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The 1955 Mercedes Benz 300SLR Targa Florio was one of the most significant cars to come out of Daimler-Benz racing manager Alfred Neubauer's Rennabteilung. The 300SLR's had been first introduced at the Mille Miglia in May of 1955. When the D-B team entered the Targa Florio in October 1955 at the mountainous Circuit di Madonie in Sicily, they were trailing Ferrari in the manufacturer's championship by three points. To win the championship, the team would have to win the 582-mile race and Ferrari would have to place no higher than third. The "104" car driven by Sterling Moss and Peter Collins won the race despite heavy damage from an off-course excursion by Moss. Mercedes 300SLR's finished 1,2 & 4, winning D-B the 1955 sports car manufacturer's championship.
The "104" car had many features that demonstrated D-B's engineering prowess: the fuel-injected straight-8 was laid down to lower the center of gravity and reduce its aerodynamic profile and inboard brakes were used to reduce unsprung weight and improve handling. The left-seated driver straddled the driveline.
Maisto has done a nice job of recreating this car. The beautiful silver paint is alive with an almost metalflake look. The hood, door, and boot fit tightly. The two seats are covered in realistic plaid cloth and the engine has plumbing and wiring unusual in this price range. The tampo race numbers and badging are clear and realistic. The car's stance is accurate and Maisto gives us real springs at all four corners. The driver's fairing can be removed to allow the boot to be lifted. The only flaw I found is that the grille-mounted driving lights on the original car are missing. Overall, this model is important in understanding the classic days of sports car racing and is a worthy addition to any collection.
(07/13/2001)
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