Konrad Adenauer was named "1953's Man of the Year." He was responsible for guiding Nazi Germany back to a civilized society and to moral respectability in the years following World War II. By 1953, as the Chancellor of the West German Republic, he earned seats at the highest councils of the Western Powers. Although still lacking a formal peace treaty, and with the Iron Curtain fencing her off from half her land and 18 million countrymen, Adenauer's West Germany emerged as the strongest country on the continent except for Soviet Russia. Fitting for such a dignitary, the Mercedes-Benz 300d served Adenauer well in 1958 and early 1960's. CMC's rendition of this beautiful car is exquisite in every detail and serves any collector well today.

It is all about materials and quality construction. The materials used range from exquisite leather on the seats and the door panels (they account for that new car smell you experience upon opening the package) to the rich fabric roof cover, to the delicately crafted photo-etch pieces. Their use is remarkably well carried out (save for the rather flat looking wipers), on the mesh behind the separate grille frame, the radiator ornament and steering wheel horn ring and on back to the trademark symbol, "300" and "Automatic" designations. The engine, trunk and particularly the interior and dash details are truly breathtaking. The fuel filler door opens and the license plates even sport tiny photo-etch fasteners. The operation of the model's working suspension and the fabulous way the doors open, so precisely and accurately, lend a large dose of realism.

The application of the silver-green metallic paint may be the smoothest I have seen on a diecast model. The clear coating seems wet and deep. Even the welt lines between fenders and body are carried out perfectly. So, too, is all of the chrome trim pieces. Adenauer's car was very distinctive and you will find this model to be every bit as distinctive among your diecast collection. Five stars.

-Tony Perrone