Circa 1:90 Scale

BUSCH, GERMANY

Praliné, Germany brought out a series of a so-called 
1954 Cadillac model in the eighties; it is actually from circa 1950

SCHUCO, GERMANY

This cute little Cadillac coupe from the early fifties,
in 1:90 scale, is made by Schuco, Germany, under
the Piccolo label (piccolo is Italian for "small");
it is one of a limited edition of 1,000 units

Not sure of the scale of this Piccolo toy by Schuco, Germany

A database visitor, Thilo Bürgel, informed me in 2010 that different non-linmited and 
limited-editions of this toy were also marketed, e.g. in beige, light blue and red with black roof

Circa 1:90 Scale

1:87 Scale

BUSCH, GERMANY

From Busch, Germany, comes this 1:87 scale
replica of an early fifties [1952?] convertible

  
Chris Hardegger, a friend and Cadillac toy collector from Switzerland,
says the Busch convertible (upper row) and the Praliné 1954 coupe (left)
both are from 1950, although the box says "1954". He believes that Busch
uses the Praliné molds (the models look identical, except for the trim)

Database visitor, Thilo Bürgel, informed me in 2010 that the Praliné coupes and convertibles came in normal and De Luxe versions; the "normal"
range had silver bumpers and rims, with black tires; the De Luxe versions had chrome bumpers and rims with all-white tires, as well as a Continental kit

These Praliné toys are from the author's former collection

   
A beautifully done hearse, by Germany's Busch

...and another, presumably also on the same chassis

   
Two German ambulances on the same chassis; one (above) marked "Faith", the other (below) marked "Hope"

Database visitor, Thilo Bürgel, informed me in 2010 that Busch used the old models from Praline but with a
different trim; the Busch models have white-wall tires and red trail lights; bumpers and rims are chrome.

MODEL POWER MINIS (?)

1953 Eldorado
(so identified by Database visitor Thilo Bürgel in 2010)

1:43 Scale

AMR (André-Marie Ruf), BELGIUM

     
(Left):  White metal kit, 1979, of 1950 Series 61 sedan, Ref. #4B
by AMR [André-Marie Ruf], Belgium;  right: completed toy, Ref. #4A

    
André-Marie Ruf of Belgium had this superb kit model of the 1950 Series 61 coupe made up, circa 1979; André
asked his top kit assembler to build this one for his [André's] own, personal collection; pity about that gold-tone!

   
A similar white metal kit of the Series 62
convertible also was available from AMR, Ref. #4D
Ref. #4C referred to this kit, assembled by the manufacturer

BROOKLIN, UK

     
This is the Cadillac Series 62 sedan, from the British model maker

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.

    
Cadillac "Series 61" sedan - the entry level Cadillac

    
1950 Series 75 sedan and limousine - a new model in preparation, December 2014

BIZARRE MODELS, USA

1950 Le Mans "Le Monstre"

ELEGANCE, FRANCE
[ Claude Thibivilliers]

   
Left: Custom 1950 Cadillac Service car 
Right: Fire Chief station wagon

  
1950 Series 62 convertible (below)

Miniature of a custom 1950 Series 75 limousine with "mirror" windows in the passenger
compartment to prevent onlookers from seeing the occupants (the many wives of the late King
Ibn Seoud of Saudi Arabia) - 20 such cars were commissioned from Hess & Eisenhardt, USA
[ Photo: courtesy Randall Olson, author of GM in Miniature ]

Among the finest 1:43 scale replicas I know are the Elegance models
hand-made by my friend, Claude Thibivilliers, a French master-craftsman
[ I have devoted a special page to his beautiful creations ]

JOHN DAY, UK

Le Mans racing barquette "Le Monstre" [factory assembled]
[ Photo: Argus de la Miniature - © 1988 E. Flament ]

[  missing images ]

John Day (UK), Series 61 coupe, Le Mans [model assembled at the factory] 1965

John Day (UK), Series 61 coupe, Le Mans [kit], 1965

John Day (UK),  Le Mans barquette [kit] ???

SLICK, USA (?)

#2 (1987), Le Mans racing barquette, "Le Monstre"
[ Photo: Argus de la Miniature - © 1988 E. Flament ]

UNIDENTIFIED, USA

Fiberglas kit of 1950 Le Mans 1950 "Le Monstre"

   
This cute plastic 50's convertible (unknown maker) has a flip-open convertible top
[ Photos: © 2002, Yann Saunders - Bob Blake collection, AZ ]

VITESSE, FRANCE / PORTUGAL

   
A well-known Cadillac with a racing heritage; this is the 1950 Cadillac Series 61 coupe that racing
specialist Briggs Cunningham entered in the 24-hour Le Mans race that year; the 1:43-scale, Ref. #283 (1987)

An unlikely Tour de France cycle race publicity car for
for La Vache qui Rit [the Laughing Cow] brand of processed cheese

This toy is advertised as a 1953 Cadillac; in fact,
it depicts a 1950 model; initially made by Vitesse, in France,
mass-production of these diecast toys subsequently
was switched to Portugal, that offers cheaper labor

[ missing images ]

1953 Eldorado fromVitesse and Retro-Vitesse, brought to my attention in 2010 by Thilo Bürgel, a visitor to the Database; he pinted out
that the difference between the Vitesse and Retro-Vitesse models  is that the Vitesse have chrome steering wheels while the others are white.

[ missing images ]

Vitesse Ref.: #282 (1987) Coupe,   Ref. #284 (1987) San Francisco Fire Department,
Ref. #285 (1988???) Series 62 convertible (open)

[ Missing image ]

Ref.: #4E Le Mans coupe [factory assembled, limited edition of  50 units]
Ref.: #4F, same but not a limited edition
Ref, #4G, same but in kit form

UNIDENTIFIED, USA (?)

Another version of the Cadillac-powered barquette
that ran in Le Mans road race in 1950

     
Harley Earl (GM) Buick Le Sabre roadster- the mother of all Cadillac dream cars

WALLY, USA (?)

Circa 1:32 Scale

MARX (?), USA

[ Unidentified, crude plastic toy; possibly Marx, USA ]

OCAR SCALE REPLICAS, USA (?)

This resin kit of the 1950 Briggs Cunningham Le Mans racer includes detailed
resin body, interior, vacform screen units, two front lights and decal sheet

UNIDENTIFIED, USA

   
Seen for sale on e-Bay in 2002 was this unidentified,   plastic
1950 coupe of unknown scale (I'm guessing circa 1:32)

Circa 1:25 Scale

TKM MODELS, USA
[Tom K. Mills]

This resin kit of the 1950 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75
limousine is one of many issued by my friend
Tom Mills [TKM Models, USA]; scale is 1:25

UNIDENTIFIED, JAPAN

   
Made in early post-WW2 Japan this crudely stamped tinplate electric toy features a front clip in the
style of the 1949 Cadillac models; it has working headlights and a switch on the side for forward
and reverse movement; other similar versions were available, without the mechanical movement

    
This battery-operated, cable-controlled electric Cadillac toy of the early fifties was made in post-WW2
Japan; it is 9" long, so the scale is around 1:25; I am guessing that the toy, below, is from the same source

   

[ This photo:  Internet, 2001 ]

Circa 1:24 Scale

EXIN, SPAIN

[ missing image ]

Exin, Spain [almost identical to Wyandotte model, above]

MOTO-LECTRIC (?), JAPAN

  

          
Although the box depicts what looks like an early fifties Pontiac, the front clip of this toy is most
definitely Cadillac, this Moto-Lectric toy is one of many made in early post-WW2 Japan

T.N. [NOMURA], JAPAN

   
Crudely built, lithographed tinplate toy from TN, Japan; it measures circa 8¼ inches, being a scale near
1:24; the toy operates with a battery; it has a lever sticking out of the trunk; when placed in the central
position, the motor is turned off; moved to the right or left, the car will travel forwards or backwards;
the front wheels are set to steer the car to the right; the toy below was seen for sale  on e-Bay, in 2001

WYANDOTTE, USA

    
Above four rows: these plastic and metal 1950 sedans were issued by
Wyandotte ( USA); the scale is circa 1:24 (various colors were available - see below)

Circa 1:18 Scale

ALPS, JAPAN

The most desirable among the Japanese tin toys of the fifties is this one
by Alps; the box cover displays the 1952 Series 62 convertible coupe

   
Two different versions are available; the more common one is the black car (above 2 rows); it features
a "W" in lieu of a "V" emblem on the front hood, and a "DeLuxe" in script, on the sides; the rarer
version is the red one, above, with the correct "V' on the hood and "Cadillac" in script on the sides
[ Photo: © 2002, Yann Saunders - Ira Bernstein collection, AZ ]

This photo from Mature Man uses an Alps
tinplate Cadillac toy as an advertising  prop

FULGUREX "FIFTIES", SWITZERLAND / JAPAN

   
1950 Fifties series sedan and convertible commissioned by Fulgurex, Switzerland, and made in Japan
in the mid-eighties in ) circa 1:18 scale; each car comes with an individual numbered license tag
and corresponding title document! Other colors (below) included pink, red and blue

    
The first edition had a red colored wheel disc center; later versions have plain,
unpainted wheel covers (below),  presumably to diminish production costs by just a few cents

IDEAL, USA

    

      
[Above two rows]: Ideal Toy Co, USA made this relatively large-scale "junior mechanic" special 1950 Cadillac
convertible coupe; the toy features opening hood and trunk,  tools (including hammer, wheel  wrench, screwdriver,
car jack, etc.); fluids could be added to the radiator, the oil sump, the battery and the fuel tank; wheel changes
were a favorite mini-repair operation.  The toy came in a cardboard garage and included a full set of US license tags

LUXE CAR, CHINA

   
1950 Cadillac sedan by Luxe Car, China , made in the
late eighties, Ref.  #MF330; this was a cheap, lightweight,
sloppy imitation of the original Fifties toy [above]

MARUSAN, JAPAN

    
The Fifties models by Fulgurex were inspired by this design from Marusan, Japan;  it is much sought after; in the
late eighties, at the height of the tin toy boom, one of these in fine condition could easily fetch $3,000-3,500; the box
depicts a black, 1950 Series 60 Special sedan, but the toy more closely resembles the Series 62 sedan of that vintage

   
[Above two rows]: Also by Marusan [Tomaru] are these rarer,
cable-operated, electric versions of the same car

I photographed the toy with these two
period ads for the 1950 Cadillac

PAYA, SPAIN

   
This interesting and relatively rare plastic and metal toy by Paya, Spain, has a clockwork motor;
this toy was available also in yellow (LVA - #892, p.33)
[ Photo: © 2002, Yann Saunders - Bob Blake collection, AZ ]

   
These are from the author's former collection;
The one on the left has been detailed

T.N. [NOMURA], JAPAN

These are tin toy Cadillacs [the "fat Cadillacs"]  by TN [Nomura], Japan

    
This is one of many tin toys built on the same chassis by TN of Japan in the mid-fifties;
scale is approx. 1:18; known as the "fat Cadillac" the front clip is unmistakably Cadillac but
the rear appendages are somewhat out of place; nonetheless, this is a very desirable toy

Labeled as Cadillacs, these toys feature side-trim
from GM's Pontiac models of that year

       
[ This one is from the author's former collection ]

Circa 1:12 Scale

De HORNE, EMMANUEL, SWITZERLAND
[ these models are made mainly of paper and card ]

   
Early 1950s Coupe

Circa 1:4 Scale

UNIDENTIFIED, USA

   
This cute pedal car in circa 1:4th scale carries the
Kadillac script [with a "K"] on the front fenders, although the
general lines of the car are not reminiscent of any specific 50s
Cadillac model; this toy was featured in an ad for Dodge cars

[other photo ???]

1:43 Scale

BROOKLIN, UK

       
Finely detailed Series 62 sedan
[ Photos: courtesy  "Forum 43" - Internet ]

BRUCE ARNOLD, USA

1952 Cadillac Series 60 Special sedan

ELEGANCE MODELS, FRANCE

Elegance Models’ Claude Thibivilliers created only 3 replicas of this model in silver, which he dubbed the “Executive Speedster”;
This is a superb replica of a special 1951-52 Cadillac roadster conversion on 1951 Series 62 (style 6237DX) coupe chassis that was custom-built
as a gift from Harley Earl to his good friend  Harold R. "Bill" Boyer who was then GM's executive VP in charge of tank production during the Korean conflict
[ Photo courtesy GM in Miniature, Veloce Publishing, author Randall Olson ]

ERTL, USA

From ERTL, USA comes this nicely proportioned
and well-built 1952 sedan, Ref. #2541

SUN MOTOR, UK

   
[ B&W photos: Argus de la Miniature, #104, p .7 ]

Ref.: #123 (1988) Series 75 limousine
[ Photo: courtesy Randall Olson, author of GM in Miniature ]

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 ]

CC0032 Superior end-loading funeral coach

CC0033 Superior end-loading ambulance

CC0034 Fleetwood Series 75 limousine

CC0035 Series 62 convertible

CC0035B Series 62 convertible

Circa 1:32 Scale

STRUCTO, USA

Structo 1952 Cadillac coupe, Ref. # ...
[ Photo:  Internet, 2004 ]

[ Scale unknown ]

UNIDENTIFIED, USA (?)

  
From an unknown model builder comes this interesting
1952 Cadillac convertible, honed out of wood
[ Photos:  Internet, 2001 ]

1:25 Scale

BANTHRICO, USA

   
Banthrico (USA) made these die-cast banks that  have long been popular collectibles; these two depict the 1952
Cadillac Series 62 sedan; the pink one, below, advertises the Illinois National Bank & Trust Co. of Rockford, IL

1:8 Scale

[WOOD SCULPTURES], IVORY COAST

Simple, solid iroko wood base, with a wheel
at each corner and a spare in the center

   
Much more lifelike than the preceding wooden toy on this page is this large, 1:8th scale model of a
1952 Cadillac sedan, sculpted from solid billets of iroko and ebony woods by local artisans in
Yamassoukro, in West Africa's Ivory Coast for my friend, Philippe Ruel
[ these "African sculptures" of Cadillacs and other models have a special page in this toy Database ]

1:110 Scale

RUSS, HONG KONG

[ missing image ]

Russ, Hong Kong, 1953 Eldorado
made of erasing rubber

Circa 1:87 Scale

MALIBU, USA (?)

   
Identified in 2010 by Database visitor, Thilo Bürgel - he said  the model was also available in bronze metallic

   
Thilo said the same mold was used by Model Power, High Speed, Malibu (by High Speed) and Schuco. Schuco produced the car only in red.
The other companies issued them in various colours. Only Malibu released the car with a caravan. Malibu Eldorados have unpainted sun visors. Schuco
and Model Power always have sun visors painted in the body colour. High Speed made some models with, and some without, painted sun visors.

Circa 1:71 Scale

GOODEE, USA

   
1953 Cadillac Eldorado in circa 1:87 scale by Goodee, USA; as above,
the toy looks good from the side and rear but, again, the front clip is way off

I believe this one too is from Goodee

Enthusiast Steve Masson wrote: I measured this car: 77mm long. According to your database, the real 1953 Eldorado
was 215.5 inches long (converted = 5473.7mm)  divided by the 77mm = 1/71 scale hope this is of some use

[ Thanks Steve, I've moved these toys into this 1:71 scale section ]

MIDGETOY, USA

1953 Cadillac Eldorado in circa 1:87 scale by
Midgetoy, Rockford, IL; the toy looks good from
the side and rear, but the front clip is way off

   
Database visitor, Thilo Bürgel, confimed in 2010 that these two toys are repainted;
he added that Midgetoy never painted  windshields or bumpers in silver
(these two offered for sale on e-Bay)
According to Steve Masson, another Database visitor, this toy was also available in single-tone red

Circa 1:66 Scale

HIGH SPEED, CHINA

1953 Eldorado [ box reads:
"2001 Reader's Digest Association, Inc."]

JADA, FAR EAST

Custom job based on 1953 Cadillac coupe

MATTEL, USA

Mattel (USA) 1953 Eldorado "turbo"
from comic strip book Cadillacs and Dinosaurs

   
Mattel "Hot Wheels" Eldorado
replicating a custom conversion by John d'Agostino

This "custom" job was identified  as a 1953 Eldorado from Mattel (Hot Wheels);
it was available only with the McDonalds "Happy Meal"
(info from Database visitor, Thilo Bürgel, in 2010)

Thilo said that most "custom" versions of the Cadillac Eldorado for 1953
were part of a set; only the red one (above) and a silver one were sold separately

Another custom Eldorado by Hot wheels

   
Custom 1953 Eldorado
[ These 2 photos: © 2007 and courtesy Steve Masson ]

Custom Eldorado Hot Rod

YATMING, HONG KONG

   
Standard 1953 convertible
[ These 2 photos: © 2007 and courtesy Steve Masson ]

Circa 1:50 Scale

DINKY TOYS, UK

The oldest 1953 Eldorado toy I believe is this one in
1:50 scale from Dinky Toys in the UK; these were issued in
1956; Ref. #131A was yellow with painted, convex wheels;
Ref. #131B was salmon, with similar wheels; #131C was
yellow but had chromed, concave wheels; #131D was light
tan, again with with chromed, concave wheels

UNIDENTIFIED, USA (?)

   
Manufacturer unknown; reminiscent of the 1953 Cadillac models
[ Photos: © 2002, Yann Saunders - Bob Blake collection, AZ ]

Unidentified cute toy

Circa 1:43 Scale

ABC MODELS, USA (?)

A new (2013-14) - and very "different" creation from ABC Models:
the 1953 Cadillac coupe by Ghia, brought to my attention by BAM (below)

BRUCE ARNOLD [BAM], USA

1953 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Special by Bruce Arnold Models of California. BAM #2: 
Pictured in two-tone Azure & Cobalt Blue, this highly detailed 1:43 scale white metal model is the
second model to be manufactured by Cadillac's official pattern maker, Bruce Arnold. These models
are hand built in England and sold through the Cadillac merchandise brochure as well as the
Cadillac Mall website. The 2000 Cadillac merchandise brochure listed these models for $399.00 each

   
Pictured here is the same car in the extremely rare two-tone paint combination,
Emerald and Gloss Green (top); below is a more common color:  Phoenix Beige

    
Six 1953 Cadillac Eldorado convertibles by Bruce Arnold Models of California. BAM #1:  the are pictured her in Alpine white
with two-tone blue & white interior,   Alpine white with two-tone red & white interior and top in place, Yellow ochre with black interior,
Azure blue with black and white interior, Aztec red with red interior and soft top in place  and Black with two-tone red & white interior;
the highly detailed 1:43 scale white metal 1953 Cadillac Eldorado was the first model released by Bruce Arnold in 1999.
This was also the first 1:43 scale model to be offered directly through the Cadillac Merchandising Department. 
Current examples have separate plastic headlight lenses and include a removable soft-top [two examples are shown above)
[ All photos: © 1999-2005 and courtesy Bruce Arnold ]

   
I believe the models on the above two rows also are from BAM

   
Bruce Arnold Models' Celebrity Series #1: Aretha is a custom 1953 Cadillac Eldorado based on the car
that Aretha Franklin sings about in the hit song, Freeway of Love. This highly detailed 1:43 scale white
metal model features pearlescent pink paint with two-tone pink & white interior. The detail of this
model is stunningly accurate, right down to the Cadillac crests on the Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels

        
Above two rows: BAM #CS-1PE Aretha, custom 1953 Eldorado;
this is the pattern maker's edition #3 out of 6 made

The above very rare and specially detailed 1/43 scale, hand-built, white metal model is a BAM Pattern maker's Edition. It is beautifully finished in pearlescent pink and features a matching Pink and Ivory interior. Aretha is a chopped, nosed, decked, shaved, slammed, pearlescent pink 1953 Cadillac Eldorado with fronted headlights, custom taillights, extended rear fenders, continental kit, removable stainless steel Carson top and "MOTOWN" license plates. Inside, every 1953 Cadillac Eldorado detail is represented. Every gauge, including the radio, has a readable decal. Shifter and turn signal stalks, power window controls, handles and mirror are, of course, included. Only six BAM Celebrity Series "ARETHA"s" were made exclusively for Mythmakers. Each model is personally signed by Bruce Arnold, award-winning official model car pattern maker for Cadillac Motor Division.

    
These two scale replicas of Cadillacs from 1953 earned Bruce Arnold plaudits from toy collectors around the world

   
Above three rows: more highly detailed 1953 scale models from Bruce Arnold Models (BAM - USA)
[ Photos: courtesy Randall Olson, author of GM in Miniature ]

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 first 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.

Below is Model Museum #1 is the 1953 Cadillac Orleans Motorama dream car.  This is the first model from Bruce Arnold's new 1/43 scale Model Museum Collection line. This new line is an even more exclusive range of Bruce Arnold Models. At this writing, this is the only model, in any scale, of this spectacular 1953 Motorama dream car, the Orleans, which was the first four-door hardtop body style shown by any automaker. First four-door hardtop concept vehicle, the open architecture of the greenhouse predicted the use of far more glass ... to see well and to be well seen. Until it came on the market, the wealthy previously huddled in the back of opera-windowed limousines. The model is produced with unsurpassed quality and attention to detail;it is available in the original Manganese Gray with a beige vinyl roof. Production is limited to only 10 [yes, TEN] pieces worldwide and will cost $1000.

Model Museum #2 called the Harley Earl [see this page]. 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.

       
Added to the range in 2006, this finely detailed 1:43 replica of the 1953 GM Motorama Cadillac Orleans


The Orleans (center) between the '53 Fleetwood (left) and '53 Eldorado (right)

   
Here are 2 close-ups of the Fleetwood Series 60 Special
[ Photos: © 2007 & 2009,  courtesy Bruce Arnold ]

   
Here's an imaginary 1953 Cadillac phaeton with targa top, imagined by the model maker;
Question:  why didn't Cadillac build it ???
[ Photos: © 2007 and courtesy Bruce Arnold ]

A selection of superb BAM creations from 2009

DEL PRADO, USA

   
A more recent diecast toy is this
1953 Eldorado by Del Prado (USA)
[ Photos: courtesy Randall Olson, author of GM in Miniature ]

MATCHBOX, UK (?)

   
#DYG13-M , Cadillac Eldorado,  part of the Oldies but Goodies collection; comes with a certificate of authenticity. 
The headlights are clear and the grille is quite large and is part of the bumper bar. There is a gray line on top of the hood with a decal
on the front of the hood. On the rear boot there is a fully encased continental kit that carries the number plate 2T1587.
Instrument panel is very detailed, with gauges quite visible. Excellent detail.

READERS' DIGEST, USA (???)

SUN STAR, UK

  
Although it says "1950", the toy is actually a 1953 Eldorado

This one was correctly identified by Thilo Bürgel who visited the Database in 2010

ROAD TOUGH from CLASSIC RUNNERS, THAILAND

1953 Cadillac Series 62 convertible
(properly identified in 2010 by Database visitor, Thilo Bürgel)

This model is inspired by the adventures of comic-strip character Tenrek
[ no details available as to size and provenance ]

Presumably the replica of a converted hearse or ambulance?

VITESSE, FRANCE / PORTUGAL

    
1953 coupe by Vitesse, France [then Portugal]; many different colors and versions available; the one on the left
advertises Switzerland's Knie circus;  on the right,  a car that ran in the Pan-American road race in 1954

Two  versions of the 1953 Eldorado by Vitesse
The toys with the scantily clad doll figure are from the growing collection of my son, Philip

1953 Eldorado with tiny Marilyn Monroe effigy doll, Ref. #288 (1988?)

   
Ref. #280 (1986) Eldorado (open)

       
Retro-Vitesse Ref. # 286 (1987) Eisenhower inaugural parade car (1953 Eldorado)

Thilo Bürgel said in 2010 that this was the "Eisenhower" parade car,
but without the President's figurine and the flag poles; he said
the Vitesse never made an Eldorado model with top up

[ missing ]

Ref: #281 (1988???) Series 62 convertible (closed)
(info from Thilo Bürgel, 2010)

WELLY CO., USA (???)

Database visitor, Thilo Bürgel, told me in 2010 that some of these had pull-back motors (shown),
others not; four colors were offered and the toy was available with top up or down

WOODWARD AVE [set], USA
and MATTEL "HOT WHEELS," USA

Seen for sale on e-Bay in 2002, this 1953 Eldorado was part of a set; the vendor stated it was a limited  edition;

CIRCA 1:34 - 1:39 SCALE
[4½"  long x 1¾" wide ]

WELLY, FAR EAST?

Circa 1:32 Scale

UNIDENTIFIED (USA)

Unidentified diecast (?) 1953 Eldorado
toy with plastic windshield, in military olive drab

Similar custom Eldorado   "lowrider", also in military olive drab

This one appears to be from the same manufacturer

Circa 1:27 Scale

CLASSIC METAL WOKS (where ?)

[ missing - black ]

According to Thilo Bürgel, this company used the same mold as WELLY (below)

WELLY, FAR EAST (?)

[ missing ]

According to Database visitor, Thilo Bürgel, in 2010, Welly also made in 1/27 scale the
same set as was made in 1/34 scale (above) these were also available with top up or down

Circa 1:24 Scale

DANBURY MINT, USA

According to Thilo Bürgel, a Database visitor in 2010,
this model was available also in red and in light blue

 
Custom Eldorado hardtop coupe "lowrider"

JADA, CHINA (?)

   
Silver Series 62 Convertible "lowrider"
from the Jada Toys "Street-Low" series

SCHUCO, GERMANY

[ missing ]

Again according to Thilo Bürgel, SCHUCO used the same mold as WELLY (above) but called it 1:24 scale
their red 1953 Eldorado was offered with top down

Circa 1:18 Scale

ANSON, THAILAND (?)

Left:  1:18 scale replica by the Franklin Mint;  right: Anson Miniatures

Thilo Bürgel said that later Anson models had single-tone interior trim

Not sure about this one; it could be from another manufacturer

ERTL, USA

[Missing]

Thilo Bürgel informed me in 2010 that ERTL used the ANSON molds to make heir own 1953 Eldorado, available
in beige and blue as well as 3 models with decals: "Ike for President", "Calgary Flames" and "Detroit Red Wings"

UNKNOWN, FRANCE (?)

   
My son found this crudely built, Fiberglas car on an open-air market in France [amateur job?]

Circa 1:16 Scale

DANBURY MINT, USA

   
The 1953 Danbury Mint Eldorado,  comes with the Certificate of Title paper and instructions for unpacking and
care of vehicle; it also comes with a Hardwood base with a Brass name plaque (the base measures 15¼ x 6inches)

UNKNOWN (scale may be off too)

    
Interesting plaster model of the 1953 Cadillac coupe

Circa 1:12 Scale

De HORNE, EMMANUEL, SWITZERLAND
[ these models are made mainly of paper and card ]

   
1953 Series 62 convertible

Circa 1:8 Scale

BRIANZA, CARLO, ITALY
[ Carlo is renowned for his super-detailed models in this scale ]

1953 custom coupe on Series 62 chassis (under construction - 2010)
Two of these cars were actually built, one was a gift to Rita Hayworth from her boyfriend,
the ismaelite Aga Khan; both cars have survived (check here) though the original Ghia design was modified

Circa 1:3 Scale (?)

UNKNOWN, USA (?)

This looks like a large, child's pedal car
depicting a 1953 Cadillac convertible;
anybody recognize it ?

Advertised for sale on eBay in 2006 [?] the vendor asserted that the toy had been
professionally restored by esteemed pedal car expert, Dave Harrington;
It was purchased by the vendor for $1,500 in 1993 and only used indoors

   
Called the "Kidillac" this pedal car
has very little Cadillac about it

Here's an interesting photo from the private collection of Charles Barnette, owner/admirer of Cadillac Eldorado Brougham models; this appears
to be a one-third scale model pedal car that depicts very realistically the bespoke GM Motorama Cadillac Le Mans roadster of 1953; despite the flash
that "ruined" the photo of the photo, you can tell the size of the toy by the size of the child (seated in the car) and his parents (?), standimg behind it

Circa 1:1 Scale

BALADI, FRANCE
[ Roland Baladi ]

Gilbert Baladi, 1:1 scale Carrara marble 
1953 Cadillac "paperweight"

Noreen Lewandowski tape interviews Roland Baladi, the sculptor, in New York, in 1985 

The recording will be pretty,  pretty bad because of the sound of the car. You had better shout. It's running.

When the Cadillac is complete, where would you like to have it shown. Whose collection would you like to see it in?

I'm not aware enough of collections.  I don't know any single name of collectors beside the names of the people who bought my pieces. The best place to show the Cadillac is the place where I want to show it in front of O.K. Harris.  It could be a landmark on West Broadway, but they will have to move that bloody fire pump.

How do you feel about the marble Cadillac going to a private collection? Would you prefer to see it in a public setting a museum?

I prefer, certainly, a public situation.  If it is a museum, I prefer outdoors. I see it best on the street.

Why a Cadillac as opposed to another car?

The first pieces I did were appliances from my childhood, from my apartment, my mother's sewing machine, our radio, the toaster. I want to do our refrigerator. When I was a kid, my parents had no car but I remember being picked up at school by a close friend's car with a chauffeur.  I remember they had a regular Plymouth for every day and from time to time, when the chauffeur was coming directly from the office of my friend's father, he came with a Cadillac. That was very special to us. We were maybe seven or eight years old and at that age the senses are very developed. The Cadillac did really smell different. The little knob to set the window up and down was transparent plastic and the steering wheel was very glamorous. The car was kept in very good shape and was the object of care by the chauffeur and admiration of the people on the street.  It was a treat to ride in it.

So you actually remember touching and seeing the details? It wasn't just the idea of a "Cadillac" and what it means, what it symbolizes?

I liked the car before I knew what Cadillac means.  I remember the quality of the car and the shortest cut to describe the quality of the car is to give it it's name and it was a "Cadillac".  It was not a 50s car,  it was a 47 or 48 Cadillac so what I am doing now is not exactly the car I used to ride in, but I think it is more representative of cars in general and American car production in particular. The car I chose is more a symbol and a car I admired from outside, looking at it on the streets and in gas stations.

Do you think the Cadillac has a wide audience? Do you think your sculpture will trigger such memories in many people or is it more a private vision?

I do love to be loved, to have feedback from the people who regard my work but I think of myself first. There is no speculation on being loved more by using a car that everybody loves,  it is first of all a car that I design as being a symbol and a car that pleases me.  One often thinks that the artist has a message to deliver. That's b/s.  I believe that the artist shows with his work what everybody has unconsciously felt. When I do a Caddy that means Hey!  See? Me too:

Why marble? Did you ever make paintings of these childhood images - the appliances in your home, the car you rode home from school in?

Marble is a unique material not because of it's tradition and what people see in it as a symbol of durability but because you have to carve every piece separately and you can't make an edition, like in bronze for example.  I like the no-return aspect.  Marble does not offer a chance to redeem yourself.  You make a mistake, it's too late. You had better buy another block and start again.  In other materials, you can add or subtract matter. In marble, and in wood also, you cannot add you can only subtract.  But I do prefer marble to wood because, while wood pulls you, marble pushes you - I mean your chisel.  I do paint objects in marble.  They are watercolors.  Here, exactly the opposite happens. You can not subtract, you can only add. You know that in painting with acrylic or oil you can add density or subtract it by adding white. That means coming back on an addition of color.  It's like subtracting color.  In watercolor you can't.  If the paper is too dark,  it's too late. No redemption.

So, in fact, it has the same quality.

It's the same kind of quality.  No way of return.  It is somehow like life itself . The way of no return. You can't really erase part of your life.  It's done.  It's done.

So, this is a risky business. We are talking about a 45 ton block of marble for the Cadillac. Is there much chance for mistake?

The profession of artist is dangerous in general.  When you are talking about business,  it is really risky.  That is the reason parents are completely freaked out when they hear that their child is going in that direction.   Artists are used to risks,  we take them all the time.  I'll be careful.   I'll put my belt on - my safety belt.

Is that art?

Artists have hardly a concept about what is art and what is not.   It's the public and the art critic who define that. Artists define only themselves as artists and whatever they do as art.  Whatever they sign is art.  We are now after Duchamps who signed a bottle rack. We know that Andy Warhol did his silk-screens by phone.  He called the printer to say "put some red on the mouth, green on the eyes and print".  It's still an Andy Warhol and no one discusses that.  I love it.

Can you imagine doing a series of sculptures of cars or is the Cadillac the ultimate car sculpture?

Artists make pieces that are good and others that are less good.  I hope to do always better than the last.  Now I have to do this one - the Cadillac - and this leads to the next piece.  I am not thinking yet about another car.  I would rather think about a Greyhound Bus or a DC 3 or something like that.  You never know what could happen.  As a matter of fact,  I saw a Volvo the other day.   I thought it was a great car but you know...this is still in the air.

Is there a great deal of resistance to your producing this piece?

The marble it self offers resistance to carving it is not a easy medium.   There is no resistance at all to my carving a Cadillac.  It's only the lack of money.  If I had the money, I would have done it without hesitation - without a second thought.

You mention a Greyhound Bus, a DC 3. The Cadillac is a huge project by itself.  Is it the scale - the monumentality - that interests you?

It's true that the dimension adds to the excitement of the project.   Mount Rushmore and the Great Pyramids are interesting because they are big.   Imagine a model of Mount Rushmore.  Would you be interested to look at it?   Size is part of the excitement.  There is more dynamic in it.  Marble works with its density.

Does your use of marble in sculpture have something to do with permanence as well?  A marble sculpture will not decay the way a wooden one, or a painted canvas, will or the way the Cadillac itself , in metal, will decay.

Everything decays if it doesn't get attention.  Everyone does.   Marble is not so solid,  not so unbreakable as people think.  If we still have some marble sculptures from antiquity, it's not because they are marble.   It is because people cared about them.  I haven't speculated on the solidity of the marble in order to survive.

Can you imagine the Cadillac surviving 500 years from now - a damaged antiquity with a broken headlamp, a missing bumper or door handle?

Yeah, I think about it.  It's very exciting.  Maybe some idiot will try to fix it - restore it.  It will end in a French museum.  It may end up with a French hubcap.  It's fun to speculate.  You know about the Sphinx in the Louvre which has been restored with a French baker's nose.  No one notices it except someone who is very alert and can tell the difference between a French and an Egyptian nose.

De you think of your sculpture surviving you?

I'm tempted to say I don't care but it would be a lie.  I think that all artists believe they have a little victory on death through their work.  I hate to say that, after thousands of dead artists who have said it before me.  In other words, I could answer yes or no with the same conviction.