Wondrous Renntransporter and classic Mercedes Racer from iScale

iScale Mercedes-Benz Renntransporter "Blaues Wunder" with Mercedes-Benz W196 1955 British GP Winner - S. Moss

PRICE: £139.99 (Renntransporter) & £84.99 (W196)
REF NO: 118006 (Renntransporter) & 118009 (W196)

Back in the 1950s, motor racing was becoming very popular throughout Europe and with more and more races being organised, the schedule was very tight for participating teams so the logistical headache of travelling from race to race was getting worse.

Traditional racing car transporters would struggle through city centre streets or where there was a low bridge and in certain regions throughout the continent, particularly along the winding roads through the Alps, so the motorsport division at Mercedes-Benz had a brainwave and created a bespoke vehicle that could transport its cars at high speed.

Working with a chassis from the luxury S-series and the engine from a 300 SL Gullwing sportscar, the engineers crafted a streamlined beauty that could transport a W196 Grand Prix car at over 100mph!

Sadly, events at the infamous 1955 Le Mans 24 Hours, where a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR crashed at high speed and flew into the crowd, killing more than 80 spectators, meant that Mercedes-Benz would withdraw from all motor racing. So in 1956, the Blue Wonder (as it had become known) was shipped to the USA where it would act as a service vehicle. On its return to Germany in 1967 it was unforgivably scrapped, although a replica has since been built.

This model from iScale is a much more affordable option than the one offered by CMC a few years ago and whilst it clearly lacks some of the incredibly intricate detail in comparison, it is still an absolute treat to behold, particularly when paired with one of the eight W196 variants that iScale also offers, as we have here.

As you can see, the finish is stunning, with beautifully applied paint to the resin body and the simple door graphics are perfect. The cab seats are covered in the same material as the drivers seat in the W196 and the ramps on the back of the vehicle are made of metal. And just look at the wire wheels on the W196!

This is a must have for any classic motorsport enthusiast.

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