Mercedes Benz SLS AMG
Car scale model kit in 1/24 scale manufactured by Fujimi (ref. FJ123929, also 4968728123929, 123929, RS-86 and FUJ-12392)

In the late 2000s, Mercedes-Benz decided to build a modern interpretation of its legendary 300SL “Gullwing” – a challenge given how iconic the model was. However, the experts in Stuttgart had an ace up their sleeve – and that ace was AMG. Until then, AMG engineers had only been allowed to modify an existing model in the Mercedes range, but this project marked a new step in the bond between the two brands. Now, free of the constraints, AMG engineers could really show what they were capable of.

The result was a magnificent, front-mounted mid-engined Gran Turismo with a huge nose, gull-wing doors, a powerful 563bhp 6.3-litre V8 engine, a highly rigid, all-aluminium chassis and a luxurious interior packed with retro design details, which was first introduced to the world at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009.

Mercedes hit the nail on the head with AMG, and got what it wanted: an heir to the legendary 300 SL. The press praised the model, and by 2010, all you had to do was pick up any motoring magazine on the newsstand and you were almost certain to find columns devoted to the SLS, highlighting the car's track prowess, the aggressiveness and responsiveness of its V8 engine and, above all, the firmness and poise of its advanced chassis.