Description
The Mercedes-Benz 500 SL is based on a 1989-1995 Mercedes-Benz R 129 (sold as 500 SL). The "R" stands for "roadster".
Although Mattel acquired Corgi in 1989, models never mixed until 1996 when there were several Corgi casting found in the Hot Wheels line-up. This was quite short lived though. Although similar in appearance to the Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz SL casting, this model is a former Corgi.
The 2 castings can be differentiated by the steering wheel and windscreen. The Corgi casting's steering wheel is larger and more detailed with spokes, with the Hot Wheels counterpart having an undetailed peg-like steering wheel. The Corgi casting's side-view mirrors are part of the clear plastic windscreen whereas the Hot Wheels version, the mirrors are cast onto the metal bodywork. The Corgi version also sports detailed front and rear number plates with the number ' HB 107 C '.
This is one of those very few instances where Hot Wheels have the same car from two different tools.
Versions
The Mercedes-Benz 500 SL has come out in the following 1/64 scale versions:
| Col # | Year | Series | Color | Tampo | Base Color / Type | Window Color | Interior Color | Wheel Type | Toy # | Country | Notes / Variations | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Auto City | Fluorescent Yellow | MB tampo on hood | Clear | Grey | Corgi | China | 
| ||||
| 494 | 1996 | 1996 Hot Wheels | Metallic Grey | Yellow HW-Logo on wndshield | Unpainted metal or Black | Clear ribbed | Red | 5SP | 16301 | China | 
| |
| 1996 | FAO Schwarz Gold Series III | Black | Silver detailed front | Black | Clear | Yellow | Gold 5SP | 16020 | China |  | ||
| 1997 | Cabriolet Series | Metalflake grey | Purple HW-Logo on rear fender, yellow and purple stripes on side | unpainted Metal | Purple tint | Purple | 5SP | 95534 | China | Europe only | 
| |
| 1997 | Car Wash Playset | Mflk. Blue | No tampos | Black | Black Tint | Grey | Corgi | 65617 | China | 
|
