Scott Koenemann's

Mercedes Cabriolet

Under the category of dandy models that show off Model Motorcar details, scratch-built details, and careful exploitation of all of the virtues of a Pocher Classic, Scott Koenemann’s “Sport Roadster” Mercedes fill the bill. For the anoraks among us, all of the various uses of names for this model can offer an opportunity that is nearly unprecedented in the annals of scale model building. For the record, the Pocher Mercedes-Benz cabriolet (folding top, padded headliner, landau bars, and long doors, V-ed windshield) is a fine model of Mercedes-Benz chassis #130859, a one-off “cabriolet A” (Mercedes-Benz designation) which once belonged to Formula 1 impresario Bernie Ecclestone and has been a signature model for the Pocher folk ever since its introduction in the seventies. (For great photos of the prototype Mercedes, see RM/Sotheby’s auction catalog for their 2007 sale, Automobiles of London.). Whether you call it a cabriolet A, a 500K convertible, or even just “the red (or black) Pocher Mercedes” the Pocher version of this iconic car always makes a splash.

What Scott Koenemann has done with his Mercedes (K-80) kit is just the sort of thing we here at Model Motorcars are hoping for: A carefully constructed Pocher model loaded with MMLtd. parts, from the steering wheel right down to the whitewall tires. What he has done with our resin seat forms can serve as an example to all of us as to what careful work can achieve. As if that is not enough, Scott went on to scratch-build and chrome plate some dandy three-dimensional Spezial Roadster trim strips. Looking at this model can give the viewer a pretty good idea of how Mr. Ecclestone may have wished his prototype Mercedes looked. Add in the neat Pocher tool roll in the back seat, and you have a model that combines the best of both worlds.