Words and photos courtesy of mazspdjase
First off, I will say that out of the box, it is a nice looking model but the ride height is just terrible. That being said, it is an easy fix that only requires a couple of small washers being placed at all point of the suspension. The beauty of doing it this way is that the car can easily be returned to its original state if desired. The pics below are a before and after shot of this simple, yet effective mod.
Moving forward, the matte paint finish is interesting and different for sure. I would say that it is actually a very light grey and not silver (easy to see with this when comparing the front air dam and window trim color). The dealer version of the model comes in the excellent Norev “showroom” box, has a handling glove included, convertible top, and even a screw driver). I personally feel that the shut lines are fine but I know many complain about this on Norev models. As I bought this from Modelissimo (along with two other models), I thought the price was great (this model was 73 Euro [$79.00 U.S] after the removal of VAT , the additional 10% discount for mentioning DiecastSociety.com membership and 1/3 of the fixed rate shipping cost-the day I was charged the dollar to euro exchange rate was .92 to 1.00. I have seen them selling for FAR more than this on eBay.
Another great thing I found with this model (when compared to the coupe version) is the fact that Norev went with the “AMG style” front/rear bumpers and the side skirts. I give the car a much nicer presence in my opinion and sportier look. One thing that Norev did that perplexes me is that they molded the car with the “fins” on the side skirts but didn’t bother to paint them the same silver color as the front air dam; on a real S cabriolet with the AMG package, these are done in silver. Anyhow, this was another easy fix… I used testers buffing metalizer and painted them myself.
On the inside, the car is just amazing… the decal work is astounding and all the finishes look great in my opinion. I have decided that the only other changes I will end up making to this beyond the AMG wheels I have on it now and the dropped suspension will be changing the grill material out under the star with some P.E black mesh I have coming, possibly painting the roof red, and making a new set of AMG style exhaust tips once I get the GT Spirit S63 coupe when it comes out in silver. I have already added an AMG badge in the rear and S63 script (P.E Items).
The addition of the AMG wheels looks great, except that the rears protrude out too far.
Norev is stepping up, prices are rising too, but still nice pieces.
They definitely are. They are one of the best, when it comes to bang for buck! Well Norev!
Another model car brand which offers very good value is Sun Star.
No, don’t mock. I bought a 1:12 Morris Minor 1000 Tourer with beautiful levels of detail; opening glove box, windows that wind down, thick carpeting, realistic folding seats, folding roof, intricate toolkit, etc., for just $190.00AUD ($187.00CND). That is about the price of a standard 1:18 AUTOart – yet the Sun Star is more detailed, 1:12 scale and one of a limited edition of 999pcs.
A lot of people like to knock Norev, but I’ve been very pleased with every Norev I have in my collection.
Same here, they have been a pillar of good quality pieces for the money.
Thanks guys for checking out the review. Norev, in my opinion is one of the best mid range model makers. I think that the level of detail they put in the models, for the sub-$100 price point is spectacular. As far as my wheel choice, its likely the angle of the picture that makes the rear wheels appear to stick out beyond the fender.; they are actually flush with the fender lip, which was my intent. The problem I had with the stock wheels was that they actually sat in a bit too far for my liking.