Aardvark Models was begun in 1981 by Andy Martin in St. Paul, Minnesota. With the advice of a friend, he began to experiment with resin casting and scratchbuilding original patterns. The first result was the Aerodynamic Research Volkswagen(ARVW)diesel streamliner which was followed by the Mercedes C111/IV closed course record car, both in 1/43rd scale. They were followed by 2 Chevrolet Camaros, a 1968 Penske/Donohue Trans/Am Champion car and a 69 Indy Pace car convertible all in 1/43rd scale..

In those early years much custom work was done. Scratchbuilt or converted models were commissioned, mostly in 1/43rd. Subjects ranged from Ferrari to Duesenberg and back again.

Then came the Maserati Birdcage. This model actually came at the request of Fred Cady. If not for Fred there would not have been a Birdcage kit. The first kits and built models were released in 1989. Initially there were just the Roger Penske and Jim Hall versions. Camoradi was added a little later. A private run of 100 built models of the Gaston Andrey car were built for CMA. Several years later the Streamliner was added to the line which could be built as either the Lemans entry or Jim Jeffords Elkhart Lake winning car. Before production of the Birdcage ended in 1995 almost 800 total of kits and built models of all versions were produced.

At the same time as the Aardvark line was being built up many other projects were being worked on for other clients, mainly Creative Miniature Associates. Among the projects done for CMA were the 1/14th Ferrari 166MM Barchettas, Ferrari 250 SWB in 1/24th, Mclaren M8D in 1/20 scale.

The Corvette SS of 1957 was the next Aardvark model. The master model was begun by Gary McNutt It could be built as one of three versions and all 3 were available as built-ups also. A total of about 150 were produced.

In 1995 the decision was made to close down Aardvark Models. It was a sad day but a living had to be made so Andy began work as a machinist.

After many jobs and much aggravation in the workplace the decision was made in 2005 to begin production again. It was decided to make two lines of models. Aardvark Models would be reserved for replica subjects and would include not only the sports and racing cars as before but also classic and antique cars. Modelmartin will be a new line of kits and conversion kits in 1/25th scale which represent Andy’s Hot-Rod and Custom interests. These will be Andy’s original designs.