HELLER 56625 HELLER: STARTER KIT AVENIR

Experience the allure of maritime history with the Heller Starter Kit - Avenir 1:200, an intricately detailed model that brings the luxury of the Avenir car ferry to your collection. This model kit is perfect for enthusiasts and hobbyists looking to delve into the world of ship modeling. Featuring three exquisite decal versions representing France's Avenir from 1965, Italia's Espresso Corinto from 1976, and Panama's Shahrazad from 1984, each model embodies the nostalgia of the 1960s era of Mediterranean ferry transportation.

The Avenir was not only a pioneering ferry crafted by Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée but also a vessel of comfort and innovation. With a capacity for 918 passengers and 130 vehicles, this ship was a marvel of its time, complete with air conditioning and luxurious amenities including a dining room, lounges, and even a swimming pool. Every detail of the Avenir model is designed for authenticity, making it a fantastic addition to any model ship collection.

Ideal for beginners and seasoned model builders alike, the Heller Starter Kit provides everything needed to construct and paint your own replica of this iconic ferry. Whether for educational purposes or as a decorative piece, this model is a standout choice that reflects rich maritime heritage. Create your own piece of history and celebrate the golden age of Mediterranean travel with the Heller Starter Kit - Avenir 1:200.

Background

Since the 1960s, car ferries have become widespread in the Mediterranean. At the beginning of 1965, the Compagnie de Navigation Mixte, based in Marseille, commissioned a car ferry at Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée in La Seyne-sur-Mer. The Avenir was their first car ferry and the last ship the company ordered. Commissioned on 4 November 1965, launched on 21 June 1966, and delivered on 25 March 1967, the ship was designed for the modern traveler who needed to bring their car aboard.

The Avenir was fully air-conditioned and offered space for 918 passengers, divided between passenger class, seats, and dormitories, as well as room for 130 vehicles. Cabin class passengers enjoyed a dining room, lounges with a dance floor, a lido bar with a swimming pool, a shop, and a TV screen. Economy class passengers had access to a bar and brasserie with television. Its inaugural cruise to the Balearic Islands and Tunis occurred in April 1967, with the first commercial voyage shortly after.

The Avenir operated between France, Algeria, and Tunisia until 1975, after which it was sold to the Italian company Trans Tirreno Express in 1976 and renamed Espresso Corinto. The ship served routes between Italy and Greece until being decommissioned in 1981. Later purchased by the Panamanian company Marinvest Founds in 1984 and renamed Shahrazad, it transported Muslim pilgrims to the Red Sea until its career ended in 1985 when it sank near Jeddah after a fire.