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"This car won every race it attempted to win" reads a plate in the Daimler-Benz Museum near a 300SLR. The model depicts a 300SLR, which didn't finish its attempt. At Le Mans, due to a dramatic accident (a Mercedes killing 80 people), the whole team retired, when the car driven by J.M. Fangio was leading the race. The episode didn't prevent MB from winning the 1955 World Championship of Makes, but set the end of their racing involvement. This version of the 300SLR was purposely built for Le Mans, being equipped with a flap-type aerodynamic brake, improving deceleration at the end of the Mulsanne 3.5-mile straight. Being controlled by the pilot, it also turned out being a formidable aid in cornering…
Shining in its flawless Silver, this replica is striking for the finesse and wealth of detail. The front grille and the air scoop are realized with fine wire mesh, two projectors being placed in front of the grille. The lettering and MB star on the trunk are tiny photoetchings, the other details being accurately reproduced in excellent chromed plastic. The photoetched wire-wheels with chromed nut are embarrassing for their realism! The engine is fully plumbed and wired, the blue interior is flaunting tartan seats in cloth, readable bezels and the operating four-spoke steering wheel. Fully opening, even the flap is workable, just like the original! Now discontinued, the issue price was $195.
(01/26/1999)
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