Yes, it is shocking, but you read it correctly. And not only has Speedy begun to dabble in the black arts, but has jumped in whole hog by utilizing not one or two, but FIVE magnets in his latest build project. But first some background.

I had always admired the gullwing Mercedes 300SL, but had never managed to add one to my stable. Revell made a nice version back in the day, but they are expensive now and even mint NOS examples typically have lousy chrome trim pieces. By chance a few years ago I came across a Hasegawa static kit of the 300SL that was incredibly detailed with opening doors and hood, engine, photo-etched trim etc. Coincidentally, Mark Gussin began a slot conversion of the same kit (albeit produced by Tomy) and posted the process on his website. He chose to model the car John Fitch drove to an overall fifth place finish in the 1955 Mille Miglia. As many slot fans know, Mark’s modeling skills are incredible, but he ran into paint problems with the Merc, and to the best of my knowledge, never managed to finish this promising project. I’m a Mille fan too, and Fitch’s car seemed like the logical choice to model. Although the Hasegawa kit was simply amazing, after pondering the conversion process I couldn’t figure out a way to maintain the most distinctive operating features without putting them at risk on the track (what is a 300SL if it can’t flap its wings?). Since I was not interested in building a shelf queen, the car slipped to the back of my project queue.

Fast forward a couple of years. Appearing in a recent issue of Vintage Motorsport magazine was an article on the ’55 Mille with a special focus on Fitch’s ride, including several action photos. Inspired by the article and remembering the lovely Hasegawa kit, I decided to pick up the torch that Mark had lit a few years before and try my hand at recreating #417. Mark’s article really was a great help and provided a blueprint on how to proceed. I used the same modified MRRC Cobra chassis, and his suggestions on slicing and revamping the interior to fit over the driveline were indispensable and copied nearly verbatim. Other structural details were handled somewhat differently.

I added square brass tubing filets submerged in JB Weld epoxy to add strength and weight to the chassis, and body mounts were flat pieces of styrene rather than tubes. I decided a green endbell motor, which I believe is somewhere between an NC-1 and standard S can in power, would provide appropriate speed. Rear end uses Slot-It components.

BWA wheels are pretty much standard equipment on most of my cars, and I turned down the plastic kit wheels to make inserts. It was tempting to add the very nice hub caps contained in the kit, but Fitch’s car was equipped with knock-offs for the MM race. Therefore, a set of Slot Classic KOs were fitted. I managed to squeeze the upper half of the engine and related components under the hood (alas, no radiator due to guide shoe placement), by fabricating a thin bracket from clear plastic to cover the motor. Also fitted a bug deflector to the hood.

Fitch, a tall and somewhat gaunt figure in real life, is represented by a modified MRRC Cobra driver. His navigator (really just a passenger -- apparently a German magazine correspondent who had never raced and was prone to uttering “Mein Gott” throughout the ordeal) is from Ninco. The real car was a dark metallic gray, so I used Duplicolor “Smoke” automotive enamel.

It is not the most attractive color in the world, and as is often the case with “full-scale” metallic paints, can appear a tad sparkly under direct lighting when applied on scale models, but I think is fairly close to the real thing. Decals are from Patto.

Now about those magnets….Taking a page from my cabinet-making background in a previous life, I finally found an appropriate application for magnets in slot racing – not to create downforce on the track, but to act as door latches! I was afraid the flimsy hinges of the gull wing doors would snap off at the first hint of a shunt, so the challenge was to keep them functional but securely fastened while in motion. I decided to add small cylindrical magnets from a first-generation Scaley NASCAR under the door sills of the interior, and corresponding chunks sawn off a weak bar magnet on each of the door panels.

They are not too obtrusive and the resulting magnetic attraction is strong enough to let the doors close with a satisfying click, yet weak enough to flip open for display purposes. I used the same technique on the hood, but a single magnet in the engine compartment and a sliver of steel snapped off an old X-Acto blade provided enough “downforce” to keep it closed.

Several compromises had to be made in the conversion to slot car, and it was a shame not to be able to use all the details of the static kit. Overall though, I am pleased with the outcome. Being able to display the car as if it was on the concours green at Amelia Island with doors and hood open is nice of course, but it was never intended to be a shelf queen. Real cars that competed in the Mille Miglia often reveal encounters with bridge abutments, turn markers, etc., and my car displays evidence of similar escapades. Obviously the car would not be the best choice for hard-nosed racing, but the magnets provide a degree of security and it can be driven spiritedly with little worry.

The 300SL is simply an all-time classic, and for me Fitch’s great drive over one of the most demanding road courses ever epitomizes the glamour of sports racing in the 1950s. Many thanks to Alan for posting this article on his site, and thanks to Mark for providing the initial inspiration for converting the kit. Also thanks to Vintage Motorsport magazine (2004 #5) for the many pictures and historical information on the actual race.