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[ last update: 06.13.2010 ]
The (new) Cadillac Database�
Cadillac & LaSalle Toys
The Wooden Models of Otto Vallastro
Return to The (New) Cadillac Database� Index Page
or pick a toy page from the table, below
Pick the preferred years
Choisissez les ann�es pr�f�r�es1902 - 1931 1930/31 Solido 1932 - 1942 1946 - 1953 1954 - 1958 1959 only 1960-1969 1970-2001
...or pick one of the following model builders or collectors
...ou choisissez l'un des mod�listes ou collectionneurs suivantsThe author's former Cadillac toy collection The bespoke "Elegance" models of Claude Thibivilliers The rare "RD-Marmande" Cadillac models of Ren� Daffaure Jo-Han kits and Promotionals, USA The Kits of TKM, USA The Paper and Card Cadillacs of Emmanuel de Horne The Custom Limousines of Philippe Emami The Wooden Models of Otto Vallastro Another talented craftsman and aficionado by the name of Otto Vallastro has created quite a unique collection of pre- and post-WW2 custom jobs on the Cadillac and LaSalle chassis in approximately 1:25 scale. In the table below is a list of the scale replicas currently in Otto's collection. Some of these may be for sale.
1905 Model "F" Touring Car
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1938 Custom Convertible Coupe by Brunn, NY
In this series of photos you will be able to
admire the work
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1939 "Carved-Side" Funeral Coach (1)
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1939 "Carved-Side" Funeral Coach (2)
1939 Series 75 Convertible Sedan
1940 Custom Convertible Coupe by Maurice Schwartz
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1941 "Series 60 Special" Sedan by Fleetwood
1941 Custom "Woody" by Coachcraft
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1947 Standard "Series 62" Sedanet
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1947 Custom Flower Car
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1947 Custom "Woody" by .....
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1948 Custom Convertible Coupe by Jacques Saoutchik, Paris
This hand-cuilt, wooden model displays
Otto's model building talents to perfection
1949 Custom "Woody" by Maurice Schwartz
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1955 "Gaylord Gladiator" powered by Cadillac
1958 "Series 60 Special" Fleetwood
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1959 Custom Flower Car by Superior
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1959 Funeral Coach by Superior
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1959 Crown Royale Landaulet Funeral Coach by Superior
1966 Custom Flower Car by .....
Here is Otto's own description of how he builds his replicas:
My replicas all are hand made from blocks of balsa wood. I have over a 100 of them. All are one-of-a-kind; no two are alike. The Cadillacs in my collection are shown here.
I'm a retired service station operator who, when I was 13 and 14 years old, made wooden models because I wanted better looking cars than were available at that time (1940s).After retiring, I started wood carving again, after a brief time (about 50 years!). I used no scales, templates, etc. What I see in a picture is what I make. I do have the knowledge from an automotive background.
It takes me between 50 and 60 hours to complete a closed model. For open ones, like some of the hearses, it may take an additional 10 to 15 hours or more.
I have made models for a lot of antique automobile collectors. I have made many professional cars (hearses & flowers cars) for a well known collector. I have my models displayed in one of the Packard Motor Car Museums. I have models in the FDR Museum. I have been honored with articles in several magazines, newspapers, and on local TV Specials.
I like all Classic, Antique and collectible automobiles but, enjoy model collecting most of all because you can have replicas of cars we can only dream about and at the same time you don't have the storage and insurance problems that come with owning the real thing. I get my ideas for making a model from pictures in auto books [Hemming motor news, Collectible Automobile, Old Cars Weekly, etc.] All my models are numbered, signed, dated and registed in a log that I started years ago. A good scale drawing is helpful but not always available to get a true start otherwise a lot of honing and shaving will be needed.Keep those Cadillac rolling, Otto
To view more of Otto's models please go to: www.woodenautomodels.com
The images showing how the 1938 custom convertible coupe by Brunn will give an idea about how Otto goes about the job. After the rough-cut that gives the basic body shape, it's all done with razor knives (box cutters), razor blades and sandpaper; after that, he starts to apply wood sealer [about 10 coats], then does the final sanding and painting. He usually will apply about 10 coats. And, yes, there many small trim pieces that have to be made individually and affixed to the model.
These replicas are for sale
[ all models come in a hard plastic display case ]
| Year | Model | Price1 |
| 1938 | Cadillac sport roadster | $400 |
| 1940 | Cadillac convertible coupe by Bohman & Schwartz | $400 |
| 1941 | Cadillac "woody" by Bohman &Schwartz | $400 |
| 1941 | Cadillac Series 60 Special | $300 |
| 1947 | Cadillac "Sedanet" | $300 |
| 1947 | Cadillac "woody" | $325 |
| 1949 | Cadillac "woody" by Bohman & Schwartz | $400 |
| 1958 | Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Special | $300 |
1 Add $25 for UPS - write to Otto at < lutz24502@yahoo.com > showing "Wood Auto Models" in the subject line
Pick the preferred years - Choisissez vos ann�es pr�f�r�es 1902 - 1931 1930/31 Solido 1932 - 1942 1946 - 1953 1954 - 1958 1959 only 1960-1969 1970-2001
...or pick one of the following model builders or collectors
...ou choisissez l'un des mod�listes ou collectionneurs suivantsThe author's former Cadillac toy collection The bespoke "Elegance" models of Claude Thibivilliers The rare "RD-Marmande" Cadillac models of Ren� Daffaure Jo-Han kits and Promotionals, USA The Kits of TKM, USA The Paper and Card Cadillacs of Emmanuel de Horne The Custom Limousines of Philippe Emami The Wooden Models of Otto Vallastro
Return to The (New) Cadillac Database� Index Page
or pick a toy page from the table, above
© 1996-2012, Yann Saunders [aka MrCadillac]
[ Background image: misc. toys from author's former collection ]
