Franklin’s replication of the classic Mercedes-Benz Gullwing dates back to 1987. Issued in period-perfect Mercedes Silver it was a grand image of the 1954 car, if not the most compelling feature-rich precision model we’ve grown to expect from them today. It did set the tone for future classic Benz beauties and we subsequently saw race versions, an awesome 1960 roadster iteration and some repaints thereof. But this is no mere repaint; I’d term it an upgrade. If you did not find a pristine FM ’54 Gullwing in its prime, do not blow your chance now. The model is positively knock-out!

In a high gloss black, the ‘Great Gullwing’ drips with class. FM did a magnificent job with the paint. Retaining the Tartan Plaid interior, the flip-up winged coupe has never looked more elegant. The factory luggage, behind the seats, is done in beige. The passenger’s compartment is nicely done, even for today. The wheel cover centers are matching body color and the tire problems of the older issue are evidently fixed. Some had a tendency, over time, to develop flat spots. The hood, trunk lid and doors all stay opened well. The hinge assemblies on the gullwings work flawlessly and hold their alignment with no gapping discrepancies at all.

The engine does not need to be overly bogged down in frills, the real one wasn’t; but the replication is well carried out. The best news with this re-issue comes in the way of exquisitely done scripts. Chrome metal-foiled, the front emblem, rear, “300 SL” and driver's side, “Mercedes Benz” scripts are scaled to perfection and look miles better than the previous tampos. The side scripts are new. I have always been fond of the FM Benz issues and the silver paint is inextricably linked with the marque, but, WOW does this black paint show off the classic shape and styling of the ahead-of-its-time car. Issue price is $120.

-Tony Perrone