Journal de Tintin N°492, dated 27 March 1958, features a yellow vintage Ford on its lively illustrated cover. Inside, “Une Auto dans la Ville” combines prose by Guy Forez with illustrations by Jean Graton. A Jacobs back-cover episode, aviation reporting and colourful adventure strips complete this 32-page issue.
The Vintage Ford Cover
A yellow open-top Ford approaches the foreground, with its badge visible above the radiator grille. A moustached driver in an orange-brown jacket grips the steering wheel behind the windscreen.
A startled figure in a blue checked shirt fills the lower right corner. Another character appears to the left, adding to the scene’s comic sense of confusion.
The pale-blue background contrasts with the yellow bodywork and dark mudguards. Printed text directs readers to “Une Auto dans la Ville” on pages 12 and 13.
Une Auto dans la Ville
The double-page story is credited to Guy Forez, with illustration by Jean Graton. Columns of prose occupy the upper sections, while a broad colour illustration stretches across the lower spread.
The yellow car races through a town lined with shopfronts, scattering barrels and alarming bystanders. Flying hats, rolling objects and expressive figures give the scene a humorous energy.
This is an illustrated prose story rather than a conventional panelled comic strip. Its connection with the cover gives the automobile theme a clear place within the issue.
Jacobs’ Night Pursuit
The back cover carries E.P. Jacobs’ “S.O.S. Météores!” beneath a yellow title banner. A car leaves the roadway before the sequence follows figures through rain and darkness.
Diagonal rain lines, silhouetted forms and changing viewpoints create a tense atmosphere. Speech and sound effects add urgency to the roadside encounters.
The back cover is described as good to very good, retaining vivid colours. Its condition is distinguished from the more visibly worn front cover.
Aviation, Racing and Period News
“Voici l’Avion Atomique” presents period aviation reporting with aircraft imagery and explanatory text. It offers a glimpse of how ambitious aviation concepts were introduced to readers in 1958.
Graton’s “Le Grand Défi!” includes airport scenes, an airliner and a red sports car. “La Lueur Verte” adds a contrasting adventure sequence with a small boat and turbulent water.
“Le Tour du Monde en 80 Lignes” supplies short news items, including automotive subjects. A BP comic-strip advertisement and “Poste à Galène” radio-kit advertisement preserve further details of the magazine’s original reading experience.
Condition
Fair to good overall. The front cover has significant horizontal creasing across the lower third, edge wear and bending. A vertical crease is also visible in the photographs. No tears are reported.
The back cover is good to very good. All 32 pages are reported intact, with light age toning and vivid colour illustrations. Please review all photographs for the folds, edges and interior presentation.
Key Details
Publication: Journal de Tintin
Issue: N°492, 10ème année
Date: 27 March 1958
Language: French
Page count: 32
Dimensions: 21 × 30 cm
Original cover price: 50 francs
Front cover: Yellow vintage Ford, “Une Auto dans la Ville”
Back cover: E.P. Jacobs, “S.O.S. Météores!”
Interior: Guy Forez/Jean Graton illustrated story, aviation feature, Le Grand Défi!, La Lueur Verte, news and advertisements
Condition: Fair-to-good front cover; good interior; good-to-very-good back cover
SKU: 2C125
Why It's Special
The yellow Ford connects the cover with Graton’s expansive interior illustration. Jacobs’ rain-soaked adventure provides a different visual mood. Aviation reporting, automotive news and period advertisements add interest beyond the illustrated stories.
One Royal Art
At One Royal Art, we curate distinctive vintage pieces with care. This Journal de Tintin brings illustrated storytelling and period character to a thoughtfully collected library.
