Jump to content
Model Cars Magazine Forum

Recommended Posts

Posted (edited)

Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC was a version of the R107/C107 model series, which was produced for exceptionally long period of 1971 to 1989. The SL (R107) variant was a 2-seat convertible/roadster whereas the SLC (C107) was a 2-door hardtop coupé. The SLC model run ended in 1981 when it was replaced by the 380 SEC and 500 SEC. The SL production continued until 1989.

The Italeri kit represents the coupe version Mercedes 450 SLC or 500 SLC. Italeri provides you with a choise of decals for either. In real life the main difference was the transmission, which in the 450 was 3-speed whereas the 500 got a 4-speed transmission.

The Italeri kit had some design flaws that made building somewhat challenging but after a little bit tweaking it turned out ok. The exterior colour is original Mercedes color called Manganese Brown and the interior color Cobra Motor Paint Brown Leather. As a reference I had this:

https://www.jpfrazier.com/vehicles/1108/1980-mercedes-benz-450-slc

Painting and polishing a car body like this with a lot of edges is always a pain so after many layers of paint I airbrushed at least six layers of Tamiya gloss clear on it but still couldn´t avoid sanding through the paint in couple of spots. For wet sanding I used Micromesh sanding clothes 6000-8000-12000 for the first time and was positively surprised how they behaved. Polishing with tamiya Fine and Finish and finally Tamiya Modelling wax.

IMG_2788.jpg

IMG_2771.jpg

IMG_2777.jpg

IMG_2164.jpg

Edited by Greasefinger
  • Like 17
Posted

Great looking Mercedes.  Very well done.

I did the 1979 Bandama Rallye version back in 2023, and I had a heck of a time getting the rear wheels to fit under the body.  Looks like yours fit well.

 

Posted
15 hours ago, Jim B said:

Great looking Mercedes.  Very well done.

I did the 1979 Bandama Rallye version back in 2023, and I had a heck of a time getting the rear wheels to fit under the body.  Looks like yours fit well.

 

Thanks! The foiling was difficult in some places and in the photos it shows..

Actually the tires didn´t fit at all. The problem was that the tube in the wheels where the front and rear axels are supposed to put into were about 5 mm too long, and due to the way the wheels are attached to the spindles they wouldn´t have fitted under the body without tweaking. Seems like nobody at Italeri ever built this one 🤔

Posted

Nice work! I can agree that the kit have its shortcomings, I have a build going on in WIP and group builds. I had a problem when installing the chassi with interior that the body did not seat as it should. I actually boxed my build for a while thanks to the issues. 

  • Thanks 1

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...