Description: Introduced at the turn of the 1970s, the Fiat 697 was designed for the heaviest missions: public works, quarries, material transport, and construction sites. With its typically Italian forward-control cab and powerful diesel engines, it quickly became one of the most common trucks on major Italian construction sites. At a time when Italy was still experiencing strong economic growth, these imposing six-wheelers participated in the construction of highways, buildings, and infrastructure across the country. The Fiat 697 remains today one of the most emblematic Italian heavy trucks of the 1970s. Founded in Turin in 1945, Mercury established itself during the 1950s and 1960s as a firm that produced many high-quality zamac miniatures. But the years passed... It was now 1970, and the market had evolved. Manufacturing costs were increasing; and children's demands were changing. To remain competitive, Mercury gradually adopted more plastic components while retaining attractive models for children. This involved producing mixed metal/plastic constructions; using modern one-piece plastic wheels with decorations; and utilizing bright colors. This brings us to the example we offer here of the Mercury Fiat 697. With its one-piece wheels, its simplified chassis finish, and its attractive, original colors; we can date this example to production between 1973 and 1978. This variant illustrates Mercury's last years of production and testifies to the evolution of Italian miniatures at a pivotal period in their history.