AutoArt 1:18 2005 Maybach 57 S

Wilhelm Maybach, renowned builder of German Zeppelins and luxury automobiles in Pre-World War II Germany merged with Daimler in the 20s. In the late 1990s, the now current Daimler/Chrysler surprised the luxury field by resuscitating, re-designing and producing a brand new Maybach luxury land yacht. The new Maybach was aimed directly at the Rolls Royce and Bentley buyers market. Currently, Maybach offers the luxury cars in two versions, the Maybach 57 and the 62, the latter being the choice limo for those wanting to be chauffeured.

Pop the champagne bottle and pass the flutes. Auto art has released a brand new Maybach 57 SWB. This new luxury 1/18 comes in a stunning combination color of Cote D’azur Dark Blue and Cote D’azur. AA has already issued several other Maybach 57s and 62s in a variety of colors. As I hold this heavy, solidly built model in my hands, I’m of the opinion that the AA Maybachs are some of the finest Mercedes on the market for the price point. There are a few niggles here and there, but we’ll get to those later.

Right out of the Styrofoam box, the glossy, deep dark paint job catches all the lights in the room. In a two-tone combination of Cote D’azur Dark Blue and Cote D’azur, the two colors are separated by a fine line of sparkling chrome. When reviewing any AA, you simply must mention the headlights. These never fail to amaze me. They are like tiny precision reproductions that I could swear could work if wired. Tires have the proper scale treading and the wheels are authentic and also spot on. This is one impressive car. Everything is replicated in exact detail to the real luxury barge, right down to the delicate, photo etched Maybach emblem and imposing chrome grille. The clear directional lights in the rear view mirrors and door handles that you can actually pull and open the car like the real thing. There is a real car “snap” when closing the doors.

Once inside, you know you’ve come to the World of the Rich and Famous of 1/18 elegance. Inhale and you will almost smell the rich leather. One niggle is that while the leather seats look realistic, they are hard plastic. A nice touch would be real leather or something softer than hard plastic. Again, AA has applied scale realistic carpeting and folks, there is enough wood grain inside that lets you know this is a high class ride. The detail and look of the wood grain is superior, making the dark gray interior pop. The seat belts are some of the most realistic I’ve seen lately and there are more treats on the interior roofline. Details like inside lights over the dash are produced actually using clear lens for the lights! All the buttons and gadgets are reproduced with attention to details. It would have been nice to have opening center consoles, but with so much to love in the interior, this is a minor disappointment.

The trunk is lined with flocking and authentic. The engine packs the powerhouse that makes this one big, monster show off on the road and not just for looking pretty. Unfortunately, neither the hood nor the trunk stayed open on my model. I hope AA can remedy this situation, since I’ve reviewed several Auto art models which suffer the same malady.

I don’t know about you, but if you love European luxury, a compartment full of the most realistic wood grain anywhere, precision detailing and near spotless paint and overall stance, I would grab one of these AA Maybachs. Owning one of these 1/18 luxury models will make you feel like you’ve just been invited to the Palace or the White House. I think I’ll have champagne, please.

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