Budgie Miniatures
No.7 Mercedes-Benz Racing Car
No.7 Mercedes-Benz Racing Car was modelled on the successful 1954 Formula 1 car, the W196R, and first appeared as Esso Series No.7 Mercedes-Benz in 1956. Like the real car, it was always painted metallic silver and so did not need any trim. The base and driver were cast together and were coloured red.
In 1958 Morestone included the Mercedes-Benz as one of the four cars in 'Noddy's Garage Set'.
After the Esso Series ended in 1959, it was re-issued by Budgie for five more years. It possibly appeared in yellow blister-packs but was mostly sold in 'Mobile' or 'Modern' Vehicle Series boxes.
Both the Budgie Gift Sets of miniatures Nos 8 and 12 included the Mercedes-Benz Racing Car.
There was little change to No.7 but around 1964 the long-running metal wheels were replaced by black plastic and the colour of the driver & base became a slightly darker red.
It was withdrawn in 1965.
First issue metallic silver with umw
Esso Petrol Pump Series box with Garage Coupon
Variation 1 : metallic silver with unpainted metal wheels
MOBILE Vehicle Series box
No.7 Mercedes-Benz Racing Car
Model Variations
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(1) METALLIC SILVER, RED base, unpainted metal wheels
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(2) METALLIC SILVER, RED base, black plastic wheels
Variation 2 : metallic silver with black plastic wheels
MODERN Vehicle Series (type 1) box
No.7 Mercedes-Benz Racing Car
Boxes & Packs
1956-59 Esso Petrol Pump Series boxes
1957-58 Noddy's Garage Set
1961-64 Budgie Gift Sets Nos.8 and 12
1962-63 MOBILE Vehicle Series boxes
1964-65 MODERN Vehicle Series (type 1) boxes
The real Mercedes-Benz W196R Racing Car