Filed under: Toys
Automoblox unveils C9-S berlinetta to the masses
Click above for high-res gallery of the Automoblox C9-S berlinetta
It's amusing how much Automoblox acts like a full-scale automaker. The maker of heirloom-quality toy cars features a full line-up of models to satisfy the imaginary needs of any toddler, and has even begun branching out into niche models like the go-anywhere X9-X sport utility, A9-S sport compact convertible and high-performance S9-R sport sedan and C9-R sport coupe. Just like a real automaker, Automoblox has realized that the discerning 6-year-old may be looking for something sporty but not as single-minded as the R-line. Thus, it has introduced the C9-S berlinetta (MSRP $38.00) to fill the gap in between the base C9 and super sporty C9-R.
The C9-S features the same extended-wheelbase wooden body and lowered ride height as the C9-R, but loses the high-downforce front and rear spoilers and side sills. In their place is a more modest rear wing and "aluminum" wheels that require a minimum suspension of disbelief (they're actually plastic). The C9-S also gets a dose of reflective "paint" to simulate a metallic roof and body connectors.
Yes, these are just toys, but we so enjoy the way in which Automoblox founder and designer Patrick Calello treats his toy car company like a real one that we can't help but play in his world. Imagination is what really powers his cars, and we're happy using ours to follow along.
Gallery: Automoblox C9-S berlinetta
[Source: Automoblox]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Stumpy 4:35PM (11/10/2008)
Anyone know how the insurance is on one of these things? I am 30 years old with only a few tickets.
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wood belongs on vette floors 4:36PM (11/10/2008)
please help me find the usefulness of this story.
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Andre Neves 4:46PM (11/10/2008)
I notice Autoblog always posting Automoblox every now and then. Who cares? It's a crappy-looking toy for small children.
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fixitfixitstop 5:20PM (11/10/2008)
I don't know what kind of childhood you had, but I never got anything like these under the Xmas tree.
P B 5:11PM (11/10/2008)
You two clearly hate fun.
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kazoomaloo 5:27PM (11/10/2008)
Aw sweet! The economy might be in the toilet, but at least we can still buy $40 blocks of wood with wheels on them!
This seems like it's really an advertisement instead of a blog post... but what do I know, maybe enough rich kids play with these to make it worthy of a post.
Also, if the owner of this company really acts like an automaker, he should make like GM and belly up to the government bailout counter, I hear they give out money by the billions.
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Smegley 5:36PM (11/10/2008)
I wonder if they leak sap.
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SCOTT 5:51PM (11/10/2008)
STOP ADVERTISING THIS CRAP!
K THX
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BoxerFanatic 6:00PM (11/10/2008)
LIGHTEN UP, MMM-KAY?
THX.
Honestly, it is a product. It bears resemblance to a car. It would be a fun toy for kids, and might even make an abstract architectural display with a car theme.
If it isn't your taste, then fine. But honestly, why loose your venom on this topic? There are much more important things to get upset about than Autoblog posting the new automotive woodblock toy.
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SCOTT 6:09PM (11/10/2008)
its not news. that was the point. Ive seen these stupid wood-block toys that are overpriced ($40, seriously?) advertised all over the place. Clearly a case of an advertising budget that is way too big, otherwise no one would pay $40 for this thing
dwightB 8:13PM (11/10/2008)
Is there a valid reason bandwidth is wasted on this site for these things? Seriously...
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Pixel Eater 8:37PM (11/10/2008)
Wow, you guys would Gizmodo. These are awesome.
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PixelEater 8:38PM (11/10/2008)
Uh, hate Gizmodo.
Andre Neves 9:44PM (11/10/2008)
Hey, Porsche just reported 8.586 billion profit (before taxes) in the fiscal year 2007/2008.
Just read that on a pretty pathetic car news site. That's sad.
That's news right there. But, I guess Autoblog is too busy talking about wooden block toy cars.
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Jason 5:49PM (11/12/2008)
Personally, I care more about toy cars than I do how much profit Porsche made. Who cares how much profit Porsche made? Big whoop. They going to use that to give me (or you) a free Porsche? Hmm, didn't think so.
Laser123454321 10:12PM (11/10/2008)
All i can think of is drilling out the body blocks and adding motors, controllers, batteries, and freaking out little kids with it.
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hoffinator 9:53AM (11/11/2008)
My husband discovered Automoblox from reading this site, we now have all the cars. The kids (and grown ups) love them. I was happy to see the new model (he left the blog up on the screen) I am thrilled the my husband has found a way to share his passion with the little ones.
You guys are either, not fathers, are fathers that spend all their time in the garage and not with your kids or have not purchased a toy for kids in a long time (or if you did you went to Walmart and wouldn't know quality if it slap you in the face).
Just curious, what you you guys spend on your own "toys".
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Fletcher 10:56AM (11/11/2008)
I'm a father of 2 and agree with those posters who balk at the hype over Automoblox. My son does enjoy wooden toy cars with plastic wheels, but we call them Pinewood Derby Cars. They require a little more creativity that snapping a few parts together, but the end result is much more satisfying (and considerably cheaper, at around $5 per kit.)
Incidentally, my vintage car projects are indefinitely delayed because of my children, but you'll never hear me complain about that.
Andre Neves 1:32PM (11/11/2008)
hoffinator,
Maybe Autoblog should start posting children's clothes also. Maybe your husband will stumble onto it also and we could all back here and rejoice.
Sorry for the Sarcasm, but this isn't the sight IMO for "toy" articles.
Here are some you(and Autoblog editor) might like that I just googled:
http://www.toymania.com/
http://toynewsi.com/
Have fun children.
aalqadaffi 10:16AM (11/11/2008)
This looks awesome. I like the posts on these toys. Can't decide which to get for my nephews though, or whether I'll keep them for myself!
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