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Topic starter
04/05/2025 2:59 pm
As we all settle into a new phase of collecting where we weigh what impact the tariffs will have on our spending, I'm finding that I'm enjoying going back to the secondary market to pick up models I didn't get the first time around. There are plenty Minimarque, Conquest, Western, and other brands that I missed when they were first issued. In some cases, I didn't even know about the brands.
Such is the case with Enchantment Land Coachbuilders, makers of ELC, Mesquite, and Saguaro brands (and maybe others, I'm just learning about them). Anyway, I recently picked up a couple of their modified hearses, along with this 1937 Packard 12-passenger coach. I've never seen one before, which means I had to have it. It's very nicely done, especially when you consider when it was made.
I'd be curious to hear from others on the Forum about the Enchantment Land models in your collections.
04/05/2025 5:37 pm
Enchantment Land is Jerry Rettig's work. You may remember he published the book, American Wheels. Mesquite and Suguaro are his brands, also.
I own seven of his models...
The 1913 Holmes Wrecker
a 1930 coupe
a 1931 coupe
a 1931 tow truck (1:1 from a LA newspaper photo)
a 1934 LaSalle Hearse
a 1947 Flower Car
and a 2006 DTS "Roth Service Car" as part of a sub-collection (of Roth Service Cars)
04/05/2025 9:11 pm
@lloyd-mecca I have some of Jerry Rettig's items, not sure if they are considered Enchantment Land or not. A 1939 Buick convertible sedan. a 1941 Buick woody, a 1941 Buick notchback four door sedan, a 1949 Buick Riviera, a 1937 Chevrolet sedan (converted from a four door to a two door), 1939 and 1941 Chevrolet coupes. 1948 Plymouth four door sedan, All obtained from him as kits when I visited him in Tucson on various business trips decades ago. There may be others as well.
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
04/05/2025 9:46 pm
a little history....
04/05/2025 11:14 pm
I see on eBay there is a 1947 Buick Flxible Hearse by ELC.
05/05/2025 8:20 am
Jerry sent me all the photos he had about 3 years ago; I uploaded them to hobbyDB for all to see. Two French collectors also gave me their photos for hobbyDB. There are still many holes though, since Jerry did not have photos of many of his projects. https://www.hobbydb.com/marketplaces/hobbydb/subjects/enchantment-land-coachbuilders-brand