Background:

I built this same kit as a teenager back in the 80s. Didn't do a great job, kit long since gone. Time to revist and do it better. One of my favourite 1980's German cars... "Roadhouse".

Kit review:

Pros:

Very well moulded and detailed. Little cleanup needed, few visible seam lines. Full engine, detailed suspension and interior. Great shape and proportions. All fits together perfectly.

Cons:

Front wheels don't steer (unusual for Tamiya). Engine bay could use some more parts supplied. Brakes and brake discs are poorly detailed, have ejector pin marks on the faces and little in the way of brake callipers. No decals - everything that'd usually be a decal in a kit like this is instead a raised surface - even the number plates. As with many kits, he windscreen wipers do not conform to the curve of the windscreen very well.

Verdict:

The 500SEC seems to the first of Tamiya's "Bigger 'luxury' box, more detail" kits. It shows. A high quality and easy to build kit of a great looking car.

Build notes:

Completed over about 5 weeks in April/May 2026. Painted with Audi Condorgrau (Condor Grey) and clearcoated with Mr Hobby. The wheels are changed for Aoshima's 19" Junction Produce Scara. THe brake callipers and discs are from the parts box, originally unused from a Revell 612 Scaglietti. The number plates and 500SEC and Lorinser badges are custom printed decals. The Mercedes emblem on the boot is a Tamiya item. The interior has some carpeting made as usual from sandpaper. The engine bay has a lot of extra details with wiring, hoses and bits from the parts box.

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