[ last update: 03.02.2014 ]

The (new) Cadillac Database©


Cadillac & LaSalle Toys
[ 1959 - Part 2 ]

FRFLAG.JPG (773 bytes)

Return to The (New) Cadillac Database© Index Page
or pick a toy page from the table, below


Text in bold, red type (like this), between current image boxes relates to toys
that will be illustrated or described in a future update [images still have to be processed]

 

Pick the preferred years  - Choisissez vos années préférées
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 modélistes ou collectionneurs suivants
The author's former Cadillac toy collection
The bespoke "Elegance" models of Claude Thibivilliers
The rare "RD-Marmande" Cadillac models of René 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

 

 

Circa 1:25 scale

 

AMT (?), USA

Tun59hr2.JPG (6876 bytes)     Tun59hrs.JPG (7188 bytes)
1959 Cadillac hearse by unidentified manufacturer; initially, I guessed the scale to be between 1:66 and 1:77; Chris Hardegger believes
the above hearse (as well as the ambulance, below) may be modified versions of the Ghostbusters kit in 1:25 scale by AMT

[
Late Extra (Jan., 2007): Lou Flammia, author of these two pics, contacted me in Jan., 2007; he confirmed that his creation was indeed
a conversion from AMT's 1:25 scale "Ghostbusters" ambulance - Thanks, Lou, for authorizing the use of your photos on this site ]

 

JO-HAN, USA

t59jo1.jpg (6919 bytes)     t59jo2.jpg (8139 bytes)

t59joor.jpg (10831 bytes)     t59joor2.jpg (7194 bytes)
This 1:25 scale model of the 1959 Cadillac "Series 60 Special" is the second in a long series of plastic promotional toys and kits
issued by Jo-Han Mfg. Co (USA); over time, these early "promotionals" (in this case a friction-drive toy) had a tendency to become
warped, as may be seen here at the forward roof line and, less so in this particular case, between the front grille ensemble and the
hood; it is almost impossible to find one of these toys today with no warpage.  A fresh run of the 1958 and 1959 promotionals was
issued in the eighties; the new plastics used are more stable than the originals.   So, if you find one that is nice and
straight, it probably is one of the "modern" versions

Tun59low.jpg (8487 bytes)
I believe this is an amateur-built lead sled, probably in 1:25 scale
based on an older  kit by one of the specialty manufacturers (Jo-Han, Monogram, etc.)


This would-be 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham was converted by my Austro-German friend and real-life baron,
Otto Johan Helmut Von Anzengrüber Cserer Albasy zu Heidendorf (and that's the truth); to Gita, the children and me he was just "Helmut";
he used Jo-Han's 1960 Series 60 Special  sedan as the base for this nice conversion

 

 

 

 

MONOGRAM, USA

Tmo59kit.JPG (6650 bytes)

t59MGram3b.jpg (3788 bytes)     t59MGram3a.jpg (3300 bytes)

 

 

PALMER, USA

Tpa59elb.JPG (9651 bytes)

 

 

UNIDENTIFIED, USA

Tun59amb.JPG (8293 bytes)     Tun59am2.JPG (7022 bytes)
1959 Cadillac ambulance by unidentified manufacturer

t59hrsa.jpg (6849 bytes)
[ Unidentified - 1:25 scale ? ]


[ Unidentified - 1:25 scale ? ]

 

 

UNIDENTIFIED, USA (?)

T60kit.jpg (9328 bytes)
This scale construction kit of the 1959 Fleetwood
Eldorado Seville coupe needs to be properly identified
[ possibly TKM models, Oklahoma City ]

t59hrs.jpg (8213 bytes)
Another unidentified kit (body only) of  a 1959 Miller Meteor hearse
built on Cadillac chassis, but sans the traditional fins; this limited
production resin body will fit on the Ghostbusters ambulance
kit with only minor adjustments and removal of flashing

t59htamb.jpg (7579 bytes)
Here is a similar body that needs completion;
it resembles a Eureka hi-top ambulance

 

 

 

Circa 1:24 scale

 

DANBURY MINT (USA)

These are excellent, miniature, replicas of two of GM's finest for 1959:
the Coupe de Ville and the astounding Eldorado Biarritz

T59cp1.jpg (8959 bytes)     T59cp1a.jpg (6465 bytes)

T59cp1b.jpg (7292 bytes)     T59cp2.jpg (8322 bytes)

t59DMa.jpg (12350 bytes)     t59DMcpe.jpg (27099 bytes)     t59DMb.jpg (13109 bytes)
The Coupe de Ville in Vegas turquoise with Olympic white roof;
look at the detail of the interior - this one is well worth the money

t59CDV-dm2.jpg (14785 bytes)     t59DMgray2.jpg (33696 bytes)

Gva_09f 052.jpg (18225 bytes)     Gva_09f 053.jpg (18048 bytes)     Gva_09f 051.jpg (15231 bytes)

Gva_09f 048.jpg (14674 bytes)     Gva_09f 061.jpg (16551 bytes)     Gva_09f 049.jpg (14300 bytes)

Gva_09f 058.jpg (13650 bytes)     Gva_09f 062.jpg (10276 bytes)     Gva_09f 063.jpg (10171 bytes)     Gva_09f 060.jpg (10460 bytes)     Gva_09f 059.jpg (9117 bytes)

Gva_09f 044.jpg (20018 bytes)     Gva_09f 045.jpg (17854 bytes)

Gva_09f 057.jpg (14841 bytes)     Gva_09f 056.jpg (18345 bytes)     Gva_09f 054.jpg (14089 bytes)

t59DMa.JPG (34645 bytes)     t59DMb.JPG (18944 bytes)     t59DMc.JPG (19391 bytes)

t59DM1.jpg (21923 bytes)
"Series 62" convertible

t59Dmnt.jpg (12634 bytes)
This one is atypical of Danbury Mint's usual prodcution models!

T59el1.jpg (9536 bytes)     T59el1b.jpg (7566 bytes)

T59el2b.jpg (5695 bytes)     T59el1c.jpg (5211 bytes)

T59el2.jpg (8548 bytes)     T59el3.jpg (7421 bytes)
The Eldorado convertible is equally detailed; it is shown here in the year's most desirable
configuration and color:  bucket seats and Persian Sand hues throughout;
a red soft top would have made it perfect, although there is nothing wrong with white

t59DMsv1.jpg (12953 bytes)     t59DMsv4.jpg (14349 bytes)

t59DMsv2.jpg (12900 bytes)     t59DMsv3.jpg (11086 bytes)
The Eldorado coupe [one of 5000 to be issued]  is a more recent addition to the range and is also highly detailed;
I find this color combination particularly fitting, though I might have preferred a white Vicodec top covering

 

 

FRANKLIN MINT, USA

T59fm43.jpg (8173 bytes)

      t59FMcv.jpg (13057 bytes)

t59bia1.jpg (31563 bytes)     t59bia2.jpg (32642 bytes)
Finely detailed 1:24 scale model of the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz; only 2500 units
was painted this original green color; the first ones were sold in September, 2005
The detailing is amazing!
Everything opens; highly detailed engine, carpeted interior

T59fmsv.jpg (9118 bytes)

t59biaFM2.jpg (34360 bytes)

t59biaFM1.jpg (31106 bytes)     t59biaFM3.jpg (31706 bytes)
Here is the sister car, the Eldorado Seville; only 5900 units
were made of this limited edition collector's toy

 

MONOGRAM, USA
[ who says you can get too much of a good thing ? ]

t59mono.jpg (9752 bytes)

T59m12b.jpg (7340 bytes)     T59m12c.jpg (7752 bytes)

T59m12a.jpg (7808 bytes)     T59mai12.jpg (5479 bytes)
The 1959 Cadillac is shocking enough as it is ...but in pink!
this version comes from Monogram (USA); scale is 1:24

 

 

JADA, CHINA (?)

t59jada2.jpg (6035 bytes)
Starting in mid-2003, under the label  DUB CITY Old Skool, the toy market was flooded with various
1:24 scale models of Cadillacs from 1953 and 1959 (possibly others too) including this confusing
1959 Cadillac El Dorado DeVille; made by by Jada (China ?), their general lines are true but
the wheels usually are "imaginative", to say the least

t59Dub2a.jpg (6787 bytes)     t59Dub2b.jpg (6111 bytes)     t59Dub2c.jpg (5873 bytes)
This one belongs to French collector, Cedric ..., aka "cady59"
[ Photo: © 2007, Cedric ... ]


I believe the toy featured in this diorama is also from DUB

 

In September 2004, toy collector Taral Wayne had this to say about the Jada models: Regarding the Jada 1959 Cadillac. In re-issuing older models they have refitted them with absurd "lo-rider" rims, but originally they came with standard tires of the time. The '59 Caddy I have is Vatican- white all over and inside, complete with correct chrome hub-caps, and ultra-wide white sidewalls. The trick is to find an older, unsold model, as I did. I've complained to Jada about this, but naturally they aren't going to listen to one customer. Unfortunately I can't provide you an image.

Tjada59.jpg (5816 bytes)     Tjada59b.jpg (8083 bytes)
Taral kindly sent this image of the older Jada production models

t59dublowrdr.jpg (4895 bytes)

t59DubGhost.jpg (4650 bytes)

 

M & M, USA

t59m&m.jpg (7436 bytes)
M&M ceramic black Cadillac convertible with
two M&M figures, one red, the other green; car is 9" long
by 4½" wide and comes with a red bow around the candy

TM&MCAR.JPG (4696 bytes)     TM&MRED.JPG (5105 bytes)
As you can see, it came in  a variety of colors

 

 

KENNER, OH, USA (?)

Tun59ghs.JPG (6059 bytes)
From the movie Ghostbusters, this imaginary
ectoplasmic wagon is a popular kiddie toy

TKenner_Ghost1a.jpg (10764 bytes)     TKenner_Ghost1b.jpg (10787 bytes)     TKenner_ghost3.jpg (7647 bytes)
These two images, courtesy of Charles Barnette

t59ambu24a.jpg (4492 bytes)     t59ambu24b.jpg (5046 bytes)     t59ambu24c.jpg (5383 bytes)

T59FLC.JPG (7247 bytes)     t59flc3.jpg (6388 bytes)

 

 

OTTO VALLESTRA, USA

T59flc5S.jpg (25394 bytes)

t59flc3S.jpg (18645 bytes)     t59flc4S.jpg (21874 bytes)
Custom flower car by Superior

ThrsabS.jpg (20047 bytes)     TtrsaaS.jpg (19728 bytes)

T59hrs2S.jpg (24009 bytes)     T59hrs6S.jpg (17635 bytes)   
Custom funeral coach by Superior

OttoV1.jpg (7632 bytes)

OttoV2.jpg (5814 bytes)     OttoV3.jpg (6993 bytes)
Crown Royale Landaulet funeral coach by Superior

 

 

UNKNOWN, GERMANY (?)

T59Tin.jpg (14884 bytes)

t59Germ.jpg (11374 bytes)

t59Germ2.jpg (13713 bytes)     t59Germ1.jpg (16253 bytes)     t59Germ3.jpg (12041 bytes)
These rough replicas depict  unmistakably the 1959 "Series 62" Cadillac convertible ... but they are far removed from reality, nevertheless

 

 


ERTL, USA

Circa 1:20 scale
(advertised as 1:18)

t59Ghost1b.jpg (3566 bytes)     t59Ghost1a.jpg (3750 bytes)

 

 

   

Circa 1:18 scale

 

AUTOART Signature Series ( ... )

    

    

    

         

 

 

BANDAI, JAPAN

t59basd.jpg (6227 bytes) 

T59ba5.jpg (8473 bytes)     T59ba6.jpg (7325 bytes)

t59bacvb.jpg (5519 bytes)     t59bacva.jpg (6549 bytes)
This tinplate Series 60 Special (top row) and the unlikely convertible conversion of it  (2nd row),
are from Bandai, Japan; they are still quite readily available today, on eBay, in a variety of colors

 

 

MINICHAMPS

    
Finely detailed replica of the Cadillac Cyclone prototype  ... after the fins were shaved off (RH factory photo)

 

 

PRECISION MINIATURES

Circa 1:18 scale

These excellent, miniature, professional cars replicate
those built in 1959 by the Superior Coach Corporation
They are priced initially at $80 a pop and may
by pre-ordered in September 2004, from:


http://www.diecastmuscle.com/store/Search?searchQuery=crown

    T59hrssu.jpg (8607 bytes)
(1) Crown Royale Landau hearse, available in black, maroon, silver and white

t59suhr1.jpg (9201 bytes)     t59suhr2.jpg (11339 bytes)

t59suhr3.jpg (6519 bytes)     t59suhr4.jpg (9529 bytes)     t59suhr5.jpg (9971 bytes)

t59hrsintA.jpg (4776 bytes)     t59hrsintB.jpg (3467 bytes)     t59hrs2.jpg (23753 bytes)

t59suhr6.jpg (12821 bytes)     t59suhr7.jpg (13572 bytes)
Apart from the fact that some of the photos are slightly blurred,
the detail is such that these could be snaps of a real, surviving hearse
[ Photos (above 3 rows): © 2005, Yann Saunders ]

T59sulim.jpg (9082 bytes)
(2) Crown Royale limousine hearse, available   in the same colors as above

T59ambsu.jpg (9408 bytes)
(3) Crown Royale ambulance, available in blue, white, blue+white, red+white

t59suam1.jpg (14618 bytes)     t59suam2.jpg (9716 bytes)

t59suam3.jpg (10076 bytes)     t59suam4.jpg (6946 bytes)     t59suam7.jpg (10785 bytes)

t59suam6.jpg (10864 bytes)     t59suam5.jpg (10597 bytes)
Again, the detail is such that these could be snaps of a real, surviving ambulance
[ Photos (above 3 rows): © 2005, Yann Saunders ]

t59fire.jpg (3295 bytes)     t59fire3.jpg (5060 bytes)
In the same series, here is the Fire Marshall's car

t59PrecMin.jpg (44727 bytes)

 

t5975PrecMins.jpg (9355 bytes)

t597518thA.jpg (13454 bytes)     t597518thB.jpg (6789 bytes)
Known as the "Sunset Coach", this is a fabulous replica of the
luxurious Series 75  limousine; it is available in black, silver, burgundy and white
[ Photos:  ACCF Forum, "cady59" ]

 

t59Limo1.jpg (37294 bytes)      t59Limo2.jpg (38702 bytes)

t59Limo3.jpg (40182 bytes)      t59Limo6.jpg (41883 bytes)

t59Limo4.jpg (82210 bytes)      t59Limo5.jpg (112357 bytes)
Above three rows: the detail in these miniature 1959 limousines is extraordinary
(with the exception of the "fat" steering wheel rim)

 

t59wrk1.jpg (8244 bytes)     t59wrk2.jpg (8158 bytes)

t59wrk3.jpg (5403 bytes)     t59wrk5.jpg (4694 bytes)     t59wrk6.jpg (6130 bytes)
This individually assembled Diorama creation is from Junkyard Jewels and depicts
a sad-looking Miller-Meteor style combination hearse-ambulance in a junkyard setting

Junkyard Jewels web page

 

 


LEGO

Circa 1:16 scale

t59lego.jpg (27870 bytes)   
No comment

 

 

 

Circa 1:12 scale

 

(Jim) BEAM, USA

T59jb1.jpg (7762 bytes)     T59jb2.jpg (9325 bytes)
You won't believe the uses to which the 1959 Cadillac convertible has been put for commercial purposes;
here is a decanter advertising Jim Beam bourbon; the scale is circa 1:18 - Drive; don't drink!

 

 

MAISTO, JAPAN

Tmai59eb.JPG (10293 bytes)

t59MaisA.jpg (3875 bytes)     t59MaisC.jpg (3449 bytes)

t59MaisD.jpg (4320 bytes)     t59MaisB.jpg (4777 bytes)

T59mai18.jpg (6331 bytes)    T59mai8b.jpg (7221 bytes) 
(Above two rows) Maisto produced this large model of the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz;
unfortunately, it is not beyond reproach; the cut of the tail-fin tips leaves a lot to be desired

 

 

[UNKNOWN ARTISANS], PHILIPPINES


My Swiss friend, Jean-Michel Roux, who collects   GM  stuff (especially Cadillac) that is from or that represents his year of birth (1959), currently resides in Thailand. There he has befriended some local artisans who, for a reasonable sum (compared to US prices), will create fine replicas of GM cars of J-M's favorite year, in approx 1:12 scale. Some of these are illustrated below   You can read more about it (and see less fuzzy pics) on this page of the Cadillac Database©.

 

t59sdvht2.jpg (14501 bytes)     t59sdvht1.jpg (15100 bytes)
Here is the 1959 Sedan de Ville in the 4-window, flat-top ["greenhouse"] configuration

t59svl1.jpg (14585 bytes)     t59svl2.jpg (14367 bytes)
Here is the 1959 Eldorado Seville in stunning Persian Sand

t59frouk.jpg (16362 bytes)     t59frou2.jpg (16301 bytes)

Tfarouk1.jpg (9028 bytes)
Custom town car claimed to have built by the Fisher Body works, in 1959,
on commission from deposed King Farouk of Egypt; in fact, it was later
proved to be an amateur custom job by Gordon Glover of Baltimore, MD

   

 


UNIDENTIFIED

Circa 1:8 scale

59toy60s.JPG (11615 bytes)   
(Left) This cute but crude wood and card model of a 1959 Cadillac Series Sixty-Special sedan
is "parked" beside a rare 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. The photo was taken in Paris,
France, in the eighties. Formerly owned by François Laurent, the Brougham now is part of the
Robert Keyaerts Cadillac Museum collection at Langeais, in Touraine, France
(I am guessing that the  would-be replica of the 59-60S is about three feet long)

twood59c.jpg (7508 bytes)

twood59a.jpg (4550 bytes)     twood59b.jpg (5131 bytes)
Above two rows: Series 62 flat top sedan and Eldorado Biarritz,
hand-carved in the Ivory Coast, from Iroko wood [info page here]
[ Photos: © 2007 and courtesy Philippe Ruel, owner ]

 

 


UNIDENTIFIED

Circa 1:4 scale

T59pdal.jpg (12410 bytes)   
Judging from the size of the child seated in this cute pedal car, I am guessing, again, that the scale is about 1:4
the "stainless steel" rocker trim and the absence of a side spear suggests the Eldorado Biarritz

 

 


Circa 1:1 scale

 

UNIDENTIFIED, USA

ONEONECP.JPG (7167 bytes)   
The ultimate folly is this 1:1 scale replica, in Fiberglas, of the two-door coupe model
(seen for sale on eBay in December 2002). The vendor claims it is unique
and weighs "ruffly" 300lbs.  Any takers ?

 

 


     Unknown Scale

 

UNIDENTIFIED, GERMANY

  t59bears.jpg (7989 bytes)
Cute bear figurine in '59 Caddy convertible
entitled Evelyn in a pink Cadillac (#104662)

 

 

UNIDENTIFIED, MADAGASCAR

t59madagas2.jpg (6724 bytes)     t59madagas3.jpg (5824 bytes)
Made of discarded tinplate cans by skilled artisans
in the African island nation of Madagascar
[ Photos:  ©Cedric Marie, ACCF ]

 

 

 


     A toy collection devoted solely
to the 1959 Cadillac

 

OWNED BY A YOUNG FRENCH COLLECTOR
CEDRIC MARIE, NICKNAMED "cady59"

  t59collctn.jpg (10859 bytes)
I had many of these toys and scale-models in my own collection
but many more have hit the market since I sold it in 1989
[ Photo: © 2007 and courtesy Cédric Marie ]

 

 

 

 

Pick the preferred years  - Choisissez vos années préférées
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 modélistes ou collectionneurs suivants
The author's former Cadillac toy collection
The bespoke "Elegance" models of Claude Thibivilliers
The rare "RD-Marmande" Cadillac models of René 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


© 1998, Yann Saunders [aka Mr. Cadillac]
[ Background image:  misc.  toys from author's former collection ]