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The Mercedes-Benz 770K, also known as "Großer Mercedes" was introduced in 1930, soon becoming a legend. The massive 7655cc 8-cylinder engine allowed this heavy-bodied car to cruise at 150km/h in full comfort! Just 119 bodies on 117 chassis were produced in four basic coachwork styles which were often modified according to customer needs. One of these was ordered in 1931 by Kaiser Wilhelm II, who was exiled in Holland: a "Cabriolet F" bodywork (4 doors, 6 side windows, 6-7 places), with the Hohenzollern coat-of-arms replacing the MB emblem on the radiator grille.
The PMA model is sumptuous, and even in 1:24 scale the visual impact is impressive. Just like the full-size prototype, it has the feel of luxury! Smoothly finished in Marine Gray, the replica is fully opening, and profusely detailed: from the accurate radiator grille to the luggage racks, from the carefully reproduced Zeiss headlamps to the tinted sun-screen. The interior is splendidly rendered, with three rows of tan leather seats, velour carpets, and a wealth of accessories: handles, ashtrays, a clock, a net for small objects, even the "ship's telegraph"...not to mention the rich dashboard, with the operable steering wheel. The disc-shaped wheels are really excellent, stylistically coherent with the austere tone of the car. The engine, hidden under a fully opening hood, is a bit too basic. But the exterior's crowning touch is the amazing photoetched symbol which graces the radiator cap. Both open and closed tops, in blue plastic, are provided. The up-top lightens the line of the car considerably, but is difficult to use since it hides the magnificent interior. Now discontinued, the issue price was $195. (07/17/1999)
(07/17/1999)
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