Tintin 1/24 Model Car 29922 – La Voiture de Mitsuhirato – Le Lotus Bleu

Author: Hergé & Editions Moulinsart
Manufacturer: Editions Moulinsart / Tintinimaginatio
Format: 1/24 scale model car on display plinth with illustrated diorama and clear protective case
Condition: Brand new and unopened. The model, display case and explanatory booklet remain in their original presentation packaging.

Description

From the official Les Voitures de Tintin collection, this substantial 1/24 scale model of La Voiture de Mitsuhirato, reference 29922, recreates the imposing green saloon associated with Mitsuhirato in Hergé’s Le Lotus Bleu (The Blue Lotus).

The model depicts the large green motor car with contrasting black wings, cream tyres and rear-mounted spare wheel, with Mitsuhirato and his associates represented inside the vehicle. The presentation is completed by a monochrome winter landscape derived from Hergé’s artwork, giving the model the appearance of a three-dimensional scene taken directly from the album.

Produced by Editions Moulinsart as number 22 in the complete 71-model 1/24 Tintin vehicle collection, reference 29922 is closely connected with one of the most important antagonists in The Blue Lotus.

Mitsuhirato initially appears as a respectable Japanese businessman operating in Shanghai, but Tintin gradually uncovers his involvement in espionage, political manipulation and the opium trade. His substantial motor car reinforces that carefully constructed outward image of prosperity and respectability.

The vehicle is especially effective at 1/24 scale. Its long bonnet, upright radiator, large passenger compartment, black wings and cream tyres are reproduced with considerable presence, while the sculpted occupants make it a complete narrative model rather than simply a conventional car miniature.

This example is brand new and unopened. The model, display case and accompanying explanatory booklet remain in their original presentation packaging, making this particularly attractive to collectors seeking an unused example of reference 29922.

Reference: 29922
Collection number: 22
Scale: 1/24
Model: La Voiture de Mitsuhirato
Album: Le Lotus Bleu
Character association: Mitsuhirato
Colour: Green with black wings
Material: Resin, metal and plastic
Presentation: Display plinth with illustrated diorama and clear protective case
Packaging: Original grey and white outer box
Documentation: Original explanatory booklet
Condition: Brand new and unopened
EAN: 2992200000004

La Voiture de Mitsuhirato: A Brief Account

The green saloon is associated with Mitsuhirato, one of the principal antagonists of Le Lotus Bleu.

Outwardly, Mitsuhirato presents himself as a prosperous and influential businessman. As the story develops, Tintin discovers that this respectable appearance conceals a much more dangerous role involving espionage, narcotics and political intrigue.

The car supports that characterisation perfectly. Its substantial size and formal appearance suggest wealth and authority, while its presence within a tense narrative gives it a more sinister association than an ordinary luxury saloon.

Hergé frequently used vehicles in this way. Cars could communicate social standing and personality before a character’s true motives were fully revealed.

Mitsuhirato

Mitsuhirato is one of Hergé’s more sophisticated early villains.

He is not presented merely as a comic criminal but as a man operating within a much wider political and commercial network. That makes him a more credible and dangerous antagonist than many of the villains Tintin encountered in the earliest adventures.

His importance reflects the increasingly mature structure of The Blue Lotus, where personal danger, organised crime and international politics become closely intertwined.

The imposing green car associated with him is therefore more than incidental transport. It becomes part of his carefully maintained public identity.

Le Lotus Bleu: A Brief Account

Le Lotus Bleu is one of the most important albums in the development of The Adventures of Tintin.

The story follows directly from Les Cigares du Pharaon and takes Tintin to China, where he continues his investigation into an international criminal organisation.

The album marks a major change in Hergé’s working methods. His friendship with Zhang Chongren encouraged him to research Chinese culture, architecture, dress and contemporary political circumstances in far greater depth than in his earlier work.

The result is a more nuanced and carefully observed adventure, both visually and narratively.

The album also introduces Chang Chong-Chen, who becomes one of Tintin’s closest friends and later returns in Tintin au Tibet.

Shanghai and the Historical Context

The Shanghai of The Blue Lotus is presented not simply as an exotic setting but as a politically complex modern city.

Hergé incorporates the tensions of the 1930s, foreign concessions, international interests and the strained relationship between China and Japan.

That historical context gives the story unusual depth. Cars, uniforms, buildings and street scenes all contribute to the sense that the action is unfolding in a contemporary and recognisable world.

Mitsuhirato’s car belongs directly to this documentary approach. Its form and styling help anchor the fictional action within the visual language of the period.

Hergé and the Motor Car

Motor vehicles became increasingly important within Hergé’s storytelling as his research methods developed.

A car could indicate status, setting, period and personality at a glance, while also providing movement for pursuits, kidnappings and escapes.

The Mitsuhirato car is particularly effective because of its formal, upright character. It is the kind of vehicle associated with someone of means and authority, which suits Mitsuhirato’s carefully maintained social position.

The clear outlines and strong colour areas also allow the vehicle to sit naturally within Hergé’s evolving ligne claire style.

The 1/24 Moulinsart Model

La Voiture de Mitsuhirato was issued as number 22 in the complete 71-model Les Voitures de Tintin collection.

At 1/24 scale, the car has considerable visual presence. Its long bonnet, black wings, cream tyres, rear-mounted spare wheel and multiple figures are all clearly visible.

The illustrated monochrome backdrop further connects the model with Hergé’s original artwork, giving the impression of a comic-strip panel translated into three dimensions.

The model was originally supplied with its display plinth, protective case, outer packaging and explanatory booklet.

In brand-new, unopened condition, these original presentation elements remain together as issued, an important consideration for collectors assembling high-quality or complete runs of the series.

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering collectible Tintin models, books and related objects that meet high standards of authenticity, condition and presentation. Every item is individually handled, inspected and catalogued in-house at our Ripon gallery.

Our Tintin collection is personally curated by Daniel Hornsey, whose interest in Hergé and The Adventures of Tintin extends back to childhood. Individual models are examined for reference, condition, packaging and accompanying documentation before being offered for sale.

We hold the complete 71-model Tintin 1/24 vehicle series, including unopened examples and carefully preserved ex-display models.

We wholly own all our stock. Postage is free within the UK, with tracked and insured worldwide shipping available. Every purchase is covered by our 14-day unconditional return guarantee.

Cataloguer: Daniel Hornsey

Daniel Hornsey has specialised in fine and rare books, maps, ephemera, artworks and collectable objects for over thirty years. Hornseys was established in 1976 and continues to research and catalogue its stock individually from its gallery and bookshop in Ripon, North Yorkshire.