Model Car Grey Mercedes-Benz 300 SL from 1957 (1/18th scale)
Scale 1/18th
Burago brand
Cardboard box slightly faded and blister broken in places but the car is in very good condition
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Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 1957: The icon with gullwing doors in model car
This 1:18 scale gray 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL represents one of the most iconic models in automotive history. Meticulously reproduced by manufacturer Burago, this model car captures all the elegance and sporty character of this legendary coupe that revolutionized the world of luxury cars in the 1950s.
A true collector's item , this faithful reproduction is aimed at classic car enthusiasts and demanding collectors who seek authenticity and refinement in their prestigious model cars.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
- Brand: Mercedes-Benz
- Year: 1957
- Scale: 1/18th
- Color: Gray
- Manufacturer: Burago
- Protective case included: Yes
The original model: birth of a legend
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was born in 1954 in the Stuttgart workshops, the result of the technical expertise acquired by Mercedes-Benz in motor racing. This revolutionary sports coupe is a direct descendant of the W194 racing car that triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1952, marking the German brand's resounding return to the international sporting scene after the war.
The model is distinguished by its iconic gullwing doors , an ingenious technical solution made necessary by the tubular structure of the chassis which prohibited the installation of conventional doors. Its 3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, equipped with direct injection, revolutionary for the time, developed 215 horsepower and propelled this Germanic beauty to over 250 km/h.
Marketed until 1957, this model set new standards in performance and elegance , quickly becoming the dream car of celebrities and drivers of the time, definitively consolidating Mercedes-Benz's reputation in the sports luxury segment.
Mercedes-Benz: German excellence embodied
In 1957, Mercedes-Benz entered a pivotal period in its history. The brand with the star, born from the merger of Daimler and Benz in 1926, was rebuilding its reputation after the turbulence of World War II. The 1950s marked its triumphant return to international racing and the world of luxury automobiles.
This decade saw Mercedes-Benz affirm its philosophy of technical excellence and refinement, inherited from pioneers Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler. The 300 SL perfectly embodies this vision, combining technological innovation with avant-garde design. It paved the way for a line of sports models that would make the brand world-renowned.
The Stuttgart-based company then demonstrated its unique ability to transfer racing technologies to production models, laying the foundations for its future dominance in the high-end luxury automotive segment.
The Anecdote of the Butterfly Doors: When Constraint Becomes Iconic
The story of the Mercedes 300 SL's gullwing doors perfectly illustrates how a technical constraint can become a legendary aesthetic signature. When Mercedes-Benz engineers adapted the tubular chassis of the W194 racing car to create a road-going version, they encountered a major problem: the chassis structure was so tall that it made it impossible to install conventional doors.
Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the project's chief engineer, then proposed a bold solution: upward-opening doors hinged on the roof. This technical innovation, initially perceived as a compromise, quickly became the model's most recognizable visual signature . The name "butterfly doors" was born spontaneously, inspired by the graceful movement of these panels, which evoke the wings of a lepidoptera taking flight.
This technical feature had a profound influence on the automotive culture of the 1950s. The 300 SL became the car of Hollywood stars and prominent figures, thanks in particular to the theatrical door-opening gesture that never went unnoticed. Grace Kelly, then at the height of her fame, was photographed several times at the wheel of her 300 SL, helping to forge the legend of this exceptional model.
Even today, these gullwing doors remain a symbol of innovation and daring in the automotive industry, inspiring many manufacturers who try to recreate this particular magic in their own sports creations.
Complete your collection of Mercedes-Benz model cars
This 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL occupies a special place in the world of collectible model cars . It represents an essential milestone in automotive history and fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to great German classics or iconic sports models of the 1950s.
Passionate collectors can combine it with other prestigious Mercedes-Benz models, including Mercedes-Benz model cars from different eras, or complete their set with coupe model cars from other prestigious brands. This piece also finds its place alongside classic model cars 1950-1979 .
Produced by Burago in 1/18th scale, this model car is particularly aimed at demanding collectors who appreciate the level of detail and fidelity of large-scale reproductions. It constitutes an excellent starting point for a thematic collection around 1/18th scale model cars , cars from the 1950s , or even prestigious foreign model cars .
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.
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