CMC 1:18 1955 Mercedes-Benz W196R Streamline #18- Fangio- Monza GP Winner- Ltd Ed of 5000

From 1954 to 1955, these beauties graced the European Grand Prix circuits. Taking the W196 open wheel (Monoposto), Mercedes-Benz dressed it in a beautifully streamlined body that not only made it an esthetic and performance standout, but also gave Juan Fangio his 2nd and 3rd world championship. This particular model is a replica of Juan Fangio's last win at Monza in September of 1955.

This is easily one of the best and most beautifully crafted diecast models out there. The fit and finish is breathtaking. Touted as being comprised of 1100 individual parts, I'm more impressed with the quality of the content. Every component when viewed up close is actually a subassembly of myriads of beautifully scaled pieces meticulously crafted and assembled. The wire wheels shod in period Continental racing tires are sweet little models themselves. They are removed by unscrewintg the spinners to reveal turned brass brakes. No photoetched parts here, just drawn wire and fine milled castings. And note the microscopic raised lettering on the tires... incredible.

There are no doors on this racer, but there's still a few operating features to surprise and and impress you. The headrest fairing lifts up on a piano hinge to service the gastank. From the cockpit are two levers on either side of the windscreen to open the cockpit air intakes. To the left of the wheel under the dash is a metal ring that when pushed forward opens the cooler fence for greater airflow.

The hood opens with an accurate locking brace, although the shutlines are so tight that the easiest way to open it is to turn it upside-down and shake it. Once opened, I was awestuck by the complexity of the engine as well as the painstaking way this inline 2.5 liter eight cylinder mechanically fuel injected engine was replicated. The real engine put out 290 hp @8500rpms and gave that slippery racer a top end of 180mph.

Nothing here seems to be molded. It's all modeled using real metal... brass, copper, stainless, aluminum.... It was about now that I had to remove the 6 tiny screws and virew the rolling chassis. It's the only way to appreciate this masterpiece. I was tempted just to throw the screws away, because I doubt I'll ever want to give up the ability to pop the body off just to tighten up the beltline shutlines. Now you can get a better understanding just where that 4-figure parts count comes into play. Real metal replicates the tubular frame. The steering mechanism is a clockwork of knuckle joints that come as close as I've seen to replicating an actual steering mechanism. Here's also a chance to view the leather covered framed cloth covered seat done in classic M-B plaid. Also note the glass viewing porthole in the scattershield/transmision cover.

I've only had this little gem for a couple of days and I'm sure it will take me some time to really appreciate all that's gone into this masterpiece. I can't imagine that in 1/18 scale there'll ever be a better model made. A 5 star rating really doesn't tell the story.

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