A future release of an iconic classic is once again coming in 1:18 scale. This is Norev’s version of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 1954 in Silver. And if we’re correct we haven’t seen a full 360 access, diecast metal version since the Minichamps release – yes, Minichamps, once upon a time they created models with the substance at a more than fair price. Back to Norev, their version will likely fall under the 100 Euro mark. But there is something about this budget-friendly version that is off. We just can’t get our finger on it?
Producct# 183850
Hubcaps are imperfect, lower side panels are crooked and way too thick
I did a photo overlay comparison (model vs real), and it looks like Norev really got the shape and proportions right on this model. Even the lower side panels have been made right this time, most manufacturers made them thin and straight, which is wrong.
Post it. We’d like to see it.
https://zupimages.net/up/22/18/2nmv.gif
Neat!
I just checked, the side skirts are straight and thinner on the 1:1
The hubcaps are body colour painted and the central star is missing
Also the interior looks very plasticky a la old Bburago which I have
It looks great for what was once upon a time Masto! I have the Mercedes Benz 300 SLR from Maisto and the execution it looks almost the same, especially the inside of the modelcar, the shape of the doors, hood and trunck, which are causing the unproper gaps. Norev should have paid more attention to this modelcar, even if we had to pay more.
The windows are also too small making the whole roofline look a bit awkward!
Windows are exactly the right size and shape like I previously said, I did a photo overlay comparison (model vs real), everything lined up perfectly with the model and real car.
I agree with Aj. The shape s very well reproduced, and even the door slots are better than those of the old MInichamps model.Mercedes badges are missing on the rims, probably because the model is still awaiting authorization. In other photos, I have seen that this model does not have the underbody fairing like the Minichamps did.
I didn’t expect a 300SL gullwing from Norev. Actually I am waiting for the same 300SL by Schuco. And I hope it’s still coming to be honest. The shape on this one perhaps is closer to the real thing than the Minichamps, but. albeit still in its prototype shape, it kind of looks a bit poor on details.
In general the body shapes are quite well reproduced on this model. Some are done much better than the Minichamps, like the slanted front end and the curved trunk shape. But the roof shape doesn’t look right. The side skirts aren’t straight on the 1:1 but not that curved. Hubcaps have been edited on the pictures to remove the stars most likely for licencing reasons. I would love to replace my imperfect Minichamps by a better model but this isn’t the one. I hope Schuco will do a better job but I am not holding my breath.
There are already pictures of Schuco’s Gullwing (silver with blue interior), definitely below Minichamps quality, very comparable to what we see from Norev. I think you will have a tough time finding better Gullwing than 1st release Minichamps (the full open one). Unless you go for the 300SLR Uhlenhaut which will be rereleased this summer by CMC. But it’s completely different pricepoint (north of 550€ in EU)..
Well said.
Thanks I will check the pictures of the Schuco. I already have the CMC 300 SLR Uhlenhaut but it’s a completely different car based on the competition 300 SLR. I would like a good replica of the 300 SL because the Michamps, unfortunately is far from good.
Thanks to all for your comments and photos. I would like to add a new SL to accompany my silver Bburago that I purchased way back in 1986, (my first 1:18 die cast).
i too am waiting for the Schuco one. btw i saw that Minichamps has two colors coming out… full 360 access i believe
The Norev is pretty well made and few of my collector friends who have Minichamps also said that the Norev is pretty well made. I have shared the detailed images of the Norev here https://www.diecastsociety.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=38&p=81609&sid=a771147140cccbbdb0a20fd58ab4292a#p81609
Norev model is better than Schuco or even minichamps.
The main fails are it hasn’t decals in engine bay or Mercedes-Benz logo in the left side.
Overall (body, wheels, carpet interior, or quality) is the best option.