The world of 1/43 scale model cars in photography.
Nostalgia from the 1960s, 70s, 80s & 90s.
Mercedes-Benz. By decade.
My Mercedes-Benz collection starts with the late 1950s when its line-up was made up two iconic models: the W111 Heckflosse models with US-inspired tail fins and the 300 SL with impractical but fabulous "gullwing" doors.
In the 1960s Mercedes-Benz design lost some its extravagance and the saloon models in particular got a more conservative appearance. The upright grille and vertical headlights were a hallmark feature of 1960s Benz design, here displayed from left to right on the W109 300 SEL, W113 280 SL and W115 200 D.
1970s Mercedes-Benz design is characterized by serious designs with boxy shapes and straight lines. The 1970s also saw the introduction of some of the major design hallmarks such as the ribbed front indicators and rear lights that dominated Mercedes design until well in the 21st century.
Perhaps there is no other decade in which Mercedes-Benz design was more conservative than the 1980s. Its saloon and sports cars were elegant and harmoniously styled, but perhaps with little flair. Baseline models in particular - such as the entry-level 190 in the foreground - looks almost austere.
In the early 1990s Mercedes-Benz officially switched to its "class" nomenclature. It started the decade with four main classes, some of which were available in various bodystyles. The design got a bit softer and rounder compared to the 1980s; the grilles less upright and more variation in detailing across the models, such as in the shape of the rear-light clusters.
The second half of the 1990s literally saw an explosion of Mercedes-Benz's vehicle range, including most notably the a Golf-rivalling compact car (the revolutionary A-class), its first SUV (the ML) and a metal fold-top roadster (the SLK). The G-class had changed little since its 1979 market launch, but gradually morphed from utilitarian all-terrain vehicle into luxurious antachronistic icon.
