented contemporary European sports and saloon cars. Most were well detailed for the price and included many opening features.
Later, a range of 1:18 scale vehicles was produced which was to become the "bread and butter" of Bburago offerings. In the mid-1980s, a new 1/43 scale line was introduced. As they were held together by screws, models in 1/24 and 1/18 were also commonly sold in kit form (later, 1/43 kits appeared as well).
While vehicles in the kit ranges used the same castings as their contemporaries in the fully assembled ranges, the kits often depicted different versions, usually in racing or rally style. Bburago kits were notorious for featuring waterslide decals which never adhered properly to the models, making well-built examples of the kits rare. Conversely, the decals on factory-built products were of the stuck-on the body of the models, rather than the tampo printing used by the likes of the contemporary Maisto.
Larger scales
Originally, the 1/18 scale range was aimed more at collectors rather than children, and the brand was the link between European niche marketing in 1:43 scale and the 1:18 scale surge that occurred during the 1990s. Bburago was the first manufacturer to make this scale as the main offering of the company, after Schuco, Gama, and Polistil pioneered larger offerings, but by the end of the 1970s were going out of business. Bburago was also a contemporary of the mail order offerings of the Franklin Mint Precision Models which were pricier, but sometimes of spotty quality.
Bburago did not, however, stick strictly to 1:18 scale, also offering smaller scale models like the Renault Alpine A110 and the Fiat 500 in 1:16 scale and larger vehicles like the Ford F-150 pickup in 1:21 scale. 1:24 scale was also a regular offering from the brand. The Ford pickup, however, is an exception as European marques were a main focus of the Italian company. At first, offerings consisted mostly of 1930s cars, but later, more 1950s and 1960s models were introduced, like the Jaguar XK-E roadster. Finally, many contemporary high-performance automobiles from the likes of Lamborghini and Ferrari were made and some of these were the company's most popular sellers.
For cost savings, models were often duplicated from one scale to another. The "Diamond", "Super", and "Gold" ranges were the main lines in a 1/18 scale with over 30 different models. Each vehicle would be offered in two or three colors and often in different body styles as with the real car. Differences in the ranges are hard to discern, but the Super line was more aligned with classic cars, while the Gold series had more deluxe packaging.
There were also several model lines in the 1:24 scale. These included the Grand Prix, Bijoux, VIP, and Super lines. The Super series included many normal coupes, sedans, and micro cars in rally and police liveries, with 45 different models. The Grand Prix line consisted of ten Formula One and Indy Cars.
The larger models usually had all apertures opening, had detailed engines, spare tires in trunks, working steering, windshield wipers and detailed instrument panels. A number of models also featured active suspension and removable wheels. Earlier models used plastic for door and bonnet openings. These parts sometimes hindered fit and finish, and, after extended play, would stretch or bend, causing hoods and doors to not close properly.
Smaller scales
Bburago's 1:43 scale "Pocket" series consisted of about 36 offerings in about 60 separate liveries. These had simple 'Hot Wheels' inspired chrome on hard plastic tires, and no opening features. Though oriented more towards children in price (often selling for only a couple of dollars), the 1:43 models' detail was excellent and the presentation, like the early Saab 900 or the long lived MCA/Mega Monte Carlo model (one version with Russian MIG sponsorship), were quite attractive. Bburago also offered several models in a 1/64 scale. Most models do not have opening features.
Competition increases and closure
By the end of the 1990s, Bburago no longer had a large market share in the 1/18 collector market, as many competitors of both high-end and budget oriented markets were now producing models in this scale. Some of these competitors were Exoto, Maisto, Yatming, Ertl, Mira, Revell, Jouef, Chrono, Anson and also Mattel (under their Hot Wheels brand), to name a few. Maisto became the main budget diecast brand in larger scales and began to eclipse most other manufacturers in that market segment.
Many of these companies had an edge in profitability as their products could be produced with far cheaper labour in Thailand and China, while Bburago continued with more expensive production in Italy making the profit margins rather thin. In October 2005, Bburago declared bankruptcy, and the receivers were called in. Many companies expressed interest in the tooling. Fortunately, the venerable brand name of Bburago was not left to die as it was finally purchased by May Cheong (Maisto) from the bankruptcy court in 2006. This essentially marked the end of Italian mass-produced (and also one of the last European manufactured) affordable diecast vehicles.
Prior to its closure, the company was also hit hard by the grant of an exclusive promotional contract granted to Mattel for the production of scale models of Ferrari
