Handmade 1956 Style Police Car

Country of Origin: USA

Period: 1950s

Manufacturer: Unspecified

Dimensions: Approx 10 x 4 x 3 in.

Condition: Age and Use Wear, Oxidation, Fading, Minor repairs

Additional Information: Unmarked hand built sheet metal model inspired by a circa 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air or 210 style police/emergency car. Features a black and cream painted body, Chevrolet-style front “V” emblem, jet-form hood ornament, wide horizontal grille, side spear trim, rear fins, roof-mounted emergency light and siren, side mirrors, bumpers, hubcaps and a simple interior.

The body is magnetic sheet steel. The wheels are nonmagnetic and made from a lightweight material that may be alloy, composite, or hard plastic. The hood, trunk and doors are decorative and do not open. No manufacturer’s name, country of origin marking, model number or lettering was found. 

Condition shows age and handmade construction, including paint loss, scratches, scuffs, finish wear, small dents, oxidation, irregular soldering, stiff wheels and wear to the trim and wheel surfaces. 

The wheels are mounted on straight axles retained underneath by irregular soldered metal strips. The wheels have limited movement but do not rotate freely. One axle-retaining strip is bent upward and appears damaged or previously repaired. 

This appears to be a custom, folk art or small batch artisan model, rather than a conventional mass produced toy. Exact maker and origin are unknown.