The early automobiles were truly designed like a horseless carriage with the driver sitting above the engine and drivetrain. With single digit horsepower, that didn't present much of a problem. With advances in engine power and the growing "need for speed", the high center of gravity along with the narrow track was making the cars extremely dangerous at higher speeds... rollovers being a major problem. The 1904 Mercedes Simplex from Daimler and designed by Wilhelm Maybach brought the chassis down so the driver was now behind the engine offering a safer car capable of handling the 1904 upgrade to 60 horsepower in preparation for the Vanderbuilt Cup Race. The wider track and wheel base of this chain-driven car also became the foundation for future lines of luxury cars that Mercedes Benz is most noted for.
they're great aren't they Bob. Nice bit of background info too thanks Rich. Its a great little model, and this is the last time I'll say it...no DM version!
While I like the yellow version and own it, I do prefer the white original one because it looks more authentic. FM did bunch of LE brass-era repaints that were quite successful because of their catchy colors and limited numbers, however in most of the cases I personally prefer the original versions... Â
I can't choose. I like them both. Perhaps i also prefer the white one because i like the contrast of white with the red colours. But in the yellow version the golden parts are more in harmony with the yellow and brown colours. But thr limited version of this Bearcat i definitely prefer above the yellow one.Â
I can't choose. I like them both. Perhaps i also prefer the white one because i like the contrast of white with the red colours. But in the yellow version the golden parts are more in harmony with the yellow and brown colours. But thr limited version of this Bearcat i definitely prefer above the yellow one.Â
The Stutz is accurate in red, so I agree that is a good match. The 1908 RR is also a very nice repaint. Probably the one I don't like the most is the Esders Bugatti in gray and red.
Alltough it's an old post I remember you wrote you didn't like the red/grey version of the 1929 Bugatti Esders. I also had some thoughts about this version, but decided to buy it to complete my 1900-1930 era of FM. I must say it is not as bad as i thought. I believe this version was never built in 1:1 originally. Only thing i don't like is the plastic hood. It's not chrome like the green/blue version by FM. So you were right about the 2 versions in my opinion. The blue/green is more beautiful. But anyway, as a collector i could not resist and had to buy it
Until I looked at the dates I couldn't figure out how I'd actually already replied! There are some wonderful brass era cars here thank you for the pics gentlemen. I'm trying to make one of my wall display cases pre 1930 cars only. Still have a couple of spots to fill. Really pleased to have recently added the FM Balloon roadster, I just need to add FMs 1911 Mercedes wood bodied skiff to complete my collection of at least one color of all of FMs brass era models. I have FMs green 1908 Green Silver Ghost in its own showcase and use it to show off the quality of a models interior details to collection viewers. I reckon it is a masterpiece, would love to add the maroon gold version one day.
 
