Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Hardtop, Medium Blue Metallic

The 300 SL brought racing engineering to the showroom. Its three-litre six was the first production engine with petrol direct injection and kept the dry-sump lubrication of the racing cars, and the Roadster that replaced the Gullwing in 1957 added servo-assisted brakes and, as an option, seat belts, a first for a Mercedes. It was a more civilised car than the coupé, with conventional doors and a lower-pivot swing axle that steadied the rear, and much of the impetus for it had come from North America. From 1958 a removable hardtop was offered, so an owner could keep an open car for summer and close it in for winter. CMC finishes this one in medium blue metallic, Mercedes colour DB 396, roof included.

The roof lifts off to sit on its own stand, and the hood cover then closes over the empty well. The cabin is in cream leather, with a cream steering wheel and a strip of body-coloured paint across the dashboard. The flush door handles swing out to open, the seats fold forward, the sun visors adjust and the bonnet opens forward over the six. At the back, the chrome overriders, the tail-lamp clusters and the exhaust tailpipe are finely made. A limited edition of 1,500 pieces; CMC builds it at 1:18, from more than 1,050 parts.