1:87 scale

MATTEL, USA

       
Mattel (USA) has marketed various 1:87 scale versions
of the 1935 Cadillac V-16 town car, style #5825

    
Here is another, recent (2001) version of the preceding Mattel toy

One more version of this popular Mattel toy

   
The classic look, although the original had a black leather roof covering
[ Photos: © 2007 and courtesy Steve Masson ]

Circa 1:50 scale

TOOTSIETOY, USA

Tootsietoy (USA) made this diecast model
of the 1935 La Salle sedan;
the poor photo is from a video still

Circa 1:18 scale

S S S, JAPAN

   
This early Japanese tin toy y SSS is intended to depict the 1935 Cadillac town sedan

WENGER, TERRY (USA)

   
This is an amateur-built model of Fleetwood styyle #5776 2-passenger coupe
on V-16 chassis; it was built by V-16 owner-enthusiast, Terry Wenger, on the
basis of Supermite's 1934 V-16 Aerodynamic coupe [Fleetwood style #5799]
[ Photos:  Self Starter, June 2006 ]

Circa 1:43 scale

MINIMARQUE, UK

1939 LaSalle convertible coupe

U. The 1937 LaSalle paced that year’s Indianapolis 500 making it the second year in the marque’s short history to be so honoured. Mini Marque ’43 issued this flawless handbuilt white metal open

MIVA MODELS, CZECHOSLOVAKIA

1937 LaSalle convertible coupe with custom body by Sodomka, reputedly built for King George VI of England. Miva Models (Czechoslovakia)
issued this unusual white metal handmade version and then disappeared from the modeling scene. No.1.
[ Photo courtesy GM in Miniature, Veloce Publishing. Author, Randall Olson ]

[UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER]
estimated 1:43 scale

This toy was featured in Model Railroader, April 2004
It is said to depict a 1937 Cadillac sedan; the toy is part of the
collection of the L&S Division of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad

VF MODELLEN, GERMANY
[ click here for full range and prices ]

IMPORTANT NOTE: these true-to-scale model cars are built and assembled with the utmost patience and care;
production numbers are VERY limited (from 12 to a maximum of 250 units of each) it is quite possible that some
models illustrated may no longer be available and cannot be re-issued; in making up these RARE models, many
photo-etched, chrome-plated or black-plated parts are used, as are also the finest decals; carpets also are depicted

[ missing ]

#LAS002 Convertible coupe, model #5067 (white with tan interior)

#LAS002B Convertible coupe, model #5067 (black with tan interior)

Circa 1:18 scale

UNIDENTIFIED, USA

   
Limited edition, metal-cast La Salle coupe (manufacturer unknown)
[ Photo: © 2002, Yann Saunders - Ira Bernstein collection, AZ ]

Unique carved wood model of the 1937 convertible sedan,
from a private collection in Mobile, AL
[ Photo: © 2005, Yann Saunders ]

   
This is the actual car (in the same collection) on which is based the preceding scale-model

Circa 1:8 scale

AFRICAN SCULPTURE, IVORY COAST

   
1937 Cadillac V16  with unique, streamlined roadster body by Hartmann of Lausanne, Switzerland
This is one of only three scale replicas hand carved from an exotic African wood by craftsmen in Yamassoukro,
Ivory Coast;  photos of the original car from the author's private collection served as a guide for the skilled artisans;
of the two remaining units, one is in the collection of Reto Hartmann, in Switzerland [no relation to the Swiss
coach builder] and the other in the private collection of my friend, Philippe Ruel, who lived in the Ivory Coast;
the small photo on the right shows the sculpture in my own collection, below a poster-sized photo of the car taken when it
toured Germany, between May and October 1982, with the Auto-show der Superlative and Veedol Starparade

 

1:43 scale

BROOKLIN, UK
Brooklin Models is one of the world's leading manufacturers of 1:43 scale, collectible white metal model
automobiles and trucks. Dollar for dollar, Brooklin is the best value in white-metal models.

Designer Bill Mitchell’s gorgeous 1938 Sixty Special is a Milestone design. Many examples of the car still exist despite low initial production of 3,695 units. Brooklin Models issued a similar number of white metal replicas in an attractive grey-green hue. Here, is the sedan BRK-86 and Brooklin Factory special 1938 Sixty Special Phaeton, top down, BRK-FS-5. Brooklin created 750 of these handbuilt white metal models in 2005. They were priced at $10 more than a standard Brooklin. The scale model pictured below was custom built by John Roberts who re-sprayed the exterior in a darker “Royal Blue” than the original dark blue and the interior in tan. John also added chrome detailing to the windows, fenders and interior
[ Photos: courtesy GM in Miniature, Veloce Publishing, by author, Randall Olson ]

   
The Brooklin Models company in Britain is recognized
for its finely detailed 1:43 scale replica toys;
this one (#86 in the catalog) depicts the style-setting
1938 Cadillac Series 60 Special

   
This imaginary 1938 Series Sixty Special convertible is based on the preceding model

   
Different lighting conditions and backgrounds suggest two different colors; in  fact they are the same

[ Photo: courtesy GM in Miniature, Veloce Publishing, by author, Randall Olson ]

REXTOYS, SWITZERLAND / PORTUGAL

Rextoys, Switzerland, is responsible for these diecast 1:43 scale models of the
1938-1940 Cadillac V-16, Series 90 cars;  they depict the various body styles built
by Fleetwood  in that three-year period ...including even some unlikely ones!

These toys were market first in 1987 by Count Antonio Giansanti Coluzzi, well known CEO of Fulgurex miniature trains. The are currently built by Vitesse in Portugal and are based on factory line drawings, measurements and original photos that I supplied to the Count from my collection.  The available models include:  the town car, the sedan (including three military versions, the 2-door coupe, the 2-door convertible (including the Cicciolina¹ version), the 4-door convertible sedan (again including the Cicciolina version), a President Roosevelt edition [inspired by the 1938 White House security car but in this case mounted on a regular chassis instead of a stretched one]

[ Photo: AFP ]

___________________________________________
¹ La Cicciolina is a former Italian porn star who subsequently got into the political arena  and was frequently seen (with one or both breasts provocatively bared), in the Palazzo Quirinale (the Italian Parliament - where I  had the honor to work   briefly, in 1971, as a translator/précis-writer for the Inter-Parliamentary Union - IPU); la "Ciccio" was seen also at the launching of these Rextoys replicas ...again with a breast or two bared!

    

    :
The "Vatican" version of the latter car (Rextoys  #1, 1987);  one of these cars was indeed donated to a Cardinal of the Roman college by the daughters of the first owner, Countess Rosario de Larrechea De Schiffner. The Cardinal kept the car in the Vatican garage and it is rumored that Pope Pius XII may have been its passenger on a few ceremonial occasions 

Rextoys #2 (1), 1987, Style #9053 town car for 7 passengers

   
Rextoys #2 (2), 1988, had a removable chauffeur's canopy

 

[ missing image ]

Rextoys #3 (A), 1987, limousine, with divider, tan leather roof;

Rextoys #3 (B), 1987, as previous toy but with promotional decal
for Somajou, a toy retailer in France (limited to 150 units)
[ Photo:  Argus de la Miniature - © 1988, E. Flament ]

 

[ missing image ]

Rextoys #3 (C), 1987, as previous toy, dark gray leather roof, 
a promotional version for the press (180 units, each with its own title document)

 

   
Two unlikely sixteens in military drab
(left) Rextoys #4 (1) in army olive
(right) Rextoys #4 (2) in  navy blue-gray (right)

[ missing image ]

Rextoys #4 (3) with U.S. Airforce decals

   

   
Above two rows: Rextoys #5, style #9057B coupe for 5 passengers

   
Style #9067 convertible coupe, Rextoys #6 (1)

       
The (bare-breasted) Cicciolina version of the convertible coupe, Rextoys #6 (2)
The box came with the (alleged) lipstick imprint of the Cicciolina's lips

Above and below, style #9033F or 9059, formal sedans

   
Formal sedan for five or seven passengers,   style #9033F [7] or #9059 [5]

   
Two more version of the preceding toy

[ missing image ]

Rextoys #7, 1988, as above  but featuring La Cicciolina

   
Style #9029 convertible sedan for 5 passengers, Rextoys #12(A)

[ missing image ]

A limited run with La Cicciolina aboard was made in 1988 for the Japanese market, Rextoys #12(B)

    
Rextoys #12 (R) is supposed to depict Fleetwood job #9006, one of two White House security cars;
however, for that purpose it should have been considerably lengthened between the two side doors

ELEGANCE, FRANCE
(Claude Thibivilliers)

For the sake of comparison, here is the equivalent White House security car, also in 1:43 scale,
from master of precision in miniature, Claude Thibivilliers of  Elegance models
[ to view more Elegance replicas, click here ]

[ UNKNOWN ]

   
1:43 scale model of the 1938 Series 75 convertible sedan used by
Comic strip reporter, Tintin, during his adventure in Tibet

   
Unlikely carved panel hearse on Cadillac V-16 chassis;
possibly a conversion based on the "Rextoys" series

VF MODELLEN, GERMANY

[ missing ]

#LAS001 Flxible ambulance

#LAS003 S&S Damascus carved-panel hearse by Hess & Eisenhardt

Circa 1:32 scale

AVON, USA

The Avon perfume company marketed one
of its products in this bottle in the shape
of a 1938 Cadillac Series 75 town car

[ UNKNOWN, ASIA ? ]

   
Here's an unlikely carved-side hearse
on the 1938 V-16 chassis

       
This gray one was for sale on Ebay in Dec., 2007
The interior detailing and engine compartment are quite striking!

This is a very unique model of a Cadillac Hearse from 1938. I've seen a few for sale on Ebay but no manufacturer is shown. The carved panels are reproduced in plastic on this model. The rest of the body is nice quality (metal) diecast. It has opening front doors and rear door, and an opening hood with detailed engine. It even comes with a miniature, opening casket and beautiful detailed interior.

Circa 1:25 scale

TKM MODELS, USA

  
Nice detail on this limited edition Series 60 Special sedan
from Tom K. Mills, Oklahoma City, OK

Circa 1:24 scale

[ no image ]

The initial prototype model for the preceding Rextoys series was made in
1:24 scale; I believe it is still in the collection of Count Giansanti-Coluzzi,
CEO of Rextoys, in Lausanne, Switzerland

YAT MING, THAILAND

   
Only two of these White House security cars were built (Fleetwood Job #9006); dubbed the Queen Mary and
Queen Elizabeth, these "liners" remained  in service up-to the mid-fifties; during the war the sixteen-
cylinder engines were replaced with V-8s for reasons of economy (for more on these huge cars,
check out the Database page on surviving V-16 models of 1938-1940);

       
While the detailing of this model is excellent, considering its relatively modest price tag, in my opinion
it was unforgivable of the manufacturer, Yat-Ming, to fit the car with the WRONG V-16 engine;
it has the older "452"engine where the cylinder banks are set off at a 45º angle; in reality
that engine could not fit under the lower hood of the 1938 Cadillac! 

 

Circa 1:18 Scale

ANSON, THAILAND (?)
[ PRECISION MINIATURES ?]

Issued in 2003, this Signature Series from Thailand depicts one of eleven Cadillac V-16 town car models of 1938
with a body by Fleetwood (style #9053); the original car was  purchased through GM's former facilities in Alexandria,
Egypt,  by the late Austro-Italian Countess Rosario de Larrechea de Schiffner, a resident of Paris' Ritz Hotel; at her death,
in 1948, her daughters donated the car in 1948 to a Cardinal of the Roman College; it remained for some years in the
garage of the Vatican  where it became known subsequently (and in error)  as "the Pope's V-16"; Signature have
reproduced the car in its present condition, down to the clear-lensed, round parking lights that were added to the base
of the front fenders following a partial restoration in Switzerland

    
The same body style (same year) was purchased in 1938 by a lumber baron from Iowa; it was acquired
in the sixties by my friend Katie Robbins of Dearborn, MI, who has had it ever since

          
The detail to be found on  the scale-model is quite astounding despite its  modest price tag;
it includes even repairs ( patches) performed to the rear quarter panel areas of the leather roof
om this specific car, which I know very well

   
Contrary to the 1:24 scale model of the Cadillac V-16 White House security car
(see above) issued around the same time as this one, in the Fall of 2003,
this toy has the correct, short stroke V-16, with 8-cylinder engine banks angled at 135º

WENGER, TERRY (USA)

This is a very nice, amateur-built model of Fleetwood style #9039 town sedan on the
1938 Cadillac V-16 chassis; it is a conversion from Anson's Fleetwood style #9053 [above]
by  V-16 enthusiast,  Terry Wenger, who happens to own a full-sized version of the car!
[ Photos:  Self Starter, June 2006 ]

Curio

AVON, USA (AND OTHERS)

   
This interesting display was sent to me by Cadillac enthusiast, Jeff Maltby; it shows some scale-model Cadillacs and toys exhibited on top of a 1937 La Salle radiator grille and headlamp assembly; there are two Rextoys in military garb (balanced on the headlight pods), three Avon bottles in the shape of a the 1938 Town car [see preceding 1:32 scale miniature] and a gray, 1948 Tootsietoy 60 Special sedan; I don't recognize the toy on the left of the Avon bottles.  Jeff ?
[ Photos: courtesy Jeff Maltby ]

Unknown origin and scale
[possibly Jean Rheault, possibly 1:13 scale, possibly made 2001]

        
Manufacturer unknown; I believe these pics came off the Internet;
this replica depicts a 1938 Cadillac with a custom funeral limousine body

I get so much stuff from so many different sources that I sometimes forget their origin;
this beautiful, miniature, 1:13 scale 1938 La Salle hearse may have been built
in April 2001 by Jean Rheault.  Who knows it ?

1:25 scale

T K M  MODELS, USA
(Tom K. Mills)


Here are some 1:25 scale replicas from my former collection: they are resin
kits from the seventies, requiring better than average building
and painting skills; these were assembled and painted by my friend,
Baron Helmut Von Anzengrüber;  they are (from left to right):
the 1941 Series 62 convertible coupe, 1939 Series 60 Special
and the 1938 Series 60 Special

Circa 1:41 scale

BROOKLIN, UK

   
Left: 1939 La Salle 5-pass. coupe and right: 1939 La Salle 2-pass. coupe

Q. 1939 LaSalle 5 window coupe, GM’s lowest priced LaSalle at $1200. Brooklin made this white metal model in maroon. BRK-122. Photo courtesy GM in Miniature, Veloce Publishing. Author, Randall Olson.

R. 1939 LaSalle by Brooklin Models. The 2dr sedan was outsold 15 to 1 by the 4dr model’s 15,000 buyers. A nice model with a carefully hand-scored grille, the builder only issued this replica in light green. BRK-98. Photo courtesy GM in Miniature, Veloce Publishing. Author, Randall Olson.

S. Only one of these 1939 LaSalle 4dr sedan replicas was made by John Roberts from a Brooklin Models 2dr sedan. Photo courtesy GM in Miniature, Veloce Publishing. Author, Randall Olson.

T. A one of a kind 1939 LaSalle 4dr convertible sedan made from a Brooklin model by John Roberts. Photo courtesy GM in Miniature, Veloce Publishing. Author, Randall Olson.

UNIDENTIFIED, USA

       
In the center, a tinplate auto transporter carrying two tinplate 1939 La Salle models in approx. 1:41 scale
these toys are in the collection of my friend Armand Montandon, in Geneva, Switzerland; again,
the poor image quality comes from my trying to photograph the TV screen while playing a video cassette

Circa 1:32 scale

HUBLEY, USA

           
La Salle sedan; this is in the same vein as the 1941 Cadillac sedans
(below) except that the La Salle has a more pronounced trunk in the rear
[ Photo: © 2002, Yann Saunders - Bob Blake collection, AZ ]

Circa 1:24 scale

MOTOR CITY, USA

     
Carved side hearse
[ images: www.diecastgarage.com ]

1:64 scale

JADA (FAR EAST)

BROOKLIN, UK

   
Brooklin Models (UK) are reputed for making fine diecast models in 1:43 scale;
(top left) #14a (1983), 1940 Cadillac V-16 convertible coupe without sidemounts;
(top right and lower photo) #14b (1983), the same car, with sidemounts, for the Canadian market
The Canadian version is the CTCS 1983 edition [400 built]

I believe this (unlikely) model of a Cadillac ambulance on the 1940
Cadillac V-16 chassis was made also by Brooklin Models (UK)

MINI AUTO EMPORIUM (MAE), CANADA

[ missing photos ]

Mini Auto Emporium (MAE) 1:43 scale 1940 Series 62 sedan, 2-tone paint job

Mini Auto Emporium (MAE) 1:43 scale 1940 Series 62 convertible coupe 

NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM MINT, UK

   
Custom Series 62 convertible by Derham; a very nice replica of a surviving car
Each model carries its own card and certificate of authenticity

DEPARTMENT 56, USA

This is a copy of the Brooklin model

TOOTSIETOY, USA

   
#230, La Salle sedan (3" long)
This one came up for sale on Ebay in June, 2008

UNIDENTIFIED, USA (?)

   
Limited edition, diecast  La Salle sedan (manufacturer unknown)
[ Photo: © 2002, Yann Saunders - Bob Blake collection, AZ ]

Recent issue, "Series 60 Special"

VICTORY MODELS, USA

1940 LaSalle S52 convertible by Victory Models. Carefully crafted in resin, this handbuilt model in Oxblood Maroon
came with a top and convertible boot so that it may be displayed open or closed. VM-10.
Photo courtesy GM in Miniature, Veloce Publishing. Author, Randall Olson

Circa 1:25 scale

TKM MODELS, USA

   
Once again, a nicely detailed, limited edition Series 60 Special sedan
from Tom K. Mills, Oklahoma City, OK

Circa 1:18 scale

JADA, FAR EAST

       
Once again, a nicely detailed, limited edition Series 60 Special sedan
[ inspired by the movie, The Godfather ]

Circa 1:43 Scale

BRUCE ARNOLD [BAM], USA

Bruce has been a life-long collector of classic cars. He became interested in collecting model cars in 1988, when he first discovered 1/43 scale. His knowledge of both automotive history and the model car industry earned him the position of feature writer for Model Auto Review, the most prestigious international collectors' magazine.

In 1998, he began manufacturing models of his own design and pattern to see if he could create The Perfect Model Car. His first model, a 1953 Cadillac Eldorado, was introduced and promptly chosen Most Collectible Model of the Year by the authoritative Mobilia Magazine.

In 1999, Cadillac Motor Division commissioned a special edition for their world-wide Cadillac Collection "2000" promotion.

These are the fisrt releases in Bruce's new 1/43 scale range called the Model Museum Collection. In response to requests for something more exclusive, these will be very special model subjects. The models will have extraordinary detailing with authentic interior materials used where possible. Because these models will be handbuilt production numbers will be very low. Therefore, the price will be considerably higher than typical BAM models.

Model Museum #1 is the 1953 Cadillac Orleans Motorama dream car [see this page].

Model Museum #2 will be called the Harley Earl. The low slung town car never left the drawing board but it has the same sectioned body and flow through fenders as the 1942 parade phaeton designed by Earl. Updated to 1947 details, this version also features a lowered half-closed roof.  The master pattern, completed in 2006, is shown below.

Barring the open front, town car configuration, this model is very sililar to a
custom Fleetwood sedan commissined by the late Duke of Windsor; you may view it here

 

VICTORY MODELS, USA

1941 Cadillac Sixty Special. Replica by Victory Models from 2001-02. In Gunmetal Grey and Berkley Grey. VM-3.
Photo courtesy GM in Miniature, Veloce Publishing. Author, Randall Olson

 
A superbly proportioned and well detailed 1:43^rd scale replica of the 1941 S61 club coupe.
Issued by Victory Models in 2002. VM-8.
Photo courtesy GM in Miniature, Veloce Publishing. Author, Randall Olson.

 
1941 S62 convertible coupe in Oceano Blue with simulated oxblood leather interior. Produced by Victory Models in 2002,
this gorgeous limited edition resin and white metal replica retailed for $175. VM-1A.
Photo courtesy GM in Miniature, Veloce Publishing. Author, Randall Olson.

 
1941 was the last year that Cadillac offered both a 2dr and 4dr convertible. The 4dr convertible sedan or “phaeton” sold
only 400 units which was a far cry from the 3,100 2dr convertible Series 62 models that Cadillac made.
Victory Models VM-1A with detachable top up and VM-4.
Photo courtesy GM in Miniature, Veloce Publishing. Author, Randall Olson.

 
J. Interior of Victory Models' 1941 S62 VM-4.
Photo courtesy GM in Miniature, Veloce Publishing. Author, Randall Olson.

   
Thanks to Database visitor, Ray Paszkiewicz, Jr.,   this diecast 4-door convertible sedan
has now been correctly identified [it was previously shown in error as a Western Models replica];
Ray should know, he MAKES the Victory models; this one is #VM-4 and is the first color used
for this body style (that color is no longer available - the second and current color is Sequoia Cream;
Victory has made 4 different 1941 Cadillac body styles, as well as #VM-10, a 1940 LaSalle convertible coupe
[ Photo: © 2002, Yann Saunders - Bob Blake collection, AZ ]

 
A quartet of 1940 LaSalle and 1941 Cadillac models by Victory Models.
Photo courtesy GM in Miniature, Veloce Publishing. Author, Randall Olson.

Circa 1:32 scale

HUBLEY, USA

   
One rough and one better Hubley taxi versions of the Series 62 sedan

    
This 1941 Series 62 sedan in approx. 1:32 scale was a popular Hubley (USA) metal
model before and just after WW2;  it was available also in a taxi version (above)

These miniature 1941 Cadillacs all are based on the popular Hubley diecast
model of the Series 62 sedan, in 1:32 scale.  From left to right we see the custom
Duchess limousine (built for the Duke of Windsor and Ms. Wallis Simpson),
a town car conversion by Derham on the Sixty-Special chassis, an imaginary (?)
taxi, the regular Series 62 convertible coupe and the regular Series 62 sedan

       
Detailed Hubley toy from author's former collection

[image missing ]

It is reported that a "1941" La Salle also exists in this series
[ it is probably a 1940 model, last year of La Salle production ]

Circa 1:25 scale

TKM MODELS, USA

It seems I lost the negative of the front view of this
limited edition, very pretty Series 62 convertible
by Tom K. Mills, Oklahoma City, OK

1:24 scale

DANBURY MINT, USA

    
Stupendous 1:24 scale model of the 1941 Cadillac Sixty Special,
opening doors and hood, detailed engine compartment, trunk, wide white-walls

Circa 1:16 scale

WYANDOTTE, USA

Large tin litho toy;  it has two opening doors; it exists
also with a roof rack; this lovely toy depicts a real Cadillac station wagon
that was built by Coachcraft of Hollywood for screen star William Starrett;
I acquired mine as a gift from a friend and toy historian, Lillian Gottschalk

   
The toy was available also in blue

   
This much rarer version of the same basic toy
was sold on EBay in August, 2005, for more than $400

Circa 1:41 scale

RALSTOY, USA

   
Toy is intended to depict the 1942 or 1946 
Cadillac sedan with pontoon fenders

[ missing photos ]

I detailed the one in my collection
[ Photos in Argus de la Miniature #109, p.6 ]

Circa 1:8 scale

AFRICAN SCULPTURE, IVORY COAST

Through Philippe Ruel (Ivory Coast) work in progress on a 1:8 scale "sculpture",
made of exotic African woods,  of my Black Pryncess,
a 1942 Fleetwood Series 75, style #7519-F limousine for 5-pass.

In the foreground, 1:43 scale toy gives the proper measure of the wood replica

   
Zippo lighter also gives an idea of size !

This is one of only two similar replicas hand carved from exotic African woods by local craftsmen
in Yamassoukro;  photos of the author's car served as a guide for the skilled artisans;
one unit is in the collection of my son, Philip, in France, and the other in the private collection of my
friend, Philippe Ruel, through whom I was able to obtain these replicas when he lived in the Ivory Coast

[ the Zippo lighter gives an idea of the size of  the model ! ]

[check this page for other African Cadillac "sculptures"]

Unknown scale

UNIDENTIFIED, USA (?)


Possibly an early post-WW2 Japanese tinplate toy
depicting a 1942 Cadillac convertible (the actual car did
not have the vertical hash marks on the front fenders -
these were seen only on the Series 60 Special sedan)