Automodello
Resin-cast hand-built models of overlooked British and American vehicles.
Automodello produces resin-cast, hand-built model cars in multiple scales. The company was founded in 2010 by James Cowen and Raffi Minasian, and is based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Its first model, a 1964 Griffith Series 200, debuted at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, where it served as the event's Official Model. That initial release was signed by Andrew "Jack" Griffith, founder of the Griffith sports car line, which later evolved into TVR.
The company concentrates on British and American vehicles that other model makers have often ignored. By 2014, Automodello had released or planned thirty-six distinct models. It began with highly detailed 1:43 scale replicas, but has since expanded into larger scales, including 1:24, 1:12, and 1:8—the last being a size traditionally used for clay design models by major automakers. Among its 1:43 scale offerings are the 1934 Duesenberg J Graber, 1937 Delahaye 135MS Figoni & Falaschi Coupe, 1938 Lincoln K V12 Judkins Coupe, and the 1938 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria, which became the first model in the 20-year history of the Diecast Zone to win Model of the Year. Other 1:43 models include the 1939–1940 Checker Model A Taxi (in New York City and Chicago liveries), 1948 Timbs Streamliner, 1952–1954 Cunningham C-3 Cabriolet, 1956–1958 Dual Ghia, 1962 Ford Mustang I Concept, 1963 Studebaker Avanti R2 supercharged, 1964 Marcos 1800, 1964 Griffith Series 200, 1964 Sunbeam Tiger Mark I, 1964–1968 DeTomaso Vallelunga, 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype Pricing, 1966 Griffith Series 600, 1966 Fitch (Corvair) Sprint, 1966 Fitch Phoenix, 1967–1972 Intermeccanica Italia, 1969–1973 Gilbern Genie Invader, 1972–1979 TVR M series, 1974–1976 Bricklin SV1, and 2011–2014 Noble M600.
In 1:24 scale, Automodello produces the 1930 Cord L-29 Brooks Stevens Speedster, 1934 Duesenberg J Graber, 1935 Duesenberg SJ Speedster Mormon Meteor, 1937 Delage D8-120 S Pourtout Aero Coupe, 1937 Delahaye 135MS Figoni & Falaschi Coupe, 1938 Phantom Corsair, 1962 Ford Mustang I Concept, 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype Pricing, 1966 Ford Galaxie 7 litre hardtop, and 1971 Lincoln Continental Mark III. The 1:12 scale range includes the 1967 Lotus 49 Jim Clark. In 1:8 scale, the company offers the 1937 Delage D8-120 S Pourtout Aero Coupe, 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype Pricing, and 2011–2014 Noble M600.
Quick Facts
- Hq Location City
- Buffalo Grove, Illinois
- Hq Location Country
- United States
- Founder
- James Cowen
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Automodello focuses on British and American vehicles that have been overlooked by the modeling community. The company started with 1:43 scale reproductions to exacting standards, but has increasingly offered larger scales, including 1:8, a traditionally popular scale for clay models made by designers in large auto companies. Through 2014, Automodello released or planned thirty-six separate models across 1:43, 1:24, 1:12, and 1:8 scales.
Models are finely detailed; the Cunningham C-3 in 1:43 scale can be displayed with soft top or top boot, has flocked carpet, and wire wheels with deeply laser cut spokes. Only 154 of the Cunninghams were made. The Avanti R2 includes accurate windshield wipers, instrument panel, and rubber bumper tips. Some models include signed editions by persons such as Jack Griffith, Herb Grasse, and John Fitch.
Automodello models are sold through Diecasm and Automodello Full Service Dealers worldwide. Typical production is between 100 and 600 pieces per issue, though tooling may be extended to varied models and liveries. For example, the Griffith and TVR share the same basic body, allowing tooling to last as long as possible with minor variations.
Reader's Guide
Automodello established itself by filling a niche for overlooked British and American vehicles, offering resin-cast hand-built models that appeal to collectors seeking subjects rarely produced by other manufacturers. The company's debut at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance with the 1964 Griffith Series 200, signed by Andrew "Jack" Griffith, set a precedent for authenticity and event association. The 1938 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria became the first 1:43 scale model awarded Model of the Year in the 20-year history of the Diecast Zone, underscoring the quality of its smaller-scale offerings. By expanding into larger scales, including 1:8 reproductions that can cost thousands of dollars, Automodello demonstrated versatility while maintaining intricate detailing across all scales. The company's practice of extending tooling across related models, such as the Griffith and TVR, reflects a pragmatic approach to production efficiency. With signed editions featuring notable automotive figures, Automodello has created collectible pieces that connect model enthusiasts to the history of the vehicles themselves.
Did You Know?
- The inaugural model, a 1964 Griffith Series 200, was signed by Andrew 'Jack' Griffith, founder of the Griffith sports car that later became TVR.
- Only 154 examples of the Cunningham C-3 were made by Automodello.
- The Griffith and TVR models share the same basic body, allowing tooling to be extended with minor variations.
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