The Mercedes-Benz Racing Transporter was developed in the 1950s and was part of the company's vehicle fleet used to transport the highly esteemed racing cars to and from the racetracks. The first generation of this type of vehicle was built from 1954 to 1955. The designer of the racing transporter was Karl Wilfert, a talented engineer who managed to combine functionality and aesthetic beauty. The Mercedes-Benz Racing Transporter was characterized by its unique technical features and futuristic design. The transporter was equipped on the chassis of the Mercedes-Benz 300 S and used the same engine as the famous 300 SL "Gullwing". Its pontoon-shaped body and striking Mercedes-Benz blue paint were instantly recognizable. No vehicle of its time combined form and function in this way.
The Mercedes-Benz Racing Transporter was equipped with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine capable of reaching a top speed of 105 km/h (65 mph) – impressive for a vehicle of its size and purpose. The vehicle was 6.75 meters long (22 feet) and provided ample space to safely and quickly transport a racing car. The predecessor of the racing transporter was a simple trailer, but it couldn't match this masterpiece in efficiency and speed. The transporter came with a special suspension and additional reinforcements to protect both the vehicle and the expensive racing car.
The Mercedes-Benz Racing Transporter played an essential role in the success of the Mercedes-Benz racing team in the 1950s. It enabled the quick and safe transport of the racing cars from one event to the next and ensured that the racing cars could always start in top condition. Drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss relied on their vehicles arriving at the races on time. Mercedes-Benz's return to the motorsport arena was marked by numerous wins and championships, in large part due to the efficient transport of the vehicles.
The 1/43 scale model by CMC accurately and detailedly represents the Mercedes-Benz Racing Transporter. The miniature is made of high-quality diecast and displays the same iconic blue paintwork as the original. The inscription "Mercedes-Benz Racing Department" on the doors and the classic body shape are reproduced with great precision. The model by Modelly member "Karr" even includes the race numbers 18, 20, and 22, which are visible on the racing cars on the transporter.
This 1/43 model by CMC stands out for its precision and authentic representations. The wheels, the grille, and the headlights of the transporter are faithful reproductions. The cargo of the transporter consists of three silver racing cars with race numbers 18, 20, and 22. Each of these racing cars hints at the glorious racing history of Mercedes-Benz and bears the easily recognizable red numbers that give the model its distinctive appearance. A highlight of the miniature is surely the detailed representation of the cargo area, where the rear hatch is open, revealing the view of the vehicle frame's bottom. This exact depiction of the model makes it a true collector's item.