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Carl Benz is considered the first person to produce an automobile, the 1896 Patent-Motorwagen. In 1901, he got noticed again by producing the first "modern" motorcar, named Mercedes after the daughter of Emil Jellinek, an early distributor. In the '30s, the marque was renowned for its screaming, "kompressor-powered" brutes. By the '50's, Mercedes-Benz became synonymous with engineering, luxury, and reliable performance. Such was the case with the 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SC roadster.
Here's a 1:24 scale die cast that speaks to why we collect these "little cars." It's done in rich, metallic, maroon paint, in the top-down mode only. The interior appointments are nicely detailed, as is the undercarriage, engine compartment and trunk, containing two spare tires. The doors, trunk, and hood open and it steers. That's about it. True, this early vintage image is a really sharp-looking example of the classic '50s Mercedes-Benzes, but is this oldie worth the $135 FM is asking for it? Consider that you can get FM models with a laundry list of goodies for $120 and even $90 (heck, look at the features on the $75 Mini-Cooper). You be the judge of what you're willing to pay for good looks. Decisions, decisions.
I can imagine speeding along the Autobahn in this roadster with the top down, the rich feel of leather under me, and the wind in my hair on a blue-sky day. Ah, freedom! The issue price is $135. (04/07/2000)
(04/10/2000)
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