August issue: Model of the Month - Autoart's Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG

OUR TOP MODEL AS CHOSEN BY THE DIECAST TEAM THIS MONTH

Autoart
Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG
PRICE £117.99 LIMIT NOT SPECIFIED SCALE 1/18 REF NO 76248

Nothing divides opinion quite like a four-wheel drive vehicle. Now almost an icon for various reasons (some bad, some good), the 4WD is latterly most notable for its spotless ‘Chelsea Tractor’ guise, being utilised by affluent mums for the school run. Let’s not forget, though, that there are actually owners who use them in their intended role... as valuable and practical workhorses.

Mercedes’ G55 is characterised by its boxy styling (this is no Porsche Cayenne), and actually employs three fully-locking differentials... a rare feature. Production began in Graz, Austria, in 1979, and despite competition from newer versions by Mercedes-Benz, the G-Class is still being built and is expected to run until 2015.

AMG’s designs for the G55 are well-reproduced on Autoart’s superb 2009 replica. Fine touches include a detailed fire extinguisher under the front of the driver’s seat, and comfy-looking seats which appear as though they’re as soft as a baby’s... well, you get the picture!

The centre console is amazingly detailed, too, with a whole collection of tiny switches and buttons, along with a convincing stereo and gear stick.

Even the floor carpeting looks classy, and this material extends to the rear seat floorpans and cargo area at the back. Distinctive AMG logos decorate fine polished metal foot strips either side of the lower seat portions, and much of the internal detail can be viewed through a subtly-smoked sunroof.