In 1991 the Mercedes-Benz Museum commissioned Paul's Model Art (a sub-division of Minichamps) to replicate a limited edition of six cars from Mercedes-Benz's illustrious past. The PMA replicas in 1:24 scale are known as the "First Class Collection". All six cars are currently on exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
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The Paul's Model Art replica features opening parts, excellent spoked wheels,
fully wired and plummed engine and several photo-etched parts. Cloth covered
seats and clear instrumentation round up the exquiste details to be found on
this replica of one of the World's most rare cars.
The Mercedes-Benz "Tri-Star" and the Model lettering on the trunk are photo-etched!
This is the only known replica of this car in 1:24 scale!
1:1 Mercedes 300 SLR 1955 Coupe Rudolph Uhlenhaut (Gullwing) 8 cylinders Bore: 78 mm, Stroke: 78 mm Displacement: 2981 cc Output at 7500 rpm: 222 kW (302 hp) Top speed: 300 km/h The Gullwing SLR prepared for the Carrera Pan-America was never raced after Mercedes Benz regretfully pulled out of racing in 1955. Only two were ever built and were personally used by MB chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut.
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Viewing this replica from every angle conveys the passion, precision and care that went
into crafting it. This car is just simply luxurious! The seats are upholstered in real leather,
red velvet carpeting covers the floors and a small clock and the ashtrays reside in the rear
panelling. The lovely disc wheels and flawless paint work are a throw back to a time when
autombiles like this were as much showcases as they were functional.
This is the only known replica of this car in 1:24 scale!
The ''Grand Mercedes" as it appears now in the Stuttgart Museum first appeared in 1930. It was an exclusive vehicle for an elite market and accordingly only 119 hand built models were produced. This marine-gray Cabriolet F was built in 1931 for the German emperor Wilhelm II, who lived in Dutch exile at that time.
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Again, the wheels are a standout feature! The seats are covered
with blue tartan in the tradition of the "Silver Arrows" of the day. Just like
the real #19 car, the air-brake on the model is operational and the windows
on the air-break are accurately and neatly replicated. The Mercedes-Benz "Tri-Star"
and the model lettering at the rear of the car are both photo-etched!!! Two
head lights adorn the front grille that provided additional illumination for
night driving during the 24-hour of LeMans.
This is the only known replica of this car in any scale!
In 1955, two drivers were recognised as the best in the world! At LeMans that year, Fangio and Moss teamed up to drive what was undisputedly the most revolutionary sports racer of its day. Featuring a driver operated hydraulic brake, this car could break in less than 300 meters after achieving a top speed of xxx on the Musulae straight. The windows in the air brake were installed after the competition complained about being unable to see past the car when the brakes were extended. The car retired while in the lead after a disasterous accident involving one of their cars.
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Many intricate details make this car the premier redition of the
most famous racecar ever! The driver side door swings open vertically to reveal
the office of Mr. Moss. Blue cloth covered seats, four-spoke steering wheel
and readable dials provide the highlights. The aerodynamic farings behind the
cockpit are removeable to allow access to the trunk. Open up the hood and keep
it open with the hinged prop. Then feast on the fully wired and plummed engine
based on the W196. The front inboard disc brakes, water radiator, water header,
fuel injection pump and inlet manifold are all on display. Also visible is the
multitubular chassis frame - revolutionary for its time!
The Mercedes-Benz "Tri-Star" and the Model lettering at the rear of
the car are both photo-etched! This car is true in every respect to the original.
The pundits said it would never happen, but the impossible was acheived in this car after it won the 1955 Mille Milgia driven by a non-Italian. Driving like the proverbial "Bat out of Hell", Moss and Jenkinson average just under 100mph over the most toucherous and esoteric 1000Km of Italian road known to man
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The intricate wheels are photoetched and more realistic than the
commendable Danbury Mint redition of the same car. Tyres have the correct tread
and real leather is used for the seats and the engine cover strap - there's
even a tiny buckle much like the recent Porsche 550RS by CMC. The hood folds
up to reveal the engine bay featuring an impressive assembly of detailed chromed
parts. The cockpit dials are readable and a dead ringer for the 1:1 car. This
is a true, authentic scale replica of the #87 car driven by R. Caracciola, when
he won the 1931 Mille Miglia.
The letters "SS" stood for "super-sport" and "K" for "kurz", German for short. The SSK is inseparably linked with names such as Rudolf Caracciola, Manfred von Brauchitsch and Hans Stuck, who ran up an impressive series of victories between 1929 and 1931. In 1930, Caracciola fought his way to victory in the European Sports Car Championships in a SSK.
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Emperor Hirohito's subjects revered him as a "God" and the splendor
of this replica is fitting for one held in such high regard. With an abundance
of neat gold trim and rear seats in real Japanese silk this replica is very
true to the original! The front seats have leather trim and a red carpet is
used throughout. The chrome head lights and front grille are neatly presented
and together with the gold trim conspire to eminate an air of decadence.
Formerly the property of the Japanese Imperial family, this "Grand Mercedes" returned to Untertürkheim in September 1971. It has dark red paintwork and bears the emblem of the Tenno on the doors. Together with two other cars of the same model it was in regular use at the Imperial Court.
Page reproduced by kind permission of Michael Amechi