Years ago, when I was in my mid-teens (about 1972 or so), I built a couple of car kits that were a mixture of metal and plastic. I gave one to my granfather for his birthday once.

The body and chassis were all metal joined with screws while the inside details and engine were mostly plastic. I built a Dusey and at least one more.

Does anyone know who the manufacturer was and if they are still available? I'd love to do another one if they're still out there.

I believe Monogram made those. I have a Packard some where in my stash. A friend of mine gave it to me years ago, partly build.

I sure I have seen similar kits in 1/18. Probably by Testors, but I can't find anything about them.

These guys have tons of old kits. You might be lucky there.
http://www.modelcarkits.com/

Hubley made a series of metal "classic" era car kits many moons ago.
Monogram did a few less moons ago. Hubleys were larger than 1/24th, closer to 1/20th.

Revell makes those now, the are pre painted diecast bodys, you have to make the rest i believe.

http://www.revell.com/catalog/catalog/Die_Cast-8-1.html

Thanks alot for the help guys! It's really appreciated.

I do remember that the bodies were not pre-painted but that's probably due to the market then. I loved having to prime them and then spray them with my clacking can! Made me feel like I was building something special.

The other one I built I think was the old Packard. But I sure loved that Dusey! I got it back when my granfather died, but it got lost in a move, unfortunately.