Mercedes 450 rally kit.. Worth buying?

[Scott8950]

I found this today local and i can buy it but its something i dont mess with. Is it worth buying to trade on?

[89AKurt]

If it's cheap, why not?  That era of Monogram foreign cars are basic, curbside, plastic axles, no engine, so parts are lame such as the air dam.  Would be a fun kit bash.  I was thinking of a Triumph TR8, kit bash with a Mustang or something.  That has the euro headlights, which is nice.

[Scott8950]

59 minutes ago, 89AKurt said:

If it's cheap, why not?  That era of Monogram foreign cars are basic, curbside, plastic axles, no engine, so parts are lame such as the air dam.  Would be a fun kit bash.  I was thinking of a Triumph TR8, kit bash with a Mustang or something.  That has the euro headlights, which is nice.

I can pick it up for $10, its just not something i would build. If i buy it then it'll go in my trade stuff.

[Oldcarfan27]

3 hours ago, Scott8950 said:

I can pick it up for $10, its just not something i would build. If i buy it then it'll go in my trade stuff.

I would trade for it. But $10 for the kit, plus around $14 to ship it, you're into it for $24 - is it worth it for you?

Probably should make sure it's all there and unbuilt to get the most value for it.

See if you can get it for less, and you'll have more flexibility for trades!

Personally, I like the subject matter and they don't get reissued much (if at all). I always liked these roadsters when they were new. Even more now that you don't see them on the road much anymore. 

[Mike999]

6 hours ago, Oldcarfan27 said:

Personally, I like the subject matter and they don't get reissued much (if at all). I always liked these roadsters when they were new. Even more now that you don't see them on the road much anymore. 

Just a reminder, for those who want a 450-SL kit:  Italeri will be re-issuing this nice old ESCI kit soon.  It's the first re-issue since the 1980s. ESCI originally released it as a stock version and 2 different rally cars, but you can just leave off the racing parts if you want a stocker. 

It has a "platform" interior with separate side panels and other neat touches, like a sheet of (plastic) mesh for the front grille guard.  It also has an engine but you'll have to cut out the hood yourself, the hood is molded in. Weird, I know, but that's the way ESCI often rolled.

[peteski]

The Revell 450 is different than the ESCII model.  Esci is a 4-seater (coupe) while I believe the Revell is different year and a convertible (with a "token" back  seat).  I think the Revell model is a repackaging of their convertible kit (with a separate hard top).

[Mike999]

I just opened up the ESCI Bandama kit, and here are a couple of things you might want to know before you buy the Italeri re-issue.

The link below will take you to some photos of the real rally cars, plus the ESCI and ARII 1/24 kits.  I've never seen the ARII kit but it's definitely not an ESCI re-pop. For one thing, it has a separate hood:

1. The ESCI/Italeri kit has no chrome parts. The body's molded in silver, everything else is black plastic. So you'll need Alclad, Molotow or whatever for the bumpers and other chrome.

2. This rally version of the kit does not have a back seat. It has the bare panel that goes between the interior and trunk. There wouldn't be room for a back seat, it has a complex roll bar that takes up most of that space.  It also has a skid plate for the chassis.

3. The hood is molded to the body, but has deep panel lines so it should be easy to cut out.  The instructions show you how to do that, and also how to attach the separate grille to the hood.

Here's the link, which has a good photo of the engine bay and the rally car interior. The page is in Spanish:

https://slotadictos.mforos.com/104811/10716371-mercedes-450-slc-y-500-slc/

 

Edited February 24, 2020 by Mike999
goof

[Oldcarfan27]

SLCs are 4 seat, longer wheelbase coupes. SLs are the Short Wheelbase 2 place roadsters.

AFAIK, Monogram is the only SL body type.

 

[peteski]

3 hours ago, Oldcarfan27 said:

SLCs are 4 seat, longer wheelbase coupes. SLs are the Short Wheelbase 2 place roadsters.

AFAIK, Monogram is the only SL body type.

 

Exactly.