CARS FROM A- Z ( C )
by Dave Weber and Christian Falkensteiner . Images by Doug Breithaupt

CADILLAC (US) 1902- Present

This firm was created by Henry Leland who later founded Lincoln Motor Car Co. Coincidentally, he had previously been associated with Henry Ford. The first Cadillac was almost a twin in design to the Ford. Cadillac was one of the first companies to become part of General Motors Corp when it was formed in 1909. The company is now the flagship division for GM. Some of the representative models in miniature have been made by Yat Ming, Tomica, Siku, Racing Champions, Guisval, Maisto, Mini- Dinky, Ertl, Jada, Summer, Matchbox, Hot Wheels and more.

CADILLAC ELDORADO (US) 1953-2002

This "sub-make" originated from the GM Motorama concept design rage in the early 1950s . The first car was a specially designed convertible which featured a wrap around windshield and cut down door panels to differentiate it from the other models in the line. By the time it was discontinued the distinguishing styling features had disappeared. Probably the most memorable car was the Brougham that was produced in 1957-1958. Hot Wheels has produced a model of this car. Some other representative Eldorados have been made by Topper, Johnny Lightning, Goodee, Tootsietoy, MUKY, Hot Wheels, Jada, Yat Ming, Racing Champions Impy, Husky, Corgi Jr and Mini-Lindberg.

CADILLAC ALLANTE (US) 1987- 1993

This 2 seater sports coupe featured an Italian made body. Although the classical design was attractive, the car was not successful in sales. Models of this car were produced by Johnny Lightning, Matchbox and Majorette.

CHECKER CAB ( US) 1923-1982

This firm specialized in producing only taxi cabs until 1958. They then attempted to produce a civilian car for the consumer to compete against the established manufacturers at that time. Their attempt was unsuccessful. Although the car was large and well constructed, the firm did not update their styling. Models of this car have been made by Summer, Golden Wheel and Albert Elovitz ( 1/87) which is believed to be associated with Kerico. Matchbox recently announced a model for their 2004 1-75 line.

CHEETAH (US) 1963-1969

Partners Bill Thomas and Don Edwards developed this limited production sports car. It served as both a road car and a racer. It was constructed with many new Chevrolet Corvette parts. Most of the bodies were constructed of fiberglass . The few cars designated for racing received aluminum bodies. A total of 16 cars were reportedly produced. Models of this unusual styled car with a long hood and small rear were made by Johnny Lightning. The Hot Wheels Cat-A Pult is also recognized by collectors to be a Cheetah.

CHEVROLET (US) 1912- Present

This firm was founded by W C Durant and Louis Chevrolet , a race car driver. The marque originally for a very short time was called the Little. It was purchased by GM in 1917. Now this division is the best selling and established low end part of the Corporation.This make has also been used on the Nascar race track for many decades. This marque has also been produced in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Japan, S Africa and even Russia. Some models of these cars have been made by Tootsietoy, Accucast, Summer, Racing Champions, Valvoline, Johnny Lightning, Carlectables, Benbros, Winners Circle, Action, Kidco, Pole Position, Road Champs, Racing Collectibles ( RCI), Matchbox, Hot Wheels, Corgi Jr and Summer.

CHEVROLET CAMARO (US) 1967-2002

This sub-make was only produced as a hardtop coupe and convertible . Many people thought this car would compete with sales of the Corvette sports car. But the Camaro found its niche as a lower priced "sporty" vehicle during its existence. But with the lack of new sales in the last few years, the line was discontinued recently. Models of this car have been made by made by many companies including Johnny Lightning, Topper ( prepro), Matchbox, Siku, Tiger Wheels, Hot Wheels and Tai Cheong to name a few.

CHEVROLET CORVAIR (US) 1960-1969

This car is the only rear engined air-cooled propelled car to have ever been produced by Chevrolet. It was available in both 2 door HT and 4 door sedan models plus as a convertible. Since the engine was in the rear there was no front grille opening. The first style was boxier but was replaced in 1965 with a more curvaceous model that was designed to appeal to the consumer. But a large influence to cancel production came from "Safety Guru" Ralph Nader who declared the car to be unsafe since there was no engine protection in the front to guard against head on collisions! Models of this car have been made by Mini-Dinky, Mego Jet Wheels, Racing Champions, Hubley Real Toys and Real Types and Hot Wheels.

CHEVROLET CORVETTE (US) 1953-Present

This car for years was recognized to be the only US Sports Car. It originated out of a concept design in the GM Motorama display. It has only been available as a 2 door HT coupe and fastback and soft-top roadster. It is designed to seat only 2 occupants comfortably and is known for its high power performance. The 6th style change ( C6 ) is scheduled to arrive within a year . Models representing this car have been made by GMP, Matchbox, Hot Wheels, Kidco, Yat Ming, Motor Max, Faie, High Speed, Ertl and many others . Refer to the article series on Corvette models in ToTC.

COMMER (UK) 1905-1976

This firm , although specifically recognized as a commercial truck manufacturer did produce sedan delivery and pickup trucks and is as a result, included in our review. These vehicles were even assembled in the US in their early days. They experienced financial receivership in 1922 but continued to survive. In 1926 they were purchased by Humber which then became part of Rootes Motors. In 1973 Commer became a wholly owned subsidiary of Chrysler when Rootes was taken over by Chrysler Corp. But the Commer name was dropped and the vehicles in production were renamed as Dodges to aid in their international marketing strategy.Probably the best known model of a small Commer is by Matchbox.

CONTINENTAL (US) 1956- 1999 (?)

This car was originally introduced by Ford Motor Company as a separate flagship division from Lincoln. The design was a new but classical application. It was desired to represent what the post WW II Lincoln Continental would look like if it had remained in production. It even had remnants in the shape of the rear trunk lid to show the shape of the famous rear tire mount from the earlier car. All the cars, identified as Mark IIs were 2 door HT models. Later on this series dropped the name Continental and became known as Mark III- VIII models within the parent Lincoln Division. Models of this specialty car were produced by Hot Wheels, MUKY, Matchbox, Siku, Yat Ming , Zeetoy, Topper, Johnny Lightning , EKO ( plastic 1/87) and Mini- Lindy ( plastic) .

CORD ( US) 1929-1932, 1935-1936

This car was the brainstorm of the leader of the Auburn Motor Car Company. His first model was the L29 with front wheel drive. It fit in the lineup midway between the flagship Duesenberg and the Auburn until the company declared bankruptcy. The later series of Cords were also front wheel drive high powered cars . They were known for the unusual engine hood design referred to as a coffin nose. Both 2 door coupes and a lengthened 4 door sedan were produced in addition to the sporty convertible/ roadster. The supercharged models featured a chrome manifold extending out of the side of the engine hood . There are no replicas in small scale of the earlier L29. Models of the later car have been made by Racing Champions, Ertl and Hot Wheels.

CUNNINGHAM (US) 1950-1955

This firm was founded by racing magnate Briggs Cunningham. Most of his products were produced for racing purposes. But he did manufacture a small amount of 2 seater sports cars for street use. Unfortunately the only model available is of the C4R race car by Hot Wheels .