Mercedes-Benz produced the 500 SLC for only 18 months, and it was never imported to the U.S. A derivative of the famous SL line (R107 chassis), the SLC (C107 chassis) included a rear seat. The Italeri 1/24 scale Mercedes-Benz 500 SLC plastic model kit started as an ESCI tool and was re-released several times over the years by different companies.
Inside, you’ll find 78 plastic injection-molded parts, including a body in white plastic, a chrome-plated sprue, clear windows, headlights, taillights, and fog lamps. From what I could find, the double headlight bezels weren’t used on the road version of the 500 SLC, but they were on the rally car. I used them on my car because I like the look.
The body is molded as one piece, although you can cut and remove the hood easily enough. The 5-liter engine comes with all the basics and looks good despite its simplicity. A separate air cleaner, fan and fan belt, valve covers, and radiator hose complete the look, but you’ll need to clean up some flash — it is a 40-year-old tool!
The interior is basic in its appointments, with separately molded front seats and headrests, a center console, shifter, dashboard, steering wheel, and side panels. Most of the parts are adequately detailed but could do with some extra detailing to spruce things up. Beautiful Cartograf decals replicate the gauges on the dash.
The floorboards don’t have any texture — just flat and smooth. I used Faux Fabric from Scale Motorsports to simulate carpet. The center console is also flat where there should be climate controls and Becker radio.
The wheels are well-replicated and accurate, but the tires are a bit too big and wide for this kit. I suspect Italeri used the same tires on the rally version. They are passable though, with full lettering and logos.
I finished my 500 SLC with Tamiya Pearl Green (No. TS-60), the only body color callout in the kit. It’s close to the real car’s 876G Cypress Green. All the other main colors are listed on the outside of the box, which is a nice touch, so you don’t have to guess what paint colors you need. Also present on the side of the box is a copy of the full decal sheet. Several European license tags are included, along with a New York and Ontario plate. No plate holder is included for the North American options. I chose the New York plates, which I’ll eventually replace with classic Wisconsin plates.
All in all, the kit went together without any issues except the wheels on the chassis. The axle spindles are too long, which results in the wheels and tires sticking out too far and interfering with the body. I trimmed and removed two spindles from the brakes. That was enough to nestle the wheels the fenders and rear quarter panels.
Also, there was an ugly sink mark on the inside of the side mirror. The front grille is a bit thick but can be cleaned up from the backside with a rotary tool.
The Italeri 1/24 scale Mercedes-Benz 500 SLC plastic model kit is simple with accurate body lines. It’s an old kit, and you’ll have to use modeling skills to clean up some parts, but it’s the only 500 SLC on the market. Out of the box, it works. With additional attention and a bit of kitbashing or scratchbuilding, a Mercedes lover could really make this kit something special. Even out of the box, it’ll look great next to other Mercedes on your shelf.