“Out Of The Blue & Right On Time!”….. 1/18 1988-92 Mercedes-Benz 300CE-24 Coupe (C124) by Norev – David Houston

FINALLY, after a couple of years looking at my two A124 E-Klasse Cabriolets, Norev and Mercedes-Benz have teamed up to bring us collectors their 1/18th scale C124 Coupes in a plethora of colors and even optional wheels. These are a very welcomed sight to many of our collections! I am thrilled that this model also features the earlier OEM wheel design from the mid-80s to the early-90s. It really screams “Mercedes-Benz” from my youth. I also like how Norev replicated the rims here more so than how they have done the later wheels on their earlier (but later model years) A124 Cabriolets.

To me personally, the Mercedes-Benz C124 Coupe has always been a “handsome” car. It’s a perfect combination of practicality and style. Very useful overall! Mercedes-Benz was brilliant in basing the C124 off of its bread and butter midsize sedan. This added an overall solid numbers for a multitude of “124” variations. The initial approach of this car comes across as “sensible” late-80s/early-90s as far as one could go in using that word in relationship to a Coupe. Speaking of coupes, at this vehicles’ introduction that segment was still a very hot market with potential higher end clients (Yuppies) having an abundance of monies available for something more exclusive to the average buyers the world over. So, this car couldn’t have come at a more perfect time! With the C124 not being as luxurious as the S-Klasse (S-Class) based C126 or its later and much larger C140 replacement, as well as not as giving as much sporting intentions as the R129 SLs during this period of Bruno Sacco Era of Design. The benefit or advantage was that this car has a usable rear seat, but at the same time was still compact enough to fit into most European standard size garages with out sacrificing it’s overall practicality. For example, if friends want to share a ride in one vehicles for a “double date” couple’s night out was possible in a C124. The CE just does slot in for clients who wants a luxury coupe, but also versatile enough to be used for a commute to work as well as a sure footed touring machine autobahn stormer.

Even new back in the US, these were a rare sight (when I was just a teen living in a major metropolitan North American city in the United States). Normally, as far as Mercedes-Benzes went, I’d see like thirty or more E-Class sedans/190E sedans/W126 and W140 Sedans and even moreR129 SLs and C140 Coupes to like only one C124 CE Coupes ratio wise. Seriously, I only know of two people over all of these decades that owns one. So, I really wonder how popular this car was outside of the United States at that time when they were still in production back then? Way back in the early 90s while I was still in high school, I built a Fujimi 1/24th scale plastic model kit of the C124 300CE. Until this 1/18th scale Norev release, that 1/24th scale Fujimi model kit was the largest scale version of this model that I have owned until now.

Norev seems to have “Star Dust” when it comes to replicating Daimler-Benz products. This time is no different as Norev have done it again. They have done a really decent job here capturing the feeling of the 1/1 C124. I am very satisfied with the overall accuracy/detailing/opening and working features built to a high standard while keeping an overall fair price point. Even though this is the standard release it is still priced similarly to the dealer editions here in Europe. With so many variations available, everyone should be able to find a 300CE to their liking. If not, just wait a bit as I am sure that Norev will release more colors in the coming future.

I really am impressed with how well Norev executed both the front and rear lighting on this model. The engine bay is a solid effort for a baseplate still setup. I personally would like to see much deeper engine block detailing. Moving inside this miniature, you will find carpeting, accurately trimmed wood like inserts, clear and complete gauges/dials/controls and really vibrant blue leather like seating surfaces! All details are there including photo-etched belt fasteners on fabric seatbelts. Wrapping up the exterior, perforated front grill badging, 3-pointed star, P.E. rear badging and all windows in a raised position.

I went with this beautiful blue metallic over the dark red or black/grey, as I have avoided that color in Cabrio form. I still may eventually add a black/grey C124. However, I will wait to see what other colors will come next as I prefer a lighter exterior color for more contrast between my examples.

In conclusion, I feel like this model is done to a very high standard. This miniature is extremely accurate thanks to precision and current technology in 21st century modeling. Personally, I feel like it is a worthy addition to many of our collections, especially if you like German automobiles or specifically Mercedes-Benz. It might have taken decades to finally get a C124 in 1/18th scale, but I think that it is very well done and was worth the long wait!

*How many of you have added this model or will be adding it to your collection? Also, would any of you like to see this car replicated in 1/64th scale? Please let us know here on CastHead’s, you never know who might be reading this article.