Welcome to new territory for car-themed building sets: Mattel Brick Shop’s Hot Wheels Mercedes Benz 300 SL kit merges diecheck authenticity and brick by brick construction. With a 1:12 scale model with 1,600 molded pieces, real metal parts, interchangeable accessories, and a Hot Wheels branded, exclusive diecast 1:64-scale car, this set is unique in the growing collector space. Priced to around $120 relative to other 1:12 scale sets with pre-orders currently available and expected to fill during the summer of 2025, the 300 SL Gullwing kit offers nostalgia for builders of the original building kits while also appealing to adult collectors. You will find information below from inspiration through projections for the future.
Introducing Mattel Brick Shop, Hot Wheels
Mattel Brick Shop has released a new series of Hot Wheels collector grade building kits that combine its history around diecast with brick-orientated construction for adults. Seven initial offering span scales from 1:32 to 1:12 scale and allow collectors to display their vehicles with a matching 1:64 Hot Wheels vehicle.
Design History and Inspiration
The Auto modeled 300SL set ships with its retail and collectible packaging and in matte black and orange colour scheme. Designers Benoit Monterroso and Craig Callum translate the precision of Mattel’s vehicle production that spans decades into bricks and custom pieces. This 300 SL collaboration with Mercedes Benz marks Mattel Brick Shop’s first Premium Series collaboration under the Hot Wheels licensing.
The Mercedes Benz 300 SL: An Enduring Icon
- The Epitome of Elegance: The 300 SL Gullwing has long been regarded as one of the finest examples of automotive design with its lofty gullwing doors and fantastic sculpted bodywork.
- A Collector’s Item: The 300 SL’s heritage as an icon of performance and style makes it a natural fit for a premium build set.
What is included with the 300 SL Kit?
- 1,600 High Quality Pieces: Including standard bricks and unique parts used to build the Gullwing shape.
- Metal Parts: Real die cast parts used for wheel covers, grille features, and the Mercedes emblem.
- Accessories: A spare tire, luggage, decal sheet, and a die cast “Signature Plate” which also serves as a key fob.
- Unique Die Cast car: A matching 1:64 model of the Hot Wheels model in a clear case for a display worthy package.
Die Cast Metal Parts: A unique option
Unlike plastic only kits, this set mixes in die cast metal in addition to bricks to make it feel even more real and solid. The metal also adds to some of the structural points making it last longer during the build phase and when displayed.
Customizations and Accessories
Two sets of metal wheel covers and a sheet of decals allow builders to customize their own Gullwing, while swappable parts, such as seats, and exhaust pipe allow for multiple variations. The decals also include a period correct livery for added authenticity.
Assessing the Competitive Landscape
Mattel Brick Shop’s product line is intended to rival the Lego brand with:
- Prices that are competitively comparable. A Premium Series cost $119.99 with similar scale Lego models approximately priced at $140 – $250.
- Metal components & custom shape, includes metal parts and unique bricks/molds that are not offered in Lego kits.
- Bricks fit & instructions, better brick fit than Mega Bloks & instructions are clearer than many of the clone brands.
- Fully packaged, kit includes all you need, Plus each kit comes with a full Hot Wheels die cast car to display!
Scale and Authenticity of Design
1:12 scale fully built model measures, 36 cm long and 10 cm tall. The model represents the proportions of the real roadster with the level of authenticity – which is impressive. Functional features like gullwing doors, hood, and trunk open add to realism.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Cost of the kit is $119.99, which is about $0.075 per brick for the 1,600 piece kit which competes well against many Lego comparisons (1,400 piece Technic Skyline GT R priced at $140, $0.10 per brick), metal parts, and the exclusive vehicle die cast car, you are getting value!
Quality And Durability
The advanced tolerances of the brick, premium grade metal and exacting tolerances means the assembled model stays together extremely well even while displaying moving doors and trunk lids.
The Future Of Mattel Brick Shop Builds
Mattel is looking to expand its Premium Series and explore other licensed vehicles this summer 2025 retail rollout with pre orders live now. If the first models are successful we may see tech forward features like an operating motor or lighting elements.
Conclusion
The Mercedes Benz 300 SL set from Mattel Brick Shop challenges the norms between die cast collecting and brick building. Its combination of metal parts, attention to detail, and price point make it one of the more adventurous products for adult builders who wish to step beyond plastic bricks.
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