I remember how adding this model to my collection several years back, when the budget models were the only solution for the local market, was a high priority. I was somehow always fascinated, before their way of opening, about the fluid lines of the design and the shape of the doors, perfectly integrated in the body line, . Today I still consider that no other car with unconventional doors could look better than a Mercedes Benz 300 SL.
When I discovered the Minichamps version, I immediately knew that someday will take the place of the Bburago one in my collection, without any regret, because there are no terms of comparison. It looks awesome in every color combination, but I prefer the white with red and brown interior and I must say that the last re-release version is more cream in comparison with the initial shade.
The traditional Minichamps package is very compact and offers a great protection for the model and I appreciate the new fixing system, where you need only your finger tips to unscrew the model.
When I discovered the Minichamps version, I immediately knew that someday will take the place of the Bburago one in my collection, without any regret, because there are no terms of comparison. It looks awesome in every color combination, but I prefer the white with red and brown interior and I must say that the last re-release version is more cream in comparison with the initial shade.
The traditional Minichamps package is very compact and offers a great protection for the model and I appreciate the new fixing system, where you need only your finger tips to unscrew the model.
Isn't an exception for the Minichamps 1:18 line, the model still surprises by its weight, because the entire body and chassis are metal made. This first impression denote quality and a robust and well put together model, a feeling strengthened by the other exterior details: real meshes and cut through air vents, beautiful chromed elements, realistic lights-where we have to omit the rear rivets, just because of the little dimensions of the rear lights and amazing detailed photo etched emblems all around.
For today's standards the screen wipers could be consider a bit thick and being an old mold the gaps between different parts are obvious, but I can't refer to them as a lack of attention in finishing, because are few elements that would contradict me: the fine chromed ornaments surrounding the rear lights,the door and luggage compartment's handle, raised as single pieces and the side air vent ornaments beautiful replicated. At this point, the only missing detail is the chrome on the window's frames, replaced by the silver paint, a common thing for much newer Minichamps models.
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Keeping the wheels in the same color as the exterior is the perfect choice in my opinion and was the reason I chose the cream version. The wheels were reproduced very precise and are very realistic and again, the chromed elements are looking perfect. The brake system is visible from underneath.
The brown and red interior is just fantastic from the first view and I was impressed about the finishing level on a not so actual model, nowhere on the plastic parts, no traces or residues of the modeling can be seen. The red carpet is just fabulous and the steering wheel and the shift gear are so precised and „in scale” replicated, completing so well the overall aspect of the dash board.
Looking for more and more details, I'll find them when I open the rear compartment where the spare wheel take all the place, but still let visible the power supply system having a beautiful detailed cover. All this compartment is carpeted and what I like most are the actual chassis holes, designed to reduce the weight.
The engine is made of individual pieces, few of them being painted and detailed separately and isn't bad at all. Few labels raise the realism level and I can't finish without mentioning the water container that is looking so good. |
Having a close view on this model, never was so interesting. I just discover a model where the obsolete term doesn't have its place even if it was released some years ago. The model results so actual, very well detailed and finished much better than newer replicas and this is really surprising. I love the little details on it, especially on the interior, the obvious feeling of quality when you took it from its box for the first time. For a collector, this is the feeling of satisfaction, that is missing more and more often today, when you unfold the package of a new announced model.
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