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| 1923 Chenard & Walcker Type U3 15CV Sport (LE MANS WINNER): The inaugural running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1923, was the first part of three consecutive annual races for the Rudge-Whitworth Cup, where the ultimate winner would be the manufacturer whose best car exceeded their nominated target distance by the greatest margin. Most of the race was run in torrential rain over unimproved roads, making the race a real test of driver skill and driver and machine endurance. Thirty-seven cars were entered for the race and the Bentley and Chenard & Walcker teams led from the beginning. Flying stones cost the Bentley precious time making repairs to its fuel tank and the 3.0L Chenard & Walcker teams finished 1-2; with this car driven by Andre Lagache & Rene Leonard taking the first Le Mans victory for the Parisian manufacturer. Model by IXO 1/43 |
1923 Fiat SB4 'Mephistopheles' (World Land Speed Record, 1924): Mephistopheles or Mephisto is the demon from Faust literature and German folklore for which the car received its name because of the tremendous noise coming from its unmuffled engine. Built in 1923 by Englishman Ernest A.D. Eldridge from a Fiat SB4 racing car chassis and a WWI surplus Fiat A.12 aero engine. Eldridge set a speed record in the car at Brooklands in 1923 for the standing ½ mile and in July 1924 set a new World Land Speed Record for both the flying kilometer (146.013 KPH) and mile (145.89 MPH) at Arpajon, France. The last land speed record attempt made on a public road. Model by BRUMM 1/43 |
1923 Fiat SB4 'Mephistopheles' (World Land Speed Record, 1924): Eldridge had made a series of aero engined race cars, which he raced at Brooklands to some success. Buying the 21.7L flat-six-cylinder (320 HP) Mephistopheles and setting a new World Land Speed Record was the crowning achievement in his own racing career. After selling the car in 1925, he went on to design and build grand prix cars, including a two-car entry (both DNF) at Indy in 1926. A bad accident while attempting a new LSR ended his racing career. He went on to become the record attempt manager for Capt. Geo. Eyston and his MG record cars before his death from pneumonia in 1937. Model by BRUMM 1/43 |
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| 1924 Bentley 3 Litre Sport (LE MANS WINNER): 1924 was the start of the Bentley legend at Le Mans, it was also the beginning of the traditional mid-June start date; in order to take advantage of the longer days and better weather. Capt. John Duff and Bentley factory driver Frank Clement. The Bentley was the only non-French car in the race. Duff took the lead early Sunday morning and Clement extended it later in the day, putting too much pressure on the second place Lorraine, which was ultimately retired before it could catch-up. Powered by 3.0L straight-four engine, the 'Green Label' Bentley was one of the first production car engines with 4 valves per cylinder, dry-sump lubrication and an overhead camshaft; which could propel the big car at over 100 mph. Model by IXO 1/43 |
1925 Lorraine-Dietrich B3-6 Sport (LE MANS WINNER): Lorraine-Dietrich was a French manufacturer of railroad locomotives that branch auto in auto production. They produced automobiles until 1935. Their proudest moments were at Le Mans when they managed to win with this car in 1925, piloted by Andre Rossignol and Gerard de Courcelles. The second team car finished third. They would take all three podium positions the following year, with Rossignol again as one of the winning drivers. Lorraine-Dietrich had entered the inaugural Le Mans in 1923 with results that encouraged the French company to further develop the B3-6. Powered by 3.4L OHV hemi-head six-cylinder engine, with four-wheel servo assisted brakes at a time when most cars didn't have four wheel brakes. |
1926 Lorraine-Dietrich B3-6 Le Mans (LE MANS WINNER): Societe Lorraine de Dietrich et Cie entered three of their cars at Le Mans in 1926 and finished 1-2-3. This is the winning car driven by Robert Bloch and Andre Rossignol. Theirs became the first car in Le Mans history to average over 100 km/h and they also broke a twenty year old 24-hour distance record. Lorraine-Dietrich became the first make to win Le Mans twice, as well as having back-to-back wins in 1925 and 1926. It was also the second Le Mans win for Rossignol. Only four B3-6 cars were built, powered by a 3.5L straight-six engine, which produced a top sepped of 95 mph. Model by IXO 1/43 |
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| 1927 Bentley 3 Litre Sport (LE MANS WINNER): Dr John Dudley Benjafield and Sammy Davis dominated the Le Mans field in 1927. The Bentley Motors entry finished over 350 laps ahead of the secons place Salmson. Known as 'Old No. 7', the 3.0L 4-cylinder car in Green Lable 'Sport' trim was capable of 90 mph. Bejafield and Davis drove this car in the 1926 race, crashing one hour from the end of the race. In 1927, their car alone survived the famous White House crash, which involved all three team cars, Model by IXO 1/43 |
1928 Bentley 4.1/2 Litre (LE MANS WINNER): Replacing the 3.0 Litre, the 4 1/2 Litre Bentleys used a four-cylinder in-line four bored out to 4.4L and which produced 130hp.. Woolf Barnato and Bernard Rubin won Le Mans in 1928 in this car, setting a new record distance covered of 1,659 miles and an average speed of 111.2 mph. Its sister car driven by Sir Henry Birkin and Jean Chassagne finished 5th, setting fastest lap of the race along the way. Each of the Bentley race cars of the era seemed to have received names and this car was no fifferent. Barnato christened this car "Old Mother Gun". After Le Mans it was converted to s single seat racer and renamed the Jackson Special. Model by BRUMM 1/43 |
1929 Bentley Speed Six (LE MANS WINNER): Captain Woolf 'Babe' Barnato and Sir Henry 'Tim' Birkin won the 1929 Le Mans in this car, setting fastest lap in the process. The Speed Six with its 6.5L straight-six engine was introduced in 1928 as a more sporting version of the Bentley 6 1/2 Litre. This car was affectionately named "Old Number One'. The Speed Six would dominate Le Mans in 1929 & 1930. Model by SPARK 1/43 |
1930 Bentley Speed Six (LE MANS WINNER): Woolf Barnato teamed with Glen Kidston in 'Old Number One' to give Barnato a Le Mans win for the third consecutive year. The win in 1930 made four consecutive wins for Bentley. The Bentley era of dominance was coming to an end however, as smaller and lighter cars were giving the world's fastest lorries and increasingly harder run for the money. Model by IXO 1/43 |
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| 1929 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre Birkin Blower: Sir Henry 'Tim' Birkin was an avid racer and became one of the Bentley Boys, winning Le Mans in 1929. Birkin, believed that a superior Bentley racing car could be built by fitting a supercharger to the 4½ litre Bentley, with a lightened body. When W.O. Bentley refused to supercharge the factory cars, Birkin set out to develop one himself. Using a Villiers Roots-type supercharger, the 4-cylinder engine developed 242 bhp, which was 112 bhp more than the unblown 4 1/2 litre racing car. This car was called No. 1, and in its first race at Brooklands in 1929, the fabric body caught fire from the exhaust. Birkin had the car re-bodied out of aluminium by Reid Railton. It was successfully raced at Brooklands until 1932, having set the outer course record multiple times. The final lap record at 137.96 mph, the engine now 4.4L. Model by NEO 1/43 |
1927 Bugatti 35B: Louis Chiron was one of the best drivers of his day. He had a Grand Prix career which spanned 29 years and is the oldest driver to race in F1 as a 55 year old at Monaco in 1955. He was Bugatti's lead driver and faced stiff competition from drivers such as Nuvolari, Campari and Varzi in other Bugatti's as well as Maserati and Alfa Romeo's. The Type 35B was introduced in 1927, being a 2.3L supercharged version of the overhead cam straight-eight Bugatti engine. In 1928, Chiron dominated the races that he entered. Even though disputes in race regulations led to most large Grand Prix being run by sports cars, Chiron was the winner in this car at Royal Rome GP, much to the chagrin of the Italians. Model by ALTAYA (modified) 1/43 | 1931 Invicta 4.5L S-Type (Monte Carlo Rallye 1931 - WINNER) |
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| 1931 Mercedes SSKL: 1928 saw the introduction of the SS or super sport model fitted with a 7-litre engine and finally the SSK the most famous version of all. 1931 saw a limited specially lightened super-charged model, the SSKL, producing an astounding 300 bhp (150 mph) with which Caracciola would win the Mille Miglia. Model by SOLIDO 1/43 |
1935 Lagonda Rapide M45 (LEMANS WINNER): The Alfa Romeo team miscalculated their total number of laps and position, thinking they were in the lead, only to lose to this Laganda driven by Johnny Hindmarsh and Luis Fontès who were ahead on distance. Powered by a large 4.5L six Meadows engine, the Lagonda was capable of 100 mph. It was Lagonda's swan song before going into receivership. Ironically, both drivers would be killed in military plane crashes during WWII. Model by IXO 1/43 |
1936 Bugatti Type 57G (LEMANS WINNER): Nicknamed the 'Tank', built on the 57S chassis, the 57G was one of the first envelope bodied race cars. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1937, Jean-Pierre Wimille and Robert Benoist drove a Type 57G to victory at Le Mans at an average speed of 85 mph. It was powered by the 57S' 3.3L in-line eight cylinder engine and 135 hp. Model by IXO 1/43 |
1936 Fiat 508CS MM Berlinetta: Launched in 1935, the 508 CS MM Berlinetta shared its mechanical elements,including the more powerful 1.0L four-cylinder engine (42 bhp) with the 508 S Balilla "Spider Sport". The body was a an aerodynamic coupe based on the Balilla and was intended for competition on endurance race such as the Mille Miglia. The CS was heavier than the 508 S and proved to be less competitive, although one won its class on the Mille Miglia in 1938 with a larger 1.1L engine. This car was driven by Aldo Marazza and C. Benetti on the 10th Mille Miglia in 1936. They finished 34th on the race run between Brescia and Rome. Model by STARLINE 1/43 |
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| 1938 BMW 328 : Entered by Frazer Nash (the British distributor for BMW) in the 1938 Mille Miglia, A. F. P. Fane and Bill James finished in 8th position overall and took the 2.0L class win. Frazer Nash raced this car at Le Mans and in the Tourist Trophy races (both DNF) before wsuccess in the Mille. It was raced in private hands in the 1940 Mille, finishing 6th. The 328 was powered by a 2.0L OHV six-cylinder engine, which gave it a top speed of 93 mph. Production of the 328 stopped in 1940 as WWII consumed Europe. Model by VITESSE 1/43 |
1938 Delahaye 135 CS (LEMANS WINNER): The CS stands for Competition Speciale and the car was produced for long distance endurance races and rallies. Eugéne Chaboud and Jean Trémoulet drove this big car to victory at Le Mans in 1938. With a 3.6L in-line six-cylinder engine, triple carburetors and long stroke, it produced 160 hp. Every surface of the engine was carefully machined to reduce excess weight. This is one of 16 135 CS' prepared for competition. Model by IXO 1/43 |
1939 Simca Huit - Fiat : Amedée Gordini and José Scaron won the Index of Performance finishing 10th overall and 1st in class at Le Mans in 1939. Gordini had not yet started putting his names on the cars he modified for racing. This streamliner is perhaps the most famous of the pre-war specials made by Gordini and powered by a 1.5L Fiat engine in a Simca Huit chassis, with special body work. Gordini would go on to produce special cars in conjunction with Renault and Simca after wwII. Model by IXO 1/43 |
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| 1938 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre: Known as the Embiricos Special, it is so named for its first owner Andre Embiricos, who agreed to finance a low drag concept car for Bentley with an aerodynamic coupe body designed by Paulin in France. Its 4.3L straight-six engine produced 142bhp and it could reach 110mph. The car was soldto HSF Hay in 1939 and was used extensively as his personal car. Hay, also know as Jack or Soltan, entered the car in the first post-war Le Mans in 1949, with 60,000 miles on the clock. He finished 6th, with Tommy Wisdom. Back again in 1950 with Hugh Hunter as co-driver, Hay's Bentley finished 14th overall . It was enetered in 1951 again, with Tom Clarke co-driving, but did not finish. This is the 1950 Le Mans livery. Model by SPARK 1/43 |
1939 Bugatti Type 57 C ' Tank'(LEMANS WINNER): Jean Pierre Wimille and Pierre Veyron drove this entry to victory at Le Mans in 1939. The car was entered in Wimille's name. A revision of the 1937 Le Mans winning 'Tank', this ca was based on the T57 C mechanicals, including the 3.3L inline-eight cylinder, supercharged engine which produced 160 hp. Shortly after Le Mans, Jean Bugatti was testing the car on a closed road and was killed when he crashed the car after swerving to avoid hitting a drunk bicyclist. WWII ended any further Bugatti racing car development and also put an end to Le Mans for ten years. Model by IXO 1/43 |
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| 1912 Itala 25-35 HP: Itala was founded in 1904 by Matteo Ceirano, one of the four brothers that were instrumental in founding the Italian automotive industry, including Fiat. Itala started off making race cars, which included the famous Peking to Paris race winner. That success allowed them to build their line of passenger vehicles. Itala was known for automotive innovations and novel engines such as variable-stroke, sleeve-valve and rotary valve engines. The 25-35 HP was a large, luxurious touring car for its day. It had a 5.4L four-cylinder engine that produced 35 HP and a top speed of 65 MPH. Model by DUGU 1/43 |
1925 Ford Model T: Known as the Tin Lizzie and Flivver, produced from 1908 through 1927, the Model T set 1908 as the historic year that the automobile came into popular usage. The T had a front mounted, 2.9 L four-cylinder, producing 20.2 hp, for a top speed of 40-45 mph. It is generally regarded as the first affordable automobile, the car that "put America on wheels". Laurel & Hardy used the T as a prop in many of their movies. Model by POLITOYS 1/24 |
1927 Bentley 3.0L Super Sport: The 3.0 L straight-4 engine was large for its day, but it was its technical innovations that were most noticed. It was one of the first production engines with 4 valves per cylinder, and these were driven by an overhead camshaft. It was also among the first with two spark plugs per cylinder, pent-roof combustion chambers, and twin carburetors. A 3.0L Super Sport Bentley won Le Mans in 1927. Model by CORGI 1/43 |
1929 Cord L29: Founded and run by E. L. Cord as a holding company for his many transportation interests, including Auburn, Cord had a philosophy to build truly different, innovative cars, believing they would also sell well and turn a profit. Cord innovations include front wheel drive on the L-29. Its drive system allowed it to be much lower than competing cars. Both stock cars and special bodies built on the Cord chassis by American and European coachbuilders won prizes in contests worldwide. Model by SOLIDO 1/43 |
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| 1929 Lancia Dilambda Torpedo: The Dilambda was produced by Lancia between 1928 and 1935. The car was officially presented in Paris Motor Show in 1929. The car has 4 litre V8 engine, producing 110 bhp. They are elegant, fast motor cars in the Italiam tradition. Many were rebodied. Our lucky chap has a sporting flair, preferring open air motoring is his big touring car. Model by RIO 1/43 |
1929 Lancia Dilambda: A more sedate sedan perhaps? Still fast and still Italian! Model by RIO 1/43 |
1930 Bentley 6 1/2L Blue Train: "The Bentley Speed Six was introduced in 1928 as a more sporting version of the Bentley 6½ Litre. It would become the most-successful racing Bentley, claiming victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1929 and 1930 with Bentley Boys drivers Woolf Barnato, ""Tim"" Birkin, and Glen Kidston. This Sportsman Coupe by Gurney Nutting was named for the famous race against the Blue Train, with Barnato beating the train to London before it reached Calais, both having set out from Cannes at the same time. It was not the actual car which took place in the race." Model by MINICHAMPS 1/43 |
1932 Duesenburg SJ: E.L. Cord, owner of Cord & Auburn Automobile, saved Dusenburg by buying the company in 1926. Hiring Fred Duesenberg to design the chassis and an engine that would be the best in the world, the newly revived Duesenberg company set about to produce the Model J. From a dual overhead camshaft straight 8 that was capable of a top speed of 140 mph, the supercharged SJ version was one of the first "supercars". The Great Depression killed the cars off in 1937. Model by SOLIDO 1/43 |
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| 1932 Rolls Royce Phantom: The Phantom was Rolls-Royce's replacement for the original Silver Ghost. Like the famed Ghost, the Phantom was constructed both in the United Kingdom and United States from 1925-1931. The engine in these cars was an aluminum head 7.7L OHV in-line six. This Brewster bodied roadster was made in the USA, and doubt this was an actual RR color. Model by RIO 1/43 |
1934 Fiat 508S Balillia: The 508S Balilla Sport competition version was inspired by an original design by Carrozzeria Ghia. The Coppa d' Oro (Gold Cup), was named after Fiat's success in that long distance race. The Balilla was powered by a tuned version of the Fiat 995cc four-cylinder sidevalve engine which produced 46 bhp and the car was successful in classic events in the pre-WW2 era, including the Mille Miglia, Monte Carlo Rally, Targa Florio, Spa 24-Hour, Ulster TT and Le Mans. Model by DUGU 1/43 |
1935 Bugatti Type 57 TT: Most Bugatti T57s were bodied with Jean Bugatti designs either at the factory, or at select coachbuilders such as Graber, Van Vooren and Gangloff. This car (Ch. #57316) was bodied by Bertelli, but despite the Italian name, it was bodied in Feltham, England. The cars original owner was Col. G.M. Giles, who was founder of the British Bugatti Owners Club. The body for the car was designed by the Colonels brother, Eric an interior designer. Nicknamed Terese, the car was built on a TT chassis with a highly tuned 3.3L engine. A Bugatti T57 owned by Lord Howe with the modified chassis and engines did well in the 1935 Ulster Tourist Trophy race and hence the TT moniker was given to cars with similar modified engines and chassis. Model by MATRIX 1/43 |
1935 Bugatti Type 57 TT: Col. Giles went to France to collect the chassis and then proceeded to drive it back to England. The bare chassis powered by the 148 HP engine must have made quite an exciting trip! It was then given its lovely four-seater body by Bertelli. The deep-tapered rear end has room for two spare wheels and the rear also has hydraulic jacks to facilitate wheel changing. Col. Giles was most impressed with his new grand touring car, one of twelve Bugattis he owned at the time. He said of the car, "truly the most superb car anybody could wish for - fast, silent, terrific acceleration, and yet so docile that thick traffic can be negotiated on top speed if desired." He sold the car in 1939 to be replaced by another with bodywork designed by his brother. This time a super-charged Type 57SC. The Colonel knew how to travel well! Model by MATRIX 1/43 |
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| 1935 Bugatti T57 Ventoux Coupe: The Bugatti Type 57 (T57) was produced from 1934 to 1940 and the cars were a beautiful incorporation of Jean Bugattis designs and Ettore Bugattis masterful engineering. The father and son created some o the most beautiful as well as powerful pre-WWII motorcars. The Type 57 of which 710 cars in the different T57 variants were built. Model by HECO 1/43 |
1935 Bugatti T57 Ventoux Coupe: A grand touring car, the Type 57 (T57) has a DOHC 3.3L straight-eight engine whose 135 HP engine could propel the one-ton car at a top speed of 95 MPH. This T57 (Ch. #57107) is a fairly early production car in striking Ventoux four-seat coupe bodywork, one of two body styles available in either a two or four-window coupe, with this car being a four-window coupe. The name Ventoux comes from one of the peaks in the French Alps and is a Jean Bugatti designed body built in-house at Bugatti. Approximately 139 Ventoux bodied T57s were produced. Model by HECO 1/43 |
1938 Bugatti T57 Ganglof Aravis Coupe: In 1936, The Type 57 (T57) was revised to incorporate a competition inspired chassis which allowed the cars to sit lower. For production in 1937, a Roots-type supercharger was fit to the DOHC 3.3L straight-eight engine, which increased the horsepower over un-supercharged cars by 25 HP to 160 HP and the top end speed from 95 to 120 MPH. Considering the average top speed for luxury cars at the time was about 85 MPH, the Bugatti was not only beautiful, but a high-performance car to boot! Bugatti offered a variety of choices in body styles based on the T57. There were coupes and cabriolets with bodies produced in-house (Ventoux, Stelvio, Galibier) but one could also have custom bodied coachwork built to Bugatti designs by noted coachbuilders at the time. Model by ILARIO-CHROMES 1/43 |
1938 Bugatti T57 Ganglof Aravis Coupe: One such coachbuilder for Bugatti was Gangloff, then one of the most important coachbuilders before WWII. The Swiss firm bodied many luxury cars, but Bugatti was an important source of work. Keeping with the practice of naming the Type 57 (T57) body styles after French Alp peaks, the Aravis built by Gangloff (often just T57 Gangloff) was a striking two-seat coupe introduced in 1937. Like all Bugattis for 1938, it received hydraulic brakes rather than Ettore Bugattis preferred cable brakes. Less than 100 of these coupes were made up to 1940 and while somewhat overlooked when compared to its sisters the Type 57 S and SC. Less than 100 of these coupes were made (this car is Ch#57717.) Model by ILARIO-CHROMES 1/43 |
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| 1937 H.J. Mulliner Rolls Royce Phantom III Saloon: This beautiful car was originally ordered to the specifications of Alan Samuel Butler, the chairman of the de Havilland Aircraft Company. Coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner, who set about creating a body that would satisfy Mr. Butler's nuanced understanding of aerodynamics. Their design included aeronautically inspired features such as the forward-sloping V-split windscreen, a swept tail, an internally contained spare tire, and a dash console highlighted by a Smith Aneroid altimeter. Model by ILARIO 1/43 |
1937 H.J. Mulliner Rolls Royce Phantom III Saloon: In 1940, Mr. Butler presented his one-off Phantom III as a gift to Britain's War Department for use by the chiefs of the British General Staff. In 1944, it was allocated to General Bernard Montgomery, known affectionately as "Monty," Montgomery used the car to triumphantly enter Berlin after the defeat of the Germans in WWII. This model is handmade by Ilario and is one of one hundred made. It was driven extensively by Monty's chauffer, Sergeant Cedric Parker. |
1937 H.J. Mulliner Rolls Royce Phantom III Saloon: During its use under government service the car was driven over 300K miles. "Monty's Rolls" has carried dignitaries such as Winston Churchill and Dwight Eisenhower, and royalty such as King George VI. Monty purchased the car after the war and owned it until 1962, when it became a part of the Leake museum in America. It is now in private hands. Chassis 3AX79 has consistently been said to be the finest running original Phantom III in existence |
1937 Hispano-Suiza K6 Break de Chasse: The K6 was produced by Hispano-Suiza from 1934-1937 when the company ceased auto production and concentrated on airplane engines. After WWII, the original owner of this car had the sedan bodied chassis rebodied in 1948 to this very attractive woody by Franay. The interior upholstery is water buffalo to make the ultimate sportsman shooting brake and it took nine hides to complete. The K6 is powered by a 5.2L 6-cylinder engine, which powered the car to a top speed of just under 90 mph. This car has been featured at the Pebble Beach Concours. Model by MATRIX |
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| 1937 Bugatti T57 Graber Galibier: The Galiber bodied by Graber is a four door sport saloon built on the Type 57 chassis to Bugatti design, which befitted from all the T57 engineering, development and upgrades throughout production. It used the twin-overhead camshaft 3.3-litre inline-8 which was good for 135 bhp in standard form. The Galibier (named after the Alps peak) were built and bodied by Bugatti and others. Model by LUXCAR 1/43 |
1937 Bugatti T57 Graber Galibier: Besides Bugatti, the Galibier was also bodied by Gangloff, Van Vooren and Graber, with this car having been bodied by the Swiss firm Carrosserie Hermann Graber. Graber is equally well known for their production of Alvis bodies, as well as Bentley, Aston Martin, Lagonda, and Rolls-Royce. A rare car, approximately 70 Galibier saloons were built, with an estimated third of those now rebodied as coupes and cabriolets. Model by LUXCAR 1/43 |
1937 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre Park Ward: Model by LANDSDOWNE 1/43 1/43 |
1937 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre Park Ward: Model by LANDSDOWNE 1/43 1/43 |
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| 1937 Cord 812: The body design of the Cord 812 was the work of designer Gordon M. Buehrig. Nearly devoid of chrome, the new car was so low it required no running boards. Pontoon fenders were featured with headlights that disappeared into the fenders via dashboard hand cranks. A super-charged Lycoming V8 engine powered the car capable of doing 112 mph. Supercharged 812 models were distinguished from the normally-aspirated 812s by the brilliant chrome-plated external exhaust pipes mounted on each side of the hood and grill. '37 was the last year for Cord. Model by DUGU 1/43 |
1938 BMW 327 Cabriolet: The BMW 327 was produced by the Bavarian firm between 1937 and 194, and again produced after 1945 in two-door sedan and cabriolet form. It sat on a shortened version of the BMW 326 chassis, with which it also shared the 1971 cc straight 6, with a modest power increase to 55 bhp and top speed of 78 mph. A higher-powered model, the 327/28, was offered with the BMW 328's 80 hp (60 kW) engine. 569 of these high-powered 327s were built up to 1940. Model by IXO 1/43 |
1938 Lincoln Zephyr : The Zephyr was produced between 1936 and the onset of WWII in 1941, with 1942 being the last model year produced. A luxury car which bridged the gap between Ford and Lincoln's top of the line models. Conceived by Edsel Ford, the Zephyr featured a V12 engine of 4.4L, producing 110hp. When introduced in 1936, its sleek, modern, aerodynamic shape along with V12 power made it a popular choice among luxury car buyers. When introduced, the Zephyr was available in four and two-door sedans, as well as two-door coupes and a limousine version. The convertible coupe was introduced in 1938 to provide a sportier version to go along with the car's 90 mph performance. After WWII, the Zephyr line was the inspiration for the new Continental. Model by MATCHBOX 1/43 |
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| 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic: I first fell in love with this car when I saw it "in the flesh" in 1990 at Pebble Beach, where it won best of show. Painted black by its current owner Ralph Lauren, it started out life in 1938 painted this beautiful Sapphire Blue for its first owner R.B. Pope of London. Chassis 57591 was one of four Atlantics built and the first of the three aluminum bodied cars built. The first Atlantic was skinned in electron, an alloy of aluminum and magnesium used in aircraft construction. Because it could not be welded, the central fin structure along its roof was riveted and this unique feature was carried over to the aluminum bodied cars. Model by AUTOART 1/43 |
1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic: Designed by Ettore Bugatti's son Jean, the cars styling was strongly influenced by aircraft design. With its tear-drop shape, raked windscreen, kidney-shaped suicide doors with matching side windows, and the memorable riveted fins in the back; the Atlantic is one if not the most beautiful cars ever made. Powerful as it was beautiful the car was propelled by a 3.3L inline eight-cylinder, supercharged engine rated at 210 horsepower. This car's lines were accentuated with Rudge Whitworth wire wheels giving extra cooling to its large drum brakes. Model by AUTOART 1/43 |
1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic: On August 11, 1939 while testing a Type 57C tank-bodied racer, Jean Bugatti was killed. This was the same day as the start of the 2nd World War, which inevitably meant that the race Jean was preparing the vehicle for would never be run. It was also for all intents and purposes, the end of the Bugatti name. While the company tried to survive in the aftermath of WWII and without its brilliant designer, the Type 57SC Atlantic would be Bugatti's last crowning achievement. Model by AUTOART 1/43 |
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| 1938 Mercedes Benz 770K: Erroneously known as Hitler's parade car, this car was in fact that of Gustaf Mannerheim, Marshall and later President of Finland, hardly a Nazi. Powered by an inline eight cylinder engine of 7655 cc with overhead valves and aluminium pistons, it produced 200 bhp with a Roots type supercharger, which could propel the big open car to over 100 mph. Model by RIO 1/43 |
1938 Talbot Lago T150SS Figoni & Falaschi: The "Teardrop" is one of the most beautiful automotive designs ever created. Based on a T150SS chassistand bodied by Figoni et Falaschi, the Teardrop was one of the most expensive cars of its time and only sixteen were completed. One was raced in stock form at Le Mans in 1938 and placed third. As powerful as it is beautiful, these cars are powered by a 4.0 L six-cylinder engine, which produces 140 bhp and a 115 mph top speed. This car was raced in Algeria, Morocco and in France during its early life. It won Pebble Beach in 1997. Model by ALTAYA 1/43 |
1938 Talbot Lago T150C-SS: If not the most beautiful car ever made, it certainly is the most beautiful French car ever made! Talbot was purchased out of receivership by Tony Lago in 1936 and he utilized his engineering talent to develop and design beautiful cars and successful race cars around his 4.0L inline-six cylinder hemi-head engine. Utilizing three carburetors, these cars made 140 bhp, so they were both fast and beautiful. Model by WESTERN MODELS 1/43 |
1938 Talbot Lago T150C-SS: Talbot Lago also was involved in the design of the Wilson pre-selector gearbox featured in his cars. Bodied by Parisian firm Figoni et Falaschi they made sixteen cars, of which five were "C" for competition models. Named the Teardrop, it was done so after its design inspiration, the tear or rain drop, the most perfect design in nature. Luigi Chinetti entered two of these cars at Le Mans in 1938. The car driven by Jean Prenant and Andre Morel, finished third. Model by WESTERN MODELS 1/43 |
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| 1938 Alvis 4.3L Vanden Plas Short Chassis Tourer: Introduced in 1937, the Alvis 4.3L was based on its sister car the Speed 25, but was built on a 10 foot, 4 inch wheelbase (short chassis) and had the larger, more powerful version of the Alvis straight-six engine. It produced 137 bhp and a top speed of 105 mph in touring trim. Alvis provided the chassis, and the cars were bodied by coachwork firms such as Charlesworth and Cross and Ellis. The most beautiful was the Vanden Plas bodied tourers of which only 12 were made, including this car (Ch. #14812). Model by MATRIX 1/43) |
1938 Alvis 4.3L Vanden Plas Short Chassis Tourer: Besides being a luxury touring car, the Alvis 4.3L was also used in racing competition. This car was originally the factory demonstrator. It was raced by Tommy Wisdom in the Dunlop Jubilee International Races at Brooklands in 1938. Wisdom won the handicap race and averaged almost 120 mph over the 20-mile race (albeit with wings, lamps and windscreen removed). The car with its low chassis was quite stylish, but also high on performance. With its seven main bearing engine, triple carbs and all-synchro gearbox, It could do 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds! Model by MATRIX 1/43) |
1938 Alvis 4.3L Vanden Plas Short Chassis Tourer: Model by MATRIX 1/43) |
1938 Alvis Speed 25 3.5 Litre Drophead
ace="Arial">1939 Delage D8-120: This French beauty is powered by a 4.3L straight 8-cyl. engine, which produced a top speed of about 100 mph. Delage established stellar racing success in the 1920's, winning Indianapolis and several Gran Prix, including the first British GP. Hard times befell the company however, being purchased by Delahaye in 1935 and cars produced luxury cars under the Delage name until 1953. Model by SOLIDO 1/43 |
1939-41 Lincoln Continental: Edsel Ford commissioned the design for his personal car to be used on vacation in 1939. It proved so popular with his well to do friends, the company pressed the cars into production. Powered by the Lincoln-Zephyr 4.8L V12, the first model Continental is often rated as one of the most beautiful automobile designs from the pre-world war II era. Model by IXO 1/43 |
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| 1939 BMW 328: Schuco started producing the Examico 4001 model based on the BMW 328 in 1939. It featured a working transmission with four forward gears and reverse operated through a clutch like on a real car. The model was marketed to youngsters for play and adults wanting to familiarize themselves with the workings of a real auto. It had steerable front wheel and a handbrake to complete its realism. Model by SCHUCO 1/24 (approx.) |
1939 BMW 328: This car has been in my family since 1952. My parents purchased it in Victoria, BC Canada for my uncle while on their honeymoon. It is in my possession and has been restored to operational condition and replacement of other broken components. A prized possession within the collection. This model is a post-WWII production piece. Model by SCHUCO 1/24 (approx.) |
1939 BMW 328: This is a pre-WWII production model. They are almost identical to the models Schuco produced after WWII. Purchased out of Great Britain, its amazing to me that pre-war toys like this have survived. Model by SCHUCO 1/24 (approx.) |
1939 BMW 328: Model by SCHUCO 1/24 (approx.) |
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| 1939 BMW 328: This is the baseplate of a pre-WWII production model. Note the designation of the German Reich. Model by SCHUCO 1/24 (approx.) |
1939 BMW 328: This is a basepalte of a post-WWII production model. Note it was made in the U.S. Zone of Germany (which existed up to 1955). Model by SCHUCO 1/24 (approx.) |
1939 BMW 328: These are the instruction sheets for the Examico 4001. Quite an advanced toy for its time! Model by SCHUCO 1/24 (approx.) |
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| 1940 Ford Super Deluxe Wagon: Ford's styling for 1940 is now iconic and easily recognizable. The Super DeLuxe woody wagon was the most expensive model in the Super DeLuxe model range. Ford added more chrome and a choice of interior fabrics to the Super DeLuxe. The 3.6L flat-head V8 was standard in the Super Deluxe cars and this example in Lochaven Green is the ultimate woody wagon! Model by MINICHAMPS 1/43 |
1940 Ford Deluxe Wagon: Surf's up! and Wally is on his way to hang ten. The '40 was a continuation of the same basic model from 1937, the 239 Cu.in. V8 produced 95 hp.to move this 3,260 pound beauty and its 8 passengers to the beach. The wood came from maple. ash and basswood grown in Ford's own forests in Northern Michigan! Model by SUNNY SIDE 1/36 |
1941 Packard 110 Deluxe Wagon: Designed for the common man that wanted more than a Cadillac (and also needed to haul eight people, plus lumber); the 110 wagon was built for two years before WWII. Approximately 136 were built and roughly less than a couple dozen survive. Powered by Packard's straight-six engine of 4.0L, it produced 100 hp. Steel fenders and cowl were mated to a body made from mahogany and ash, with a plush leather interior, making this a very classy woody! Model by NEO 1/43 |
1942 Chrysler Town & Country Station Wagon: Model by MATRIX 1/43 |
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| 1942 Chrysler Town & Country Station Wagon: Chrysler's first station wagon, the Town & Country was part of Chrysler's top of the line Windsor range and was available in both six and nine passenger versions. Famed for its rich ash and mahogany woodwork, a distinguishing feature was the rear doors below the sweeping roofline which were barrel shaped, opening saloon style just under the rear glass. This feature provided plenty of additional storage and also earned the car its nickname, "barrel back". A classic woodie wagon! Model by DANBURY MINT 1/24 |
1942 Chrysler Town & Country Station Wagon: The Town & Country was powered by a Spitfire Six engine (straight-six) of 3.4L, coupled to a "Fluid Drive" transmission. This wagon with its revised style for 1942, with wrap around front grille and disappearing running boards, attractive exterior and interior was raved about by both press and public. Sadly, WWII interrupted production and less than 1,000 units were built between September 1941 and January 1942. Model by DANBURY MINT 1/24 |
1942 Chrysler Town & Country Station Wagon: Chrysler would go on to build more luxury woodies until production ceased in 1950 due to high costs of manufacturing and vehicle maintenance. They are classics today which star at any show at which they grace the field! This is probably the most detailed of the models made of the iconic woody wagon. Besides the opening rear trunk, the rear seats fold correctly to maximize storage capacity, although it lacks a true tailgate and funcionality of a classic station wagon. Model by DANBURY MINT 1/24 |
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| 1946 Armstrong Siddley Hurricane: Armstrong Siddley is famous for its Sphinx logo and producing quality luxury touring cars. This was the personal car of Sir Malcolm Campbell, which had performance modifications from the standard 75bhp from its six-cylinder engine; and it was painted in his famous Bluebird Blue. It was a fitting motorcar for someone of Sir Malcolm's stature. Unfortunately, he didn't get to enjoy it long, he passed away in 1948 at age 63 after a series of strokes. Model by OXFORD 1/43 |
1947 Buick Roadmaster 79 Wagon: Based on pre-war chassis design, 1947 was the first year for the Buick Roadmaster range of cars and the Estate Wagon was the most expensive Buick offered to the public. This 4,500 pound motorcar was propelled along by a 5.2L in-line eight cylinder engine, which offered up 144 hp. Sold for $3,249 new less than 300 of the Estate Wagons were made between 1947-1950, and less than 12 are known to survive today. Model by NEO 1/43 |
1948 Ford Super Deluxe V8: Wood bodied cars became very popular after WWII, with most manufactures outsourcing production. Ford instead grew, harvested and produced the wood in its own forests and mills, building the cars in their factories. Powered by a 100 hp, 374 c.i. V8, about 9,000 were made, the last year for wood bodies. Model by ROAD SIGNATURE 1/43 |
1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan: The Fleetline range was introduced in 1941, just before the outbreak of WWII. Powered by a 3.5L inline six-cylinder OHV engine, the Aerosedan was the most popular model in the range. In 1949, the two-door model was introduced and the Aerosedan was popular for its fastback styling and large truck and interior room. Sold in large numbers, the Fleetline Aerosedan successsfully bridged the pre-war and post-war production gap for Chevrolet until its entire new post-war lines could be introduced. Model by NEO 1/43 |
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| 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Wagon: Very much a car of its time, the Fleetwood Woody Wagon was at the elite top of the Chevy lime in 1948. Its elegant mahogany and ash wood trim gave this eight-passenger wagon a distinctive style. The wood which makes the wagon so special is also what led to the woodies demise. The upkeep on the wood on these cars was difficult for most owners. Just over 10,000 of these wagons were produced, with fewer than 100 estimated to survive today. It is powered by a 90 bhp inline-six engine of 3.5L. Plenty of power to haul your boards and buddies to the beach. Surfs up! Model by GOLDVARG 1/43 |
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1949 Oldsmobile 88 Station Wagon: The Olds 88 line-up of cars was introduced in 1949, with the new and exciting Rocket V8 engine. Producing 135 HP, the 5.0L engine in the light car made the 88 America's first muscle car. GM did not have a strong enough manual gearbox for the V8, so each car had a 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The Oldsmobile 88 Station Wagon joined the two-door coupe, four-door sedan, notchback coupe and convertible in the 88 range. 1949 was the last year for the Woody wagon. 1,355 were made. Model by GOLDVARG 1/43 |
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| 1949 Delahaye 135M: Produced in different body styles from 1935 until the demise of Delahaye in 1954, the 135M was a sports tourer that was also used for racing. Powered by a 3.6L straight-six engine which produced 115hp with triple carburetors, the 135 was clothed by the best French coachbuilders of the time. This car was bodied by the coachbuilder Anthem. The 135, known as "Coupe des Alpes" after its success in the Alpine Rally, also had sporting success on the Mille Milia and at Le Mans before WWII. A Delahaye 135CS won Le Mans outright in 1938. Model by MATRIX 1/43 |
1949 Bentley Mk VI Park Ward: The Mark VI was Bentley's fist post-war car, produced at the Rolls Royce Crewe factory from 1946-1952 alongside the Rolls Royce Silver Dawn. The Mark VI was the first car to be offered by Rolls Royce with a standard production steel body, making it the first totally manufactured car by Rolls Royce. The car could also be ordered as a chassis with engine, such as this car, which had a coachwork FHC body made by Park Ward, which had been purchased by Rolls Royce in 1939. The Bentley chassis was 7" shorter than the Silver Dawn's and keeping with Bentley's sporting heritage, the 4.3L (4 1/4L) in-line six-cylinder engine was tuned to supply better performance, as was the chassis. Model by GLM Models 1/43 |
1949 Armstrong Siddley Hurricane: Produced from 1946-1953, relatively unchnaged during all years of production. The Hurrican, a two-door drop head coupe was produced alongside the Typhoon, which was a two-door fixed head coupe (1946-1949). Both cars were named for WW2 aircraft built by the parent Hawker Siddeley company. Steel and aluminum body on timber frame work, the Hurricane was typical British touring car construction for the time. Model by OXFORD 1/43 |
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| 1949 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith James Young: The Silver Wraith was the first post-war Rolls-Royce. The Silver Wraith chassis was built at the Crewe factory from 1946-1958 alongside production of the Bentley Mark VI. The Silver Wraith was the last chassis only car offered by Rolls Royce, with the introduction of standard steel bodied cars in 1949. The Rolls Royce customer was given a choice of coachbuilders to choose from and this Silver Wraith is fitted with a body by James Young. It is powered by a 4.3L in-line six-cylinder engine. Its interesting to note that the Crewe factory during the war produced the Rolls Royce Merlin aero engine. Model by GLM Models 1/43 |
1949 Bentley Mk VI Rippon Estate: The Mk VI was the first post-WWII model from Bentley and like its sister cars from Rolls Royce, the first all steel bodied cars made at the Crewe factory; with a few chassis going to coachbuilders. Powered by a 4.3L straight-six engine which produced 132 bhp, the Mk VI was in production form 1946-1952. This car is one of two estates built on the Mk VI chassis by Rippon Brothers, one of England's premier coachbuilders since 1870. Rippon Bros. were the official Rolls Royce retailer for England between WWI and WWII and had a long standing relationship with the marque. Model by AVENUE 43 1/43 |
1949 Bentley Mk VI Rippon Estate: Rippon Bros. were the official Rolls Royce retailer for England between WWI and WWII and had a long standing relationship with the marque. Most Rippon bodied cars went to gentry and wealthy industrialists in the North of England. This car was delivered to Capt. George Ackroyd and lives on today in beautifully restored condition. It sold for just over $112K at auction in 2016. Model by AVENUE 43 1/43 |
1950 Austin A125 Sheerline: The Sheerline was a luxury car produced by Austin just after WWII in 1947 and continued in production until 1954. It was built to compete against Rolls Royce and Bentley, but at a third the cost. It still was an expensive car however, costing roughly the same as several small Austin sedans. In 1949, the limousine version like this one was introduced on an 11 foot chassis, which was also used to build hearses and ambulances. The big car weighed two tons. All A125s were powered by a 4.0L OHV six-cylinder engine that produced 125 bhp. 8,000 examples of the Sheerline were produced. Model by NOREV/ATLAS 1/43 |
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| 1949 Ford Custom Woody Wagon: With three bench seats there is room for all your sufer dude friends and gear, with the long boards on top. Using the same flat-head V8 as the 1940 model, the 1949 Fords were completely redesigned, more contemporary looking and using hybrid steel-wood bodies, which is exactly what their customer's wanted. Model by SUNNY SIDE 1/36 |
1949 Dodge Coronet Wagon: The Coronet range was introduced in 1949 as the top of the Dodge range and featured the first postwar body styles. The only engine option for Dodge was the 3.7L flat-head inline six-cylinder engine, which produced 103hp and an aclaimed 90 mph. A unique option on the Coronet range was a three-speed, fluid-driven transmission that was operated by a foot pedal on the floor. First generation Coronets were produced until 1952, with model year facelifts each year, usually more chrome. Model by PREMIUM X 1/43 |
1950 Mercury Monterey: The styling of the Mercury Eight, when it was released in 1949, was successful in both breaking from pre-war styles and differentiating Mercury from its comparable Ford cousin. Powered by a 4.2L flat-head V8, the Monterey introduced in 1950, gave the Mercury line a high-end model. Popular with customizers, the first "lead sled" was a Mercury Eight Model by MINICHAMPS 1/43 |
1950 Mercury Monterey: Hod Rodders of the mid to late 50's loved the Mercury with its flat-head eight cylinder engine, which lent its self well to performance modifications. They also loved the styling which allowed great customization such as chopping and channeling. This car has received slight modification, but still subtly says, 'bad ass'! Model by MINICHAMPS 1/43 |
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| 1950 Ford Country Squire Wagon: The Country Squire name would adorn Ford station wagon models from 1950 to 1991. The Country Squire wagons all featured wood paneling or wood grained trim to distinguish themselves from other Ford wagons. The first generation in 1950-51 featured actual wood bodies, with wood trim being applied to 1952 and later stell bodied cars. Powered by a 3.9L , these two-door wagons are highly sought after as being the last true 'woody' wagons from Ford. Surf's up! Model by FRANKLIN MINT 1/43 |
1950 Austin A40 Devon: The A40 Devon (and similar 2-door A40 Dorset) were made by the Austin Motor Company in England. from 1947 to 1952, they were the first post-war saloons to be produced by Austin. The A40's were powered by a 1.2L straight-4 OHV engine producing 40 bhp. They were popular cars in a post-war car starved England with over 450,000 made. Model by DINKY 1/43 |
1949-50 Chrysler Town & Country Newport Coupe: The Town and Country Newport Coupe, or just T&C, was introduced in 1950 and made quite a splash, often being dubbed Chrysler's wonderful woody! With ash wood framing overlays on an all steel body, the coupe was powered by a Spitfire 5.3L straight-eight cylinder engine, producing 135hp. The Town and Country with a 1950 retail price of just over $4,000, was one of Chryslers most expensive models. There were only 698 T&C's made as production ended in 1950.. Models by MARQUE ONE & FRANKLIN MINT 1/43 |
1951 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 Club Coupe: One of these great looking coupes carried me home from the hospital as a baby. Known as the Futuramic Club Coupe, it was an early example of fastback styling and it was a car my Dad was always proud to have owned. Sometimes referred to as America's first muscle car, the Futuramic (stood for wider body) was the first post-war body styling for Oldsmobile. The Rocket 88 OHV V-8 engine with a 5.0L displacement and 135 bhp was good for over 100mph, a magical number for the time. Ours was traded in 1957 for a Renault 4CV, but that's another story. Model by NEO 1/43 |
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| 1951 Bugatti Type 101 Leopix Prototype: A development of the Type 57 after WWII, the Type 101 was the last passenger car built by Bugatti. A total of six production cars and one prototype were built by four body makers (Gangloff, Guillore, Antem and Virgil Exner / Ghia), but the car was not enough to restored the company to its pre-war glory and save the company from receivership. Model By AVENUE 43 1/43 |
1951 Bugatti Type 101 Leopix Prototype: The prototype of the T 101 had a body that had been designed by the French industrial designer Louis Lucien Lepoix. He designed a four-door notchback sedan with fenders that flowed smoothly into the door panels. The headlights had a special design feature. They were free-standing and set back in two openings on either side of the grille. The cream-colored car is now in the Schlumpf collection. Model By AVENUE 43 1/43 |
1951 Bugatti Type 101 Leopix Prototype: One is left to ponder that had Jean Bugatti lived to survive WWII and that Ettore Bugatti had not met such a tragic end to his life in 1947, could the pair have resurrected their ruined factory after the war and become a premier auto maker once again? Model By AVENUE 43 1/43 |
1951 Bugatti Type 101: One of the six Type 101 production cars made, this car (Ch.#57454) was bodied in coupe form by Gangloff. Like most Type 101's, it is powered by a 3.3L straight-eight engine from the Type 57 and built upon a modified Type 57 chassis. Apart from styling, the Type 101 was very much tied to pre-war engineering and concepts. The company's engineering innovation died with the death of Jean Bugatti in 1939. Model By ALTAYA/IXO 1/43 |
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| 1951 Daimler DB18 Hooper Empress: The DB18 was introduced in 1939, though production was halted for WWII in 1940. Daimler reintroduced an updated version the car in 1948 and named it the Consort. Daimler produced military scout cars during the war and the 2.5L engine from thos cars was placed in the DB18. The six-cylinder produced 70bhp and was able to propel the car to 82 mph. Daimler also sold chassis and engines to British coach builders, Hooper being one of them. Hooper created the Empress saloon, which very much followed other Hooper stylings on Rolls Royce and Bentley chassis of the period. Daimler had a faithful following and royal patronage didnt hurt either. Many Daimlers were imported into India in the early 50's as they were also favored by the Maharaja's. Model by BEST OF SHOW 1/43 |
1951 Bentley MkVI Radford Countryman: Harold Radford's was a long time Rolls Royce and Bentley dealer in London. In the late 1940's they saw an opportunity to produce coach bodies on supplied chassis by both brands, which would appeal to the rural lifestyle of their owners. They produced the Countryman which was noted to be"towncar, shooting brake and continental tourer all in one motorcar". Using a Bentley MkVI chassis with its 4.6L inline-six and all synchro mesh transmission, they produced a stylish car which had many available options. Those included what may have been one of the first ever hatchbacks, forty square feet of luggage space, front and rear seats that folded down into double beds, tables and arm rests that contained cocktail cabinets, washbasins with hot and cold water, an icebox; and of course, an electric kettle. Model by BEST OF SHOW 1/43 |
1953 Ford Country Squire Wagon: The second generation of Country Squire wagons were produced from 1952-1954 and wagons became a separate range within the Ford catalog, Country Squires being at the top. There was one engine available for the wagons, the 3.9L Strato-Star V-8. Mid way through 1953 production, the use of real wood was discontinued and woodgrain decals with fiberglass trim was used instead. The Country Squire was available only in a four-door, however Ford still made a two-door Ranch Wagon. Model by GOLDVARG 1/43 |
1954 Willys Jeep Wagon: The first sport utility vehicle, the Willys Wagon was introduced in 1946 with an all-steel body that was easy to construct, minimizing vehicle costs; in both 2WD and 4WD form. Henry Kaiser bought Willys and the 1954 models were the first to feature the Continental Super Hurricane flathead, inline six-cylinder engine. Over 300,000 durable Wilys Jeep Wagons were produced until 1965, with production in several countries. Willys painted the steel body wagons like this one in the 50's to resemble woodies. Model by NEO 1/43 |
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| 1952 Chevrolet DeLuxe Styleline Wagon: The DeLuxe Styleline Wagon was produced from 1949-1952 and was like most manufacturers top-end wagons, at the top of the price range for all 1952 Chevy's. At a price of $2,281, the Styleline Wagon was no exception and was priced $200 more than Ford's comparable wagon. Even without a V8 engine and selling at a higher price, it still outsold the Ford. It was powered by a 3.5L six-cylinder engine, pumping out 92hp. Model by NEO 1/43 |
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air: Part of the second generation of Bel Air's launched in 1955, the newly restyled car earned the nickname "The Hot One". For '55 Chevy's gained a V8 engine option. The new 265 cu. in. V8 was rated at 162 hp and the "Power Pack" option featured a four-barrel carburetor and other upgrades yielding 195 bhp. See the USA in a Chevrolet! Model by COLLECTOR CARS 1/43 |
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air: A hardtop version of the Bel Air, the 1955 "shoe box" styled Chevy's were the last before the large tail fin era really took off. Model by ROAD SIGNATURE 1/43 |
1955 Chevrolet Nomad: One of 225 models made for the SFBBC 10th Anniversary Model by BROOKLIN 1/43 |
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| 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60: The Fleetwood Sixty Special was one of the most luxurious of the Cadillac models and in 1955, it had features and performance that suited the discerning American luxury car buyers. With its P-38 inspired tail fins, the Sixty was equipped with a 5.4L, 250 hp V-8 engine. Noted for its smooth ride, features such as power steering, power brakes, electric four-way seats, air conditioning, remote trunk release and auto dim headlamps were standard features usually not found on other production cars until many years later. It had a long 133 in. (3,400mm) wheelbase, providing ample leg room and trunk (boot) space. In 1958, Cadillac restyled their cars and larger fins, dual headlamps and other features of largess appeared on the Cadillac models into the early 60's. Model by GREENLIGHT 1/43 |
1955 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier PU: The Cameo Carrier pick up was introduced by Chevrolet in 1955 as a bridge between cars and trucks. Up until that time, pick ups were viewed as work vehicles and offered basic levels of power and comfort. With increased suburban population growth in the post-WWII years, Chevrolet saw a market opportunity. While the Cameo Carrier lasted in production until 1958, it never sold in the numbers Chevy envisioned, but the Cameo changed the way Americans viewed pick-ups ever after. The design idea of the Cameo was to have a one piece truck bed and cab. Concerns over metal distortion caused engineers to come up with fiberglass panels between the bed and cab to give a "one piece" look. The Cameo offered an automatic transmission in a PU at a time when manual gearboxes were the norm. The truck came with a 6.5' bed, wrap-around rear window and a 4.3L V8 engine. Because it cost 30% more than Chevy's other PU trucks. only 5,220 Cameo's were sold in 1955. That first year they were only available in red and white. Model by BROOKLIN 1/43 |
1956 Cadillac Viewmaster: Hess & Eisenhardt who made ambulance and hearse bodies on Cadillac chassis in the 50's, decided that there was a market for a luxury Cadillac wagon. Using the Fleetwood Sixty-Special as the basis, twelve of these custom wagons were constructed. They were apparently popular among entertainment stars with young families. The car had a luxury full leather interior and was powered by 6.0L V8 engine which produced 285hp, enough to move the beast easily around the Hollywood Hills. Model by GLM 1/43 |
1956 Mercury Monterey Wagon: The Mercury Monterey was the flagship model line and Montereys were produced from 1952-1974. Named after Monterey Bay in California, the second generation of Montereys appeared in 1955. In 1956, the Monterey had three 5.1L V8 engine options which produced from 210-260 hp. The Monterey Wagon (13,260 produced) was the top of the Mercury line and like all Montereys, had a host of standard features and options which were rare at the time. The cars came with larger brakes and a manual transmission, however 90% of the cars had the optional three-speed automatic. Other options included air conditioning, power steering, windows and seats. They also introduced an automatic chassis lubrication system as an option. This model finished in Lauderdale Blue is a great example of the clean lines and look of the mid-50's Mercurys. Model by GOLDVARG COLLECTION 1/43 |
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1958 Studebaker Golden Hawk: Produced between 1956-58, the Golden Hawk's raised hood and grille were added to allow space for a larger engine. It initially used Packard's big 5.8L V8, but in '57 a 4.7L super-charged Studebaker engine producing 275 bhp. It was one of the fastest cars in the world at the time it was new, second only to the Chrysler 300B. Model by CORGI 1/43 |
1959 Chevrolet Impala: The Impala was Chevrolet's top of the line model and it became the best selling car in the United States. With all new styling, the 1959 Impala featured tail fins that curved outward rather than up. The base V8 was the carryover 4.6L with 185 hp. Performance fans could select larger engines with outputs between 290 hp and the big-block 5.7L V8 with 315 hp. Model by CORGI 1/43 |
1959 Chevrolet Impala Wagon: Model by SPARK 1/43 |
1959 Chevrolet Impala Wagon: Model by SPARK 1/43 |
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| 1960 Rolls Royce Phantom V: Based on the Silver Cloud II, the Phantom V was a large, ultra-exclusive four-door saloon produced between 1959 and 1968. For those that need to know, the Phantom V was powered by a 6.2L V8. Customers for the Phantom V included the Royal Family and were used as state cars. Perhaps the most famous one though is John Lennon's psychedelic painted one. Model by DINKY 1/43 |
1960 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II: Introduced in 1955, the Silver Cloud is the image that pops into my head when I think of Rolls Royce. Stately and elegant, these cars have a commanding presence. The Silver Cloud II was introduced in 1959 and produced until 1963 when the third and final variation was introduced until production ended in 1966. Model by VEREM 1/43 |
1961 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II DHC: The Rolls Royce Silver Ghost motor cars were made in three series beginning in 1956 and ending in 1966. They replaced the Silver Dawn models and were in turn replaced by the Silver Shadow. In 1959, the second series of Silver Clouds were introduced, and they featured a new aluminum 6.2L V8 engine which replaced the previous series six-cylinder engine in the Series I. The 2.3-ton car has a claimed top speed of 114 MPH. Only 32 RHD examples were built of the total 107 Series II Drop Head Coupes built. Model by TSM Model 1/43 |
1961 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II DHC: Model by TSM Model 1/43 |
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| 1960 Mercury Colony Park Station Wagon: Many of us can't remember all of the cars we have driven through the years, but most if not all of us can remember the car we drove when we learned to drive. Good or bad, large or small, those cars are special to us, as they helped us on the journey to freedom behind the wheel and the open road. For me, that car is a large behemoth of a station wagon, a 1960 Mercury Colony Park. A car my parents had bought new and for almost a decade, had hauled our family on countless camping trips, trips to the store and the occasional trip to the emergency room before I was allowed behind the wheel to actually drive it. Model by GOLDVARG COLLECTION 1/43 |
1960 Mercury Colony Park Station Wagon: I don't know how many hours I had spent before that moment, behind the wheel pretending to drive while the car waited patiently in the driveway; waiting for its next call to duty. It was well used by the time my Dad summoned the courage to teach me how to drive. When the day finally came to take my drivers exam, I had logged several hours behind the wheel and had felt its power cruising at 85 mph on the Interstate. The only trouble I ever had with the car was the inability to parallel park the thing during my drivers' exam. With new driver's license in hand, I showed my Dad where I had failed. He made me feel a lot better when he told me he didn't think he could do it either. Although it was big, I didn't know anything different and became one with the old girl as I self-taught myself how to power slide on gravel country roads and had other misadventures in that great old wagon. Model by GOLDVARG COLLECTION 1/43 |
1960 Mercury Colony Park Station Wagon: If Lincoln built a station wagon, the five-door Mercury Colony Park would have been it. Built on a Lincoln Continental chassis and using the Continental's suspension and drivetrain, the Colony Park was the largest passenger wagon made in 1960. It was a long 219.2" (5.6M) and had a 126.0" (3.2M) wheelbase. Curb weight for the Merc was 4,740 lbs. (2150 Kg) and its 430 Cu. in. (7.0L) V8 could power it up to 118 mph (190 kmh); shifting smoothly through its Merc-O-Matic 3-speed automatic. A pillar less wagon, it offered the driver and passengers great visibility through its large panels of glass. With its optional third seat, it could comfortably carry up to eight adults, or an entire little league team! I learned to drive on our Colony Park wagon, fond memories of a great car to drive, as long as you didn't have to parallel park! In the back ground photo, that's me in our brand new wagon sitting in the front seat. Model by GOLDVARG COLLECTION 1/43 |
1968 Ford LTD Country Squite: We had one of these big wagons for my Dad's dairy business, used for special light deliveries as well as the family hauler on weekends. Almost as big as our '60 Mercury Colony Park,and its big 7.0L V8 easily handled a eight or nine passenger load. It was a thirsty bugger though and the gas crisis in the mid-70's saw it replaced with something more economical. Great car for taking to the drive-in! Model by KESS 1/43 |
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| 1962 Volkswagen Kombi DeLuxe Type 2: The Type 2 VW Kombi, also known as the T1, Microbus, Transporter, and Van was introduced by VW as their second model of car in 1950. The precursor of many vans to follow, the forward control Kombi, with its distinctive split windscreen, was produced until 1967.This 1962 example is the DeLuxe model with sunroof and is also known as the 23-window van. It has a 1.2L flat-four cyl. air-cooled boxer engine. Never speedy, but always reliable. Model by ROAD SIGNATURE 1/43 |
1962 Volkswagen Kombi DeLuxe Type 2: Ben Pons, Sr. in the Netherlands, was the first VW dealer outside of Germany and was responsible for the introduction of the cars to the USA. It was his idea and sketch of the Kombi in 1947 which prompted VW engineers to make the first prototype of the Kombi. Over 1.8 million T1 vans were made by VW in Germany, with an unknown number also made under license in other countries around the world. Model by ROAD SIGNATURE 1/43 |
1963 Chevrolet Corvette: I remember the sensation the split-window Corvette created when introduced in 1963 as the Sting Ray. Its 327 cu. in V8 produced 360 bhp. I have never been much of a Corvette fan except for the second generation cars made between 1963-67 and their excellent Larry Shinoda styling. Model by WHITE BOX & CORGI 1/43 |
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| 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Fitch Sprint: Legendary driver and engineer John Fitch improved the original Corvair design. Using the Corvair Corsa as a basis, the power train, suspension and steering were modified to turn the car into a grand touring machine. There were also cosmetic changes including a unique top which became a signature Sprint item. Engine tweeks boosted the performance of the six-cylinder engine to 155 hp. Suspension modifications significantly improved the cars handling and responsivness, aided by a quicker steering ratio. Lucas Flamethrower driving lights are mounted in the high beam position for greater visability. Model by AUTOMODELLO 1/43 |
1969 Chevrolet Corvair Monza: The Corvair received a face lift in 1965 and the new design would last until production eneded in 1969. The Monza was the top of the Corvair model range except for the years 1965 & 1966 when the turbo-charged Corsa replaced the turbo Monza. The non-turbo Corvairs had two engine horsepower options for its 2.7L air-cooled flat-6, a base 98 hp, or optional 110 hp. Only 531 Monza convertibles were made in 1969 as production wound down. Sales of the Chevy Nova cut deeply into the Corvairs' intended market which brought a halt to an American car ahead of its time. Model by ROAD SIGNATURE 1/43 |
1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS: Introduced in 1959, the El Camino remained a part of the Chevrolet line-up 1987, with a small gap in the mid-1960's. Perhaps the best looking of all the El Camino models over the years was the Third Generation cars made between 1968-1972. The 1970 models received some sheet metal revisions and most were the SS396 which featured the 6.6L V8. The high performance 7.4L V8 produced 450 bhp and could do the quarter mile in under 13 seconds at 106 mph. Model by PARTSWORKS 1/43 |
1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS: In memory of my friend Larry Pressall (1945-2018). One of my favorite memories of Larry was riding in his very fast El Camino down the Interstate at 90 mph, towing my Austin Healey 100 on a trailer. The only thing it couldnt pass was a gas station. I miss him! Model by PARTSWORKS 1/43 |
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| 1958 Continental MkII: The Continental Mk III was an entirely new body design for 1958. It was slated to compete with the Cadillac Eldorado and Imperial Le Baron for market share in the U.S. luxury car market. New, was the unibody construction of the Continental, while utilizing the existing Lincoln Capri and Premiere's mechanicals. It was a big car that was offered in four body styles, including the convertible. Weighing in at 5,000 lbs. (2300 kg) and 229" ((5,817 mm) long, the Continental was powered by a big 7.0L V8. 1958 was the last year that Continental was its own division, becoming the Lincoln Continental in 1959. Model by SUNSTAR 1/18 |
1958 Continental MkII: A young Jack Kennedy served as the grand marshal for the Medford Pear Blossom Festival parade in April 1960; while campaigning for the U.S. Presidency. In hindsight, it was a pretty big coup for a small Oregon community to score the future President as the guest of honor. Kennedy was one of several celebrities and dignitaries that have served as Grand Marshall of the annual parade since 1954. In 1967, Leonard Nimoy appearing as Mr. Spock was grand marshal (the only time he appeared as that character in public.) Driving Kennedy in the 1960 parade was local businessman Wally Watkins. A friend of Wally's was one of the parade organizers and knew Watkins had the car; asking him if he would drive Kennedy in the parade. Model by SUNSTAR 1/18 |
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| 1961 Lincoln Continental Parade Car: On one of the darkest days of US history, Presdient John F. Kennedy was shot, assasinated while riding in this open parade car through the streets of Dalles, Texas. For those of us old enough to reember, it always stirs poignant memories of that fateful day and the sight of the President, his wife Jackie, then Govenor of Texas John Connelly and his wife Nellie in the moments before and after the shooting. Besides Kennedy, Connelly was also hit by the assassins bullets, but survived. A stock Lincoln Continetal was converted by Hess & Eisenhardt to allow the parade configuration seen here, as well as the ability to use removable steel and plastic roof panels in various combinations. After Dallas, the car was rebuilt and included the addition of armor, bullet proof glass, run flat tires, and other features to provide greater safety for Presidents Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Carter that used the car before it was retired in 1977. Model by Minichamps 1/43 |
John F. and Jacqueline Kennedy: I have had the opportunity to visit the Sixth Floor Museum in the former Texas School Book Depository building in Dallas on a coupe of occassions. It is a fascinating museum and poininantly chronicles the vents that led up to and after November 11, 1963. These 9' x 6' portraits of the Kennedys are made up of over 50,000 smaller portraits and are an amzing work of art. Photomosaics by Alex Guofeng Cao |
Dealey Plaza & Grassy Knoll: Looking down on Dealey Plaza from the Sixth Floor of the Texas School Book Depository Building, near where the fatal shots were fired from an open window on 11/22/1963. Elm St. runs right to left at the bottom of the picture and the Presidents car was where the white X's are in the middle lane just above the trees when the shots were fired. The Grassy Knoll is on the right, just beyond the trees. You can also see the overpass the motorcade sped under on its way to Parkland hospital. |
Houston Street: The Presidential motorcade travelled down Houston St. towards the camera, before making a left turn onto Elm. St. in front of the Texas School Book Depository building. Dealey Plaza is on the right and the Courthouse is on the left. The motorcade turned onto Houston St.and travelled a block to Elm. To make the turns, the motorcade had to slow significantly, which brings into question why that route was selected. |
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| 1936 White Model 706 Bus: In 1935, the White Motor Company had won the evaluation trials for which was the best vehicle for sightseeing tours in America's National Parks. The White design by Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky (a leading designer at the time) beat General Motors, Ford and REO proposals to transport park visitors arriving by train on tour routes through Glacier and Yellowstone. The Glacier buses were painted a shade of red to represent the mountain ash berry. Between 1936 and 1940, Glacier had a fleet of 36 buses winding through the park and up the famous Going to the Sun Road. Powered originally by a White six-cylinder engine that could accelerate the bus uphill with a full load, today, the restored buses are powered by Ford V8 engines which run on either gasoline or propane. Model by OPEN TOP BUS 1/48 |
1936 White Model 706 Bus: Glacier National Park Model by OPEN TOP BUS 1/48 |
1936 White Model 706 Bus: By 1940 there were 98 of the golden yellow buses running through the Yellowstone National Park. These buses, along with the red Glacier buses have operated continuously, except for during WWII and during a three-year period beginning in 2000 when they were refurbished. Part of the refurbishment was the conversion of the buses from standard to automatic transmission. It is also how the bus drivers derived their nickname "Jammer". It has to do with the crunching of gears that could occur when shifting gears. The buses also had four wheel hydraulic brakes which along with pressurized cooling systems to prevent engine overheating made them safe and reliable. The buses coursing through the National Parks over eighty years later is a grand sight and part of the overall park experience. Model by OPEN TOP BUS 1/48 |
1936 White Model 706 Bus: Yellowstone National Park Model by OPEN TOP BUS 1/48 |
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| 1959 Ford F-100 Pickup: Ford introduced the F-Series of trucks in 1948 and by 1957, was into its third generation of F-Series pickups. All new modernistic styling, which incorporated dual-headlamps and squared front fenders which were now part of the cab, rather than being separate units. The F-100 1/2 ton 'styleside' pickup like this one, which incorporated the fenders into the bed/box was also new and made for a much more modern and streamlined truck. This styling would be the basis for all Ford truck styling into the 1970's. Still viewed as utility and work vehicles rather than passenger vehicles, accommodations and options were somewhat sparse. Two engine options, the 3.7L inline-six (137 hp) and the 4.5L V8 (190 hp) were joined in 1959 by the 4.8L V8 (212 hp) capable of hauling and towing increased loads. in 1959, 4WD was also introduced. Production of third generation F-Series Ford trucks lasted until 1961. Model by Altaya 1/43 |
1960 Ford F-100 Pickup |
1965 Ford F-100 Pickup: For 1965, the Ford F-100 Series pickups received an all new frame that Ford continued to use up into the late 70's. Probably the biggest improvement was the replacement of a straight front axle with what Ford called "Twin I-Beam" independent suspension. This gave the truck better handling, ride, control and durability. Ford offered three power units in the F-Series range. For economy, both a 3.9 L and a 4.9 L straight six engines were offered. For greater power for loads and towing, two V8's of 4.7L and 5.8 L, which produced 208hp. While its clear based on Ford's advertising that in the mid-60's pickups were still considered primarily work vehicles, there is also a fair amount of coverage on style, comfort and ergonomics; indicating a trend in marketing pickups as more than just work mules was underway. Model by GOLDVARG 1/43 |
1986 Lamborghini LM002: In a departure from making high-end luxury sports cars, Lamborghini brought the off-road capable LM002 to market between 1986 and 1993. Often called the "Rambo-Lambo", the LM002 was an offshoot from military prototypes built by Lamborghini. The LM002 is powered by either a 5.2L V12 (444 hp) from the Lamborghini Countach, or a 7.2L V12 marine engine used in power boating. The interior of the LM002 is full luxury appointments, with leather, air conditioning and premium sound systems. To serve its off-road capabilities, Lamborghini commissioned Pirelli to make special 'Scorpion' run-flat tires and provided the LM002 with a 45 gallon fuel tank. The Countach engine can propel the 6,780 pound vehicle to a top-speed of 120 mph. Model by IXO 1/43 |
THE SIGNATURE PROJECT & RACING DIORAMAS
GREAT AUTOMOTIVE MAKES & RACING TEAMS:
AMERICAN:
CHAPARRAL
CHEVROLET & GM POWER
COBRAS & DAYTONAS - SHELBY CARS
CUNNINGHAM EQUIPE - THE CARS OF BRIGGS CUNNINGHAM
FORD POWER: GT40's, MUSTANGS & MORE
MISC. AMERICAN MADE
BRITISH:
ASTON MARTIN RACE & PRODUCTION
AUSTIN HEALEY & HEALEY
BRABHAM F! & SPORTS CARS
BRM F1 & SPORTS CARS
LOLA SPORTS RACING CARS
LOTUS F1, RACE & PRODUCTION
McLAREN RACING & PRODUCTION CARS
MG CARS - RACING & PRODUCTION
TRIUMPH RACE & PRODUCTION CARS
MISC. BRITISH MADE
FRENCH:
BUGATTI
FRENCH MADE
GERMAN:
AUDI RACING
BMW RACE & PRODUCTION
MERCEDES BENZ RACE & PRODUCTION
MISC. GERMAN & SWEDISH MADE
ITALIAN:
ABARTH RACING
ALFA ROMEO RACE & PRODUCTION
LANCIA RACE & PRODUCTION
MASERATI RACE & PRODUCTION
MISC. ITALIAN & SPANISH MADE
JAPANESE:
DATSUN/NISSAN RACING
TOYOTA RACE & PRODUCTION CARS
MISC. JAPAN, ASIAN & AUSTRALIAN MADE
LAND SPEED AND ENDURANCE RECORD CARS
THE TRIPLE CROWN OF ENDURANCE RACES:
THE 24 HOURS of LE MANS 100 YEARS - 1923-2023
THE 12 Hours of SEBRING WINNERS
THE 24 HOURS of DAYTONA WINNERS
DRIVER TRIBUTES:
THE OLD IRISH RACING HALL OF FAME
JUAN MANUEL FANGIO TRIBUTE
STIRLING MOSS TRIBUTE
WORLD DRIVER & CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONS 1950 - 1985
PLAY BALL! - IT'S BASEBALL TIME:
A TRIBUTE TO BOYHOOD HEROES AND MY DAD
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