c.1957 Shioji (SSS), Mercedes Benz 300SL Roadster in Original Box
By far the highest grade example I've seen of Mercedes Benz' classic 300SL Roadster. Tin litho, friction drive, manufactured by Shioji, in spectacular pristine mint condition. Not a single blessed condition item on this entire car. I can't recall the last time I've seen a finer example of a 1950's Japanese built tin toy car. It also comes with its beautiful original box. Handsome, glossy jet black two door roadster with gray-green chassis. The interior was lithoed ivory white with green and black striping. The body was accurately embossed with all the hood lines and side vents just like the real car, including the Mercedes logo on the rear trunk. The chassis was also embossed. It has separate chrome plated wrap around front and rear bumpers, front windshield frame, striated oval head lights, stretched oval front grille with Mercedes logo, and body molding. The tires are solid black rubber with raised, plated Mercedes wheel covers. It has its original celluloid windshield and plastic steering wheel. The front wheel powered friction drive motor works beautifully! "Made In Japan" was lithoed behind the rear seat headrests. These are the only markings on the entire toy making it difficult to identify without the box. The average asking price of the actual auto in mint condition ranges around $495,000. The box cover features a gorgeous full panel, full color illustration of the actual toy shaded in tints of red and orange with a pale yellow roof. The cover aprons were printed with only the manufacturer's trademark, "friction motor" and "Mercedes-Benz". A catalog number was also included on the side aprons. Size: 9". Sold: Feb. 2009
Price Sold: $ 542
