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An all-time classic, this unique grand touring 2-seater is as breathtakingly beautiful today as ever. A friend received a second-hand one as a high school graduation present, but sold it for $1,500 to finance a surfing trip to Hawaii. That was in 1963. Had he the same car to sell today, he could buy airline tickets for all of his friends, too; and put everyone up at the Royal Hawaiian!
Though not a match in modeling finesse to FM's recent 1960 300SL Roadster, the Gullwing, released in silver in 1987 (now discontinued) and red in 1993, still holds its own. Proportions are correct; doors (beware that opening them beyond earliest resistance point will scratch the roof!), hood and deck lid fit reasonably well; and the finish is smooth and glossy, even on the silver version. Inside, seats are upholstered in real cloth, in the tartan pattern used in Mercedes racing cars of the era; dashboard and steering wheel are good representations; and grab-handles abound, for the gullwing doors and for high-speed security.
Custom-fitted luggage is stowed behind the seats, while the trunk is fitted with spare tire, fuel filler and fuel pump. An excellent replication of the famous fuel-injected straight 6 lives under the hood. The issue price is $135.
(02/01/1999)
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