Retro Classics 2026 once again proved why it has become one of Europe’s most important gatherings for classic car enthusiasts and collectors, blending full‑scale automotive legends with the finest miniature craftsmanship. Among the standout attractions at this year’s show was CMC Model Cars, whose display reaffirmed its reputation as a benchmark manufacturer of high‑end 1:18 scale replicas. A particular highlight for visitors was the debut and showcase of CMC’s latest Mercedes‑Benz 300 SL replicas, inspired by one of the most iconic sports cars of the 1950s. 
The Mercedes‑Benz 300 SL remains a symbol of post‑war engineering excellence, and CMC’s newest 1:18 interpretations capture this legacy with exceptional fidelity. Presented in multiple configurations—including hardtop, soft‑top roadster, and open variants—the new models reflect the subtle design differences of the original W198 series, from body lines and roof treatments to interior finishes and period‑correct detailing. Limited production runs reinforce the exclusivity that collectors have come to expect from CMC’s Mercedes‑Benz program.
What sets these new 300 SL replicas apart is CMC’s uncompromising approach to craftsmanship. Each model features fully opening panels, finely detailed engines, individually mounted dashboard instruments, and hand‑assembled components throughout. Multi‑layer paint finishes and authentic materials elevate the models beyond simple display pieces, positioning them as true scale reproductions of an automotive icon rather than mass‑market diecast offerings.
At Retro Classics 2026, the presence of both full‑scale classics and CMC’s miniature counterparts created a compelling narrative—linking automotive history with the meticulous world of scale collecting. For Mercedes‑Benz enthusiasts and serious collectors alike, the new CMC 1:18 Mercedes 300 SL models stand as one of the most noteworthy releases of the year, and a fitting tribute to a car that continues to define timeless performance and design.
Pre-order or purchase your favourites now, at ModelCars24.de!
Prices are absolutely bat shit crazy now. $1000-1200 CAD for a model is crazy. Cmc has undergone the most irrational price increase out of any brand I know. I remember in 2016-2017 I paid $400 CAD for a 250 GTO. How do you have a 3x increase in the same time it took Autoart to have a 25-30% increase?
please CMC make the gullwing doors 300SL
Looks like a very good model with top down or hardtop on, but terrible with that lousy soft convertible top! And at a high price….And with two big problems… again!
1) The unfortunate use of real leather, which CMC NEVER does very well. They always use an out of scale leather, which always comes off heavy handed looking more toy like than high quality model.
2) Why bother with a sort of functional convertible top that always looks terrible when up. They can NOT make these convertible tops look correct or good when up. Always poorly shaped with out of scale details. They can’t even make these look correct in larger 1:12 scale. The people at CMC just never seem to learn, and do not understand the nuances of what truly makes a great model vs. a good or ok model.
MotorHelix did a much better soft top on their Honda S2000, skip the folding mechanism on the CMC Merc which while neat Is way off and just doesn’t work at 1/18. I usually buy multiples of the latest CMC (five 250 GTO’s, three 250 LM’s) but I won’t be ordering this latest Merc. The good thing about this release is CMC is saving my wallet from further damage.
Well, I do agree with MBL and Dennis Brandt! Its simply not possibe to do a softtop with this kind of fabric without producing a toylike model. I have discussed this problem several times with the CMC guys on the international toyfair in Nuremberg. The same with rivets in 1:18 ! Remember the Ferrari 312 P with rivets that are like the ones on the Titanic when you let them grow to 1:1. Its a philosophical question how to make highend models: should one take original material or should one take a diffenent material, no matter what kind, that imitates perfectly the look of the original car – so you c`ant say if it is the real thing or a model when you take a look to a photograph of the model. For me it was always intersting to see theese different philosophies in the comparison of CMC and Exoto highend models! By the way I do love models made by CMC – but one should think about it- sometimes less is better than trying the impossible!