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Avo's Autos - Car Models & Miniatures
Model maker's miniatures display a great deal of detail.
By John Jarasa
Photography: Rene Vargas
Avo Galebyan of North Hollywood, California, has been around cars all of his life. "I love cars," the 20-year-old admits. "Ever since I can remember, I've been around them." Though Avo, a leasing agent by trade, grew up liking sports and other guy-related hobbies, he says that it was at about the age of 13 that he decided to start building model cars. And now, seven years later, he is one of the top model builders in Southern California.
When we found Avo, he told us about the vast array of model cars that he had sitting around his room, but we picked four of them to feature. As you can see, Avo built up quartet of super-sweet carritos: a '58 and '61 Chevy Impalas, '48 Chevy Fleetline and '39 panel truck, all of which have been given Avo's special touch. Even though these aren't real cars, model builders like Avo take just as much pride building these miniature-size lows. Custom models requires a little more effort than many think. "The average that it takes me to build one of these cars is two months," admits Avo.
The '58 that you see here includes a no less than perfect hot rod yellow paint scheme, followed by a pearl yellow hue, and sports shaved trunk lines, chrome engine and wire wheels. Avo says that the '58 was probably the hardest of these four models to build because he really used a lot of TLC. In its original state, the car was actually a hardtop, but Avo modified it to be a topless cruiser. It also has real working lights and is detailed to the limit of the hobby. Other features include a money case on the passenger seat and money flying out of the ragtop.As for the '61, it is was painted with a black base, followed by silver flakes, and then smoothed out with candy blue for a one of a kind finish. The car also includes shaved trunk lines, some detailed engine work and, of course, those must-have wire wheels. As you can see, the '48 Fleetline was given just as much love and rolls tight in a custom brown and creme exterior. And last but not least, the '39 panel was doused in jet black paint and further beautified with charcoal fenders, plus bumper guards, rims, working head and taillights, and a custom Corvette engine.
Avo says that though he is proud of his mini rides, they're not his best work. As a matter of fact, there is another model, a Ford Expedition that he's been working on for several months, that he's prepared to bust out with soon. Also, this member of No Color Linez is currently working on a real '58 Impala. And though the Impala project will be demanding, Avo will always find the time to build model cars.
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