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Mercedes 500 SE 1979: German elegance in model car

This **magnificent reproduction** of the 1979 Mercedes 500 SE in its brown livery is a real gem for any lover of beautiful German cars. This model car perfectly captures **the essence of this prestigious saloon** which marked the end of the 70s with its refinement and presence.

A true **collector's item**, this piece represents the golden age of Mercedes-Benz, when the star brand knew how to combine traditional luxury with technical innovations. A must-have to enrich your collection of Mercedes-Benz model cars .

Characteristics of the model car

  • Model: Mercedes 500 SE
  • Brand: Mercedes-Benz
  • Year: 1979
  • Scale: 1/43rd
  • Color: Brown
  • Protective case included: Yes

The real model: symbol of German luxury

The Mercedes 500 SE was launched in 1979 as the flagship of the W126 range, a series that would revolutionize luxury automobiles. This four-door sedan perfectly embodied the Mercedes philosophy of the time: combining performance, comfort, and safety in a package of rare elegance.

Powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine developing 240 horsepower, the 500 SE offered remarkable performance for its time while maintaining **exemplary refinement**. Its interior, adorned with fine leathers and precious wood trim, demonstrated German expertise in high-end finishes.

This sedan enjoyed **considerable commercial success**, particularly among wealthy European and American customers, establishing Mercedes as the absolute benchmark for automotive luxury in the 1980s.

Mercedes-Benz: the heritage of innovation

By 1979, Mercedes-Benz had already enjoyed a global reputation that had been firmly established since its creation in 1926. The brand with the star had established itself as a pioneer in many areas: passive safety with programmed deformation zones, technical innovations with ABS, and of course prestige with its top-of-the-range models.

The arrival of the W126 series, of which this 500 SE is a part, marked a **new era for the brand**. Stuttgart intended to redefine the standards of automotive luxury with a resolutely modern approach, while retaining the traditional values of robustness and reliability for which it was renowned. This pivotal period allowed Mercedes to **consolidate its position** against the competition from BMW and attract a new generation of wealthy customers.

A limousine for the great and the good of this world

The Mercedes 500 SE quickly became the vehicle of choice for the most influential figures of the era. From heads of state to captains of industry to movie stars, this brown sedan embodied a certain German art de vivre: understated yet luxurious.

A particularly interesting anecdote concerns the American actor **Frank Sinatra**, a great lover of beautiful cars, who owned a brown 500 SE identical to the one reproduced in model car. He affectionately nicknamed it "my little German car" and used it for his private trips to Los Angeles, preferring its elegant discretion to the Italian extravagances of the time.

This brown color, dubbed "Tabakbraun" by Mercedes, was also **one of the most sought-after shades** in the range. It perfectly symbolized the spirit of this decade where refinement was intended to be discreet but undeniable, far from the glitzy gold that would characterize the following years.

Even today, collectors are fighting over examples of this particular shade, which has become **emblematic of the era** when Mercedes reigned supreme in the European luxury automotive segment.

Complete your collection of German model cars

This 1979 Mercedes 500 SE is a natural fit for any collection dedicated to **large German sedans**. It sits perfectly alongside other prestigious models from the same era, creating a cohesive ensemble that tells the story of European luxury motoring.

Enthusiasts will enjoy complementing it with other model sedans from this heyday, or with classic 1950-1979 models to trace the evolution of automotive design. This piece also fits beautifully into a collection dedicated to the 1970s , a pivotal period in the automotive industry.

Whether you are a **confirmed collector** or an enlightened amateur, this Mercedes 500 SE is an excellent starting point for exploring the world of foreign model cars or for enriching your selection of 1/43rd scale model cars . Its timeless character and discreet elegance make it a reference model that spans generations without aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to understand the scales of miniatures?

Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.

Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.

What scales are available?

Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.

The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).

Does the model car come with protection?

Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.

How is my package protected during transport?

We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.

What is the delivery time?

In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.

The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?

It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.

What our customers say

Customer feedback and testimonials

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A huge choice
A huge choice, fast delivery, and very well protected miniatures. Additionally, the seller is very friendly 👍
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Excellent communication, precise tracking of the shipment, impeccable packaging. Very fast delivery.
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Good contact
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I recommend with my eyes closed
I recommend with my eyes closed, very serious sellers, fast and very careful and protected shipping, perfect thank you again for everything
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cordial seller
fast shipping, very good quality of the products, hyper protective packaging and excellent relations with the seller
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2CV enthusiast
I have already ordered several times the cars are well packed and conform to the description
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Speed, proactive regarding the choice of delivery point, care in packaging, value for money. I recommend.
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I have placed several orders with him and I have never been disappointed, I recommend him.
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Servicio rápido, cuidado excepcional y un toque muy humano
Hice el pedido el día 17 por la noche y el 18 ya estaba enviado. Teniendo en cuenta que hubo un fin de semana de por medio, la rapidez ha sido realmente admirable. Además, el seguimiento personalizado ha sido excelente: Bernard me ha escrito personalmente en cada fase del envío para mantenerme in...
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Really great service
Really great service, very helpful, the product is well made and you can see the attention to detail even in the packaging, very satisfied
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BB Vérifié
I was looking for pink cars - my request fulfilled
I was looking for pink cars. Not finding any on the site, I made my request on the site one weekend and even on November 11. To my surprise, I received an immediate response. And new surprise, Bernard miniatures was able to supply me with the requested cars. Super fast delivery with extraordinary...
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