Mercedes-Benz W125, Donington Grand Prix 1937 #4

Richard Seaman, Mercedes' British works driver, raced at home at Donington in October 1937, on the German teams' first trip to Britain. He started the W125 #4, one of four Mercedes entered, but his race was compromised almost at once: on the third lap an Auto Union pushed him up the escape road, and he rejoined with the rear suspension and a shock absorber damaged. He kept going on a car that was barely manageable until, before half-distance, he had to retire. Bernd Rosemeyer won for Auto Union, with Manfred von Brauchitsch and Rudolf Caracciola second and third. The W125 itself, with its supercharged 5.66-litre straight-eight and de Dion rear axle, never raced again. Seaman's day came the following summer: in July 1938, driving the W154 that replaced it, he won the German Grand Prix.

CMC's model carries Seaman's red #4 on the nose, sides and tail. The louvred bonnet lifts away entirely, freed from its spring-loaded hooks and leather strap, to reveal the eight-cylinder engine, and the stainless-steel radiator grille is made by hand. The removable wire wheels pair aluminium rims with stainless spokes and wear tyres lettered Continental, with slotted drum brakes behind them. In the cockpit are a textile-covered seat, a wood-rimmed wheel and a stainless dashboard with a marbled finish. A limited edition of 1,000 pieces; CMC builds it at 1:18, from more than 900 parts.