[Closed] 1/24 scale AARDVARK MASERATI TIPO 61 BIRDCAGE (pics)

Nice model Robert. Any other forgotten treasures? Curious to see more pictures.

Great photos Robert. I also have this model, the

Birdcage of Gaston Andrey, an accomplished Swiss driver who passed away in 2012. Mine was purchased in the early 1990s from Creative Miniatures Associates. It was one of my first resin models and, as you said, nothing opens. But I didn't care since the model had that fine interior. Of course, now Birdcage fans can get all of the details in the diecast 1/18 CMC and Minichamps models. But these Aardvark models were all that were available in 1/24 then and maybe still now.
Thanks for posting these.

(PICS) Robert nice to see. That model was one of my CMA Models - Tipo Models...

1:24 scale limited edition production runs, which I commissioned Andy to produce for my company many years ago. We made 100 serial numbered built models (no kits). Very early 1990's. This "Gaston Andrey" version you have was the first of three Birdcage models that Andy produced exclusively for CMA. All three editions were produced entirely in the USA, just as we still do today.

The second Birdcage edition was the Nurbugring winner, with display case and two personally autographed plaques by Dan Gurney and Stirling Moss. That was a serial numbered limited edition of 30 models. Produced in the very early 1990's - way before any 1:18 scale models by others.

The third and final Birdcage in our joint venture series was the first Birdcage, at its first race, which it also won. Rouen 1959. Also with a display case and plaque personally autographed by Stirling Moss. Serial numbered limited edition of 25 models. Produced in 2008.

Aside from obvious paint schemes, there are also numerous differences between all three. Body modifications and many details as well as interiors being different. These were very far from simple color changes.

Pics below show all three versions. Please excuse the poor quality of the photos.... I just quickly pulled them from my web site.

Andy also produced his own Birdcage models: Jim Hall - white car; Roger Penske - red car; and some kits of them, he also later made the long tail Le Mans car.

photo no longer available

photo no longer available

photo no longer available

There are LOTS more to come.....,

My very first car model was a Revell Highway Pioneer plastic antique car in the early 1950's, and my first larger scale model was a 1/25 plastic AMT 1954 Buick Skylark convertible for Xmas in 1953. 1/24 diecast came much later when I saw a magazine ad for FM's MB 300 SL Gullwing, still one of my favorites. In 60 plus years of collecting, with no real focus on type, material or scale, there are boxes and boxes I have not opened in years. This is even after adding a wing to the house to house them, but now its playtime. Grandkids are grown, my wife and I dont feel up to travel, its treasure hunt time!

More pics coming.

Great to see these images Robert. It was about 20 years .....

ago when I saw these models at a ModeleX event in England.

Chris

Bring ‘em on Robert - would love to see this vintage stuff.

Question for Marshall...

My Birdcage has a very plain base, with the only markings being a stylized AM. There is no serial number of plaque on the base. How were these numbered?

Robert, here is a pic of the base of my sample.....

Yours should look just like it, but of course with a different serial number. The serial numbers were always hand painted in white. You should also see a large rectangular raised area/plate which can be seen in this pic.... it was engraved, though lightly, with three lines of text as follows:

TIPO MODELS No. 1 BY CMA
MASERATI TYPE 61
GASTON ANDREY

We also supplied each model with a certificate. Do you remember who you bought it from? Besides selling directly to collectors, we also had several model dealers here an overseas carrying our line of models.

photo no longer available

Yes Chris, if you went to Modelex then I'm sure you saw my models and maybe we even met? I displayed at the Modelex shows each year when they were held at The National Motorcycle Museum (of course before the fire!)

I really miss Modelex and wish there was something good to replace it.

Thanks Marshall, my base is slightly different. (PICS)

Thanks for posting a photo of the base and for information about this model. At first I did not notice the engraving on the base as it is very light. Unlike your red base, my base is painted flat black, and there is no number. I do not have a certificate, and I got it in the unmarked plain box show here.

As to where I got the model, it may have come from Bruce Hamilton, who was very much into this type of model. He may have gotten it when he was working for me as editor of my publication, Model Car Journal. We often received samples, some were gifts, others returned, and some we could purchase. The more I think about it, I'm almost positive I got the Birdcage from Bruce. Sadly, Bruce passed away about two years ago.

photo no longer available

photo no longer available

Robert, you're very welcome. Well... now I understand better about the base on your model. It is Not something that was from my official CMA run, although it was produced by the fellow I commissioned. The boxes also had specific labels made. We never sent or supplied ANY samples to anyone. That edition sold out very quickly.

From what I vaguely remember, Bruce supplied us or Andy with something, or some research photos, or....? And in return as payment, and as something he wanted, this "extra" model was made and supplied to him. That is why the base was painted flat black, and there is no number and no certificate for it.

I knew Bruce Hamilton too, but not well. We did some trading years ago. Sorry to learn of his passing. I remember Model Car Journal very well, had a subscription to it, and I also dealt with Dennis Doty; and a close friend of mine wrote for that publication for awhile.