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Topic starter
09/10/2026 9:26 am
...there can be a ray of light. In keeping with the Mercedes Benz slant in this household (four, in total, counting the MIL), I purchased this Franklin Mint 1930 Mercedes Benz 770 Limousine. It came from the same seller as did the Duesenberg, three Rolls Royce models, and the 1941 Lincoln, with original packaging and paperwork. She also arrived in excellent condition, just like the others. Yesterday, I placed a bid on the only one remaining I don't have, a Franklin Mint Alvis, so we shall see if there is another model from this seller in the future. (There is a FM RR Corniche on offer with this seller, but I just can't get myself to pull the trigger on that model because I don't feel FM even came close to capturing the style of the car.)
'This armoured Pullman limousine 770 “Großer Mercedes” (Grand Mercedes) owned by Japanese Emperor Hirohito has multi-layer glazing for the side, rear and divider windows and an armouring of the roof and doors made of steel plates. Please also note the two additional headlights on top of the windscreen and the rear doors, which are adorned with the chrysanthemum symbol, the coat of arms of the Japanese Emperor.'
For now, here are the 770 pics and I will take more, in the future, as this was a very cloudy day with very little natural light.
It's only fair to show the 1:1, as well:
09/10/2026 11:01 am
An elegant automobile and model. Great score.😎
09/10/2026 5:04 pm
ouch! Sorry to report this. There is a much more detailed version of this model available by Pauls Model Art. And its not expensive. Here's a couple of shots of one for sale on ebay now. Best just to search Pauls Model Art 1/24 in Diecast cars and trucks, there are a few of them there.
The interior is outstanding, and accurate from the 1:1 pics. However if there is a fault it does appear to be a darker shade of red.
You can barely see the Type 770K alongside the Emperors car. Pauls Model Art make an outstanding version of this too. Pics from the same ebay seller. They make a great displayed pair.
There are even 2 other versions made by 'unknown' makers called Lemaco and Xonex, including a really rare grey version. Sorry to take over the post but I love all this obscure model stuff!
This post was modified 4 weeks ago 2 times by Geoff Jowett
Topic starter
09/10/2026 5:44 pm
@geoff-jowett '...is not expensive' is a relative concept, and with the international shipping, eBay Global, import fees, and 19,9% VAT, the ones in good condition quickly become a 300USD model. Thank you for the pics.