Originally posted by Vector03

Over the years, I've collected quite a few models; they're fairly difficult to find in good condition, especially with packaging. Of all the brands Argentina sold, these were the highest quality 1/64 you could get; on par with Matchbox. I continue to pick them up if I can, along with other diecast brands from Argentina.

A little history of the brand:

In 1974, the Gillette Company of Argentina was looking for diversification in their product lines, and decided on toys, as during that time, imports were not allowed into Argentina as they had a closed economic policy. Ernesto Bianco, the Director of Marketing and Sales, together with Jorge Novo and Luis Peydro, those responsible for the project, presented the idea to the Gillette's Company Management. The project was a go.

Months later, in San Salvador, David Stone, president of the Gillette Company of Argentina, appeared in the halls of the Alto La Viña Hotel, accompanied by all the directors of Gillette, along with Hugo Cando, a famous automobile reporter. To present the concept, Hugo Cando was shown playing with prototypes of what would become Jet/Gillette's future diecast models.

The entire company participated in that launch and had high expectations. For them, it was revolutionary, both far superior in quality in comparison to other diecast brands from Argentina, and also for the commercial development that it implied. Never in Argentina had there been so much graphic and TV advertising for this category of products.

Toy stores, Pharmacies, and Perfumeries began to distribute the product; essentially any place that sold toys or Gillette Brand razors/products sold Jet/Gillette diecast. In total, about 30 unique models were produced in a span of 4 years, with some never making it past the prototype stage. Once Argentina opened it's economic borders in 1978, and imports from other foreign brands started arriving, sales for Jet/Gillette diecast sank, and their foray into diecast was over. All molds were then sold to Buby, but some models were never released again.

The models in the inital post (listed below) were part of 'Series A.' There was another series in development by a lone Gillette Argentina executive in agreement with Matchbox to market some of its' models under the Jet/Gillette brand; this was 'Series B.' Multinational Gillette did not agree with this undertaking at all. With that, a stop was put to the development of 'Series B,' and it never progressed any further than the prototype stage.

The models that would make up 'Series B:'

Ford Capri - Matchbox #54
Formula 1 - Matchbox #34
Mazda RX500 -Matchbox #66
Gruesome Twosome - Matchbox #4
Dodge Charger - Matchbox #52

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Here is a complete model list:

01 - Brabham BT44
02 - JET 2 / JET Num. 2
03 - JET 3 / JET Num. 3
04 - JET 4 / JET Num. 4
05 - Chevrolet Corvette Mako Shark II
06 - Ford Taunus Coupe
07 - Opel Ambulancia
08 - Mercedes Benz 450
09 - Ford Mustang II
10 - Ford Mark IV
11 - Buggie
12 - Ford Pantera L
13 - Maserati Bora
14 - Bertone Trapeze
15 - Camión tanque Chevrolet 714
16 - Camión playo Chevrolet 714
17 - Camión autobomba Chevrolet 714
18 - Ford 350 grua
19 - Camión Transmix
20 - Camión Frigorífico Chevrolet 714
21 - Brabham BT44-X
22 - Ferrari 312T2
23 - Fiat 133
24 - ___Unreleased/ Model# not Assigned
25 - Formula 1
26 - ___Unreleased/ Model# not Assigned
27 - Renault 5 TS
28 - ___Unreleased/ Model# not Assigned
29 - ___Unreleased/ Model# not Assigned
30 - Camión ganadero Chevrolet 714

Here are numbers 09, 15, 20, 27, and a prototype RX500.
Jet Modelo - Group Shot 2 by Vector03, on Flickr

Here is 06, the Ford Taunus Coupe; it was released in five different colors: green, orange, gold, blue, and violet. The red below was a prototype/unreleased color.
Jet Modelo - Taunus by Vector03, on Flickr

Here is 13, the Maserati Bora, along with it's 100 Series Buby retool. The Buby is a little more crude and doesn't roll as smooth, but still retains the metal base and pop-up headlights; these features were eliminated when the model moved to Buby's 1000 Series. The headlights were cast over and the model received a plastic base.
Jet Modelo vs Buby - Maserati Bora by Vector03, on Flickr

Here are numbers 08, 10, 18, 23, and 30.
Jet Modelo - Group Shot 1 by Vector03, on Flickr

Here is 05, the Chevrolet Corvette Mako Shark II, along with it's 100 Series Buby retool. I feel like these two are on par with each other; the quality didn't start to dwindle until the model moved to Buby's 1000 Series.
Jet Modelo vs Buby - Mako Shark by Vector03, on Flickr

Here is 12, the Pantera. This was the model that got me really interested in Jet/Gillette as I think they made the best Pantera in 1/64 back-in-the-day. It was released in four colors: Black, Blue, Yellow, and Red.
Jet Modelo - Pantera by Vector03, on Flickr