Iconic Car and Iconic Model... [PIC]

The 1931 lightweight, short wheelbase Mercedes-Benz SSKL (W 06 RS) shocked the Italian race fans when it handily won the Mille Miglia that year. It also was the first victory by a non-Italian - Rudolf Caracciola. Powered by a supercharged 7 liter straight six pushing an astonishing 300hp, its average speed for the course was just over 100 km/hr. This car was already modeled in 1/18 by Bburago in both finished and kit form. DM did a reasonably good job on their 1/24 for the era until PMA did this striking model of the Caracciola entrant and just blew the other models away. The first thing that leapt out at me was the spidery painted wire wheels that were found nowhere else at that time. Then came that gorgeous interior with leather upholstery and an amazing 3-D dash with chromed bezels surrounding the gauges. The hood opens with nicely scaled piano hinges revealing a much better looking engine compartment. At the time, I already had 3 iterations of that DM model as well as the Bburago kit build. I immediately 'retired' the 3 1/24s.