Ilario has now released the 1938/39 Mercedes-Benz 540K “Norrmalm”, with its roof up, ie. closed. The production of this version is limited to 30 pieces. The model is available for 298 EUR. Since only 30 pieces have been produced, this superb model is sure to sell out fast!
Something else for a change: Norev announced the imminent release of the Daimler “Motorkutsche” in 1:18. Normally I’m not mentioning this scale, as this Newsletter is dedicated to 1:43, however, judging from the picture, this is a very nice model and at an unbeatable price: a mere 64.80 EUR!!!
One relatively new series of press-models, released by Altaya (and made by IXO) offers the collectors 1:43 scale rallye support vehicles (mobile workshops, mobile supplies of rims, tires, and other accessories) used by various racing teams. One such vehicle – and the first Mercedes so far in the line-up – is a 508D of the Almeras Bros. Team – and their “Eminence” sponsor (Eminence is a French men’s underwear maker).
This model, offered by Altaya in newspaper stores such as Relay for 16.99 EUR was released in the 3rd. week of 
January, and is apparently completely sold-out already. You may still be able to find one at your local store, or on e-Bay (where I saw one offered for 40 EUR).
In the same type of Assistance - vans, IXO is about to release under the order number IXORAC345X a 1:43 model of the Mercedes 609D “Mitsubishi Ralliart Europe” Support van from 1990.
Altaya is announcing the Mercedes G5 (W152) to be released soon in its press collection of the “Voitures militaires de la seconde guerre mondiale” or “Military cars of Worldwar II”. It will be in the livery of the Red Cross. At your newspaper stand, this 1:43 model will set you back a mere 14 Euros and a few Eurocents. On eBay… well, that’s a different story…
Already or soon available at the Mercedes Shop in the Mercedes Museum or at Mercedes dealers:
- - Mercedes C-Class (W206):
B66960635 colour 1/Farbe 1/kleur 1 *
B66960636 colour 2/Farbe 2/kleur 2 *
- - Mercedes C-Class T-Model (S206)
B66960639 colour 1/Farbe 1/kleur 1 *
B66960640 colour 2/Ferbe 2/kleur 2 *
- - Mercedes E-Class (W213), updated,MOPF,bijgewerkt
B66960498 silver/silber/zilver
B66960499 dark grey/dunkelgrau/donkergrijs
- - Mercedes EQA (H243)
B66960824 blue/blau/blauw
B66960825 black/schwarz/zwart
- - Mercedes EQB (X243)
B66961277 white/weiss/wit
B66961278 gold/gold/goud
- - Mercedes EQS (V297)
B66960571 colour 1/Farbe1/kleur 1 *
B66960572 colour 2/Farbe 2/kleur2 *
*: Colour not yet announced
Update, and correction:
Shortly after the publication of the article (MBMC-Newsletter issue 4/2021) about the Lessner (license Daimler-DMG) delivery van, which was part of the fleet of cars of the “Treugolnik” rubber company prior to the Russian October Revolution, a correction came from a reader: in fact, the buildings and grounds of the "Treugolnik" company in St. Petersburg, built in 1901, were no longer an industrial ruin, as they had last been under Yeltsin. A complete restoration and modernization of the historic buildings was completed in 2008. Today it is called the "Treugolnik Business Center", highly modern, with exposed bricks in "loft-style", with everything modern business centres have to offer nowadays in terms of technology, and other amenities to attract companies. On an area of 56,000 sq.m. there are numerous offices, among others a marketing agency, an advertising agency, a music studio, as well as a hotel, a large fitness center with swimming pool, stores, a garage, a furniture factory, dining facilities, and in the courtyards guarded 350 parking spaces.
My reader regrets that Wikipedia mentions absolutely nothing in this regard, and admittedly, here we are indeed poorly informed and regrettably not up to date.
(с)BERND D. LOOSEN
