For model car enthusiasts, the journey of building is just as rewarding as the final showcase. Within this passion, builders often fall into different categories. Some meticulously assemble kits straight from the box, adhering strictly to manufacturer instructions. Others view kits as a foundation for boundless creativity, modifying and customizing to create unique, personalized models that may barely resemble the original kit. Then, there’s a third path – a blend of both worlds. These builders aim for a result that honors the manufacturer’s vision but elevates it to a new level of realism and detail. Alan Keller embodies this approach perfectly with his stunning 1/8 scale 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.
Like many, Alan started by building models directly as intended by the kit makers. With over 40 years of experience, he mastered the art of box-stock building, striving to replicate the idealized images on the packaging. However, the Eaglemoss 1/8 scale Mercedes Gullwing marked a turning point in his modeling philosophy.
The Mercedes Gullwing holds a special place for Alan, being his dream car. Subscribing to the Eaglemoss part-work series was driven by his desire to own a detailed replica of this iconic vehicle. While subscription models offer generally high quality, they often have areas for improvement. For Alan, the interior of the Gullwing was one such area. He found the factory-red interior unappealing and perceived the parts as somewhat less refined compared to other kits he had worked on. Knowing he wanted a different aesthetic, Alan immediately began exploring options to personalize the interior of his 1/8 scale model car.
Inspired by builds he saw on Model Motorcars, particularly those incorporating real leather upholstery, and drawing on techniques from Paul Koo’s instructional DVDs, Alan decided to elevate his Gullwing’s interior. He contacted Marvin at Model Motorcars to obtain leather samples, carefully selecting a color that aligned with his vision. He then sourced custom plaid fabric from Joann.com, utilizing their online customization tool to create a pattern closely mirroring the authentic Mercedes plaid. Equipped with premium upholstery materials and scale rivets, Alan embarked on transforming the Eaglemoss interior. The result, as seen in the images, is a significantly enhanced cabin that replaces the stock red with a more refined and personalized finish. Beyond the interior overhaul, Alan focused on meticulous detail painting, allowing the rest of the 1/8 Scale Model Car Parts from the Eaglemoss kit to speak for themselves. This project showcases how carefully chosen 1/8 scale model car parts and custom materials can take a pre-fabricated kit to concours-level quality.
