1/18 1970 Mercedes-Benz C111-II......by Norev

D N'D-Land · Jul 16, 2025

Read the tire sidewalls. That statement is something that is rarely seen on modern 1/18th scale miniatures due to licensing expenses. However, Norev flipped that script and paid to play. ...and it did pay off! Just look at the accuracy!
So, the small detailing of a miniature auto is setting off a theme that will be running throughout this review. It's a new level of higher quality and far better detailing that is setting Norev on a higher level of consideration for near premium models. I mean, with just a few minor upgrades and you could actually start calling this one a premium as well. At least Norev hasn't gotten full greedy and started out pricing their base, like some other longer term established brands.

Color-me-impressed! I think that this is the best 1/18th scale model that Norev has done to this date. That is a loud shout, because their 1/18 Porsche Cayman and Boxster miniatures are so detailed, that you don't need to bother with paying nearly double for a Minichamps version. That said, Norev just stepped up their game once more with this rare and significantly historical beauty!
What surprised me most is that Mercedes-Benz was supposed to release this miniature as a Dealer Edition version. In fact, I think that they still are, so I am curious to see what the differences between this hobby release versus the dealer edition? I can't image anything different than the licenses plates and maybe some historical boxing or information along with the model.

The first thing that really hits you when you remove this model from the box is that this model has a stunning and flawless (on my example) orange metallic-pearl paint finish. It's mesmerizingly beautiful to look at. The next thing that hits you are those massive steam roller-like tires! Dunlop lettering on the sidewalls and those wickedly intricate "Ronal" type 5-spoke wheels. It all screams early to mid 70s F1 inspired flare for the rolling stock. Overall, the C111-II really seems spot-on for that era of cars. I mean look around, there were Ferrari 365BBs, Maseratis', Lamborghinis galore and even the Porsche 911 got more brutal in that era of sports cars. It would have been nice if Mercedes-Benz had put this one into production back then. It would have made a statement that would still have been paying off today.

Norev have truly done a masterpiece with their C111-II. I am so impressed that they made an effort this HUGE to not only get the shape correct, but all of the details and working/opening features replicated. I love that this model has pop-up headlights, then it's a fully opening body shell with removable rear storage area, so that one could make this as practical as ever as a supercar. Norev didn't skimp on the motor this time, it's a fully detailed lump under that rear engine cover/bonnet and the carpeted removable stowage bin. All motor details are present, when looking at historical and modern-day images sent to me via friends at this past weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed. So, I am very up to date and more than certain that no details were missed. Moving into the interior, and the houndstooth seat patterns really send it, as does the seatbelt fastener. Only, one area that could have really made this model a premium piece would have been actual fabric seatbelts and P.E. Buckles to finish it off. The IP/Dashboard is done to a very high level, with all gauges and controls replicated faithfully and in color where applicable. Lastly, move under the "frunk" up front and Norev really did do extraordinary detailing in that area as well...and didn't I already mention the pop-up headlamps? HELLO!! Oh, and the gullwing doors remain up as well as perforated venting at the rear that sits above a metal prop rod to hold up the rear bonnet, but it actually isn't needed, as that part on my sample stays up on it's one. However, it is still a nice and accurate little functional detail.
All lighting looks accurate and very well done; the overall piece is a stunner. I don't see how another collector could walk away from this piece. It really has to be the best 1/18th scale Norev has ever done. Norev wasn't playing on this one. To kick it off, the model is being sold currently for around $100 dollars/euros! What a highly detailed bargain! Don't say that too loud, or Norev might start raising their prices...shhhhh!

Coincidently, this new Norev release gave me a chance to re-visit my 1/18th C111 Vision Concept done by NZG(KenFai) for Mercedes-Benz the new one looks MASSIVE compared to the 1970s era one. Ultimately looking at both side by side, it is hard for me to only pick one. The new car is really a great looking design, however, NZG was heavy-handed IMO on overall feel of that model. Meanwhile the Norev version is so on point, stance and detail wise intricately, until it is very difficult to compare them apples to apples. The Norev is on another level or two higher than the NZG. In fact, why does Mercedes-Benz keep using NZG for their dealer Edition miniatures. Norev could have done a far better job if they had had a crack at it!

If you really want a proper 1970 Mercedes-Benz C111-II to replace or sit next to your Guiloy, this is it! You most likely won't be disappointed! I highly recommend it to anyone reading this review, it's THAT GOOD! Cheers!

*Never mind the gap at the rear bonnet, I didn't push mine down enough after opening it for engine pics.

Past & Future.....

1970 Mercedes-Benz C111-II.....

Opened Up!.....

Details....

Thanks for Looking! CHEERS! 🥂 😌

s52z3mc · Jul 17, 2025

Very nice!

D N'D-Land · Jul 17, 2025

Thank You!

BK1 · Jul 17, 2025

Amazing!!! You're right David, this looks so good!! I'm thoroughly impressed with what Norev has done here. They've really stepped up their game.

And I love how they have a full and proper rendition of the engine, made even more impressive by the fact you can remove the storage bin to access the full powertrain, not just a lackluster engine plate hidden away.

Funny, when I visited the MB museum 10 years ago and saw it for the first time, it felt familiar, but I couldn't recall from where. Fast forward to now and I realize it's shape and certain details (e.g. gullwing doors) were borrowed for the design of the short lived Bricklin SV-1!

D N'D-Land · Jul 17, 2025

BK1 said:
Amazing!!! You're right David, this looks so good!! I'm thoroughly impressed with what Norev has done here. They've really stepped up their game.

And I love how they have a full and proper rendition of the engine, made even more impressive by the fact you can remove the storage bin to access the full powertrain, not just a lackluster engine plate hidden away.

Funny, when I visited the MB museum 10 years ago and saw it for the first time, it felt familiar, but I couldn't recall from where. Fast forward to now and I realize it's shape and certain details (e.g. gullwing doors) were borrowed for the design of the short lived Bricklin SV-1!

Thanks Belal!! This is a MUST ADD MODEL for real!! It is that good! Seriously upped their game BIG TIME!

YES, it didn't even hit me that it was a full motor until I was watermarking my images, because I was still shocked with branded tires 😂

Actually, we had two neighbors with Bricklin SV-1s in the same friggin' color. However, the Bricklin is a later design, the Benz was first as this is even the second one from 1970, the 1969 looked slightly different...

Here are pics of the 1969 C111-I version before the Norev released & Guiloy versions.

Here is the 1970 C111-II that Norev made....

With Narrower Wheels....

baonguyen77 · Jul 17, 2025

Great looking model and very nice write up, congratulations!

D N'D-Land · Jul 17, 2025

Thank You!

It's really a nice piece! If Norev continues on this path with every model, but also current pricing!...then they are the new leaders of the 1/18th scale industry for me. The other established brands are either over priced for what we get and or both under developed/overpriced as well. Glad that you liked this review! 🙂

forza! · Jul 17, 2025

David...why?? Why are you posting such great reviews? Now you make me want to buy one! I didn't want to like this car but it looks sooooo good!

So thanks a lot LOL

(But really, great review as always and big supporter of your work

)

Here's a pic of the C111 I took at the MB museum.

D N'D-Land · Jul 17, 2025

forza! said:
David...why?? Why are you posting such great reviews? Now you make me want to buy one! I didn't want to like this car but it looks sooooo good!

So thanks a lot LOL

(But really, great review as always and big supporter of your work )

Here's a pic of the C111 I took at the MB museum.

View attachment 343122

...lol Hey Patrick!! 😁😆 the answer to your question obviously, to tempt others to also purchase this model (including yourself)!!!😃

You're welcome, Now GO ORDER ONE ASAP! 😆You won't regret it my friend!!!😌

I REALLY APPRECIATE hearing that Patrick! It's friends like you who make me want to carry on, because doing these reviews after taking and editing/watermarking so many pics is draining. I fell asleep a few times on this one. Hence why I was so late posting. THANK YOU! 💙😌🥂

Your photo is absolutely STUNNING!!!! Thanks for sharing it here with us on DX!!🥂CHEERS!!!

Maximo · Jul 17, 2025

It's an incredible improvement over the old Guiloy.

Every day I'm more amazed by Norev's quality at such reasonable prices.

Excellent review !!

D N'D-Land · Jul 17, 2025

Thank You Maximo!! 😌

Yes, I think that we all loved this car, then, we most likely have the Guiloy! Mine must be back in one of my US storage units. It's not here in with me Europe

Norev really surprised me with this one. I really am impressed with their level of execution here. The details are truly outstanding, while they kept this model at a fair competitive price point! Kudos to Norev for producing a true Winner in the diecast game!

pdc · Jul 17, 2025

Wow, I'm actually surprised they cared this much. After all, it's a pretty obscure prototype/test mule. Maybe a special order from M-B headquarters? Regardless of the reason, I'm glad they did and I hope it's not the last one in a while with an engine that's not just a plate.

D N'D-Land · Jul 17, 2025

pdc said:
Wow, I'm actually surprised they cared this much. After all, it's a pretty obscure prototype/test mule. Maybe a special order from M-B headquarters? Regardless of the reason, I',m glad they did and I hope it's not the last one in a while with an engine that's not just a plate.

There is supposed to be a Mercedes-Benz Dealer Edition release as well. The ONLY think that I think could be different are the licenses plates, that is about it. Unless they make the one that is like this, but with vents on the nose corners?

If you are interested in this car, I would seriously say get one. It is really a rare treat, as in that it is super detailed, but still attainable price point wise. 😌🥂

SPhilli911 · Jul 17, 2025

What a great looking model, and very well detailed! I love what Norev is doing lately, for the most part. Some top notch models for good prices.

D N'D-Land · Jul 18, 2025

I was absolutely caught off guard by the level of detailing and the complete motor that is siting inside that engine bay. Norev really took this one to a whole other level! kudos to them and YAY for us! This is so worth it!!!

vulpex · Jul 17, 2025

Thank you for this great review, David! 👏 👏 👏

The C111 is so much more than just a „pretty obscure prototype/test mule“. It is an automobile icon of the 70s and back then it got much popularity. Not only because of the art of engineering and various speed records. Also its design was admired and rightfully so. It simply was one of the dream cars of my youth…
(I won‘t drop my own MB museum pictures here, because we seem to have already enough.)

Have patiently been waiting sooo long for a decent 1/18 diecast with functional popup headlights. Since Norev‘s announcement I knew it will a must have for me. Even more so now, after seeing your enthusiastic review!
Can wait to see this model in person…

D N'D-Land · Jul 18, 2025

vulpex said:
Thank you for this great review, David! 👏 👏 👏

The C111 is so much more than just a „pretty obscure prototype/test mule“. It is an automobile icon of the 70s and back then it got much popularity. Not only because of the art of engineering and various speed records. Also its design was admired and rightfully so. It simply was one of the dream cars of my youth…
(I won‘t drop my own MB museum pictures here, because we seem to have already enough.)

Have patiently been waiting sooo long for a decent 1/18 diecast with functional popup headlights. Since Norev‘s announcement I knew it will a must have for me. Even more so now, after seeing your enthusiastic review!
Can wait to see this model in person…

Hey Dirk! Thank You! It was/is totally my pleasure to share this one with you all here on DX! 😌

Yes, in terms of design, the C111 has always been so iconic, the world over, but I imagine, especially so for all the German automotive fans...especially when Mercedes-Benz was at a very strong engineering position in the 70s & 80s, that this was like the "traum auto" as posters and miniatures. Norev captured ALL of that.

Okay, one of our local Ex-Mercedes-Benz Department heads wrote on my personal FB page that he wrote Norev and that they said, that this model isn't coming to Europe via them. So, He also said that Mercedes-Benz didn't confirm that it is coming as a Dealer Edition yet? So far, you can get one of these including shipping from China for under 130 Euros...if they haven't sold out yet. If you want one, RUN to Aliexpress and purchase it. I have no clue how many are made and if they aren't coming here via Norev, this might be collector's only shot.

Please let me know if you did order one and if you got it! Good hearing from you & Cheers! 🥂

Scottimus · Jul 17, 2025

Wow, what a find! This looks amazing!! I didn't know the car existed until you shared this model, Dave, but I'm gonna have to buy one down the road. Norev has stepped their game up big time!

Thanks for the excellent review and pics, it's so nice to be able to get the ins and outs on a model from somebody who knows before going to scout it myself! Your posts are always a joy to read. Thanks for the bad influences!!

D N'D-Land · Jul 18, 2025

Thanks Scott! This model is breath takingly beautiful!

Did you se Franky's reply on my page? He wrote Norev and that they said, that this model isn't coming to Europe via them...so, most likely also not to the US either. So, He also said that Mercedes-Benz didn't confirm that it is coming as a Dealer Edition yet? So far, you can get one of these including shipping from China for under 125 or less in USD...if they haven't sold out yet. If you want one, RUN to Aliexpress and purchase it. I have no clue how many are made and if they aren't coming here via Norev, this might be collector's only shot.

Hey, that is my special gift, the art of temptation!!😜😆 Cheers!🥂

jazzy426 · Jul 18, 2025

Holy cow David i totally didn't expect this at all! I did not know that Norev actually ventured into such classic Mercedes concepts and come up with full opening features some more! I thought at best we could either settle for sealed resin or old Guiloy. This is an awesome model and I love the fact that the working popup lights and gullwing doors look brilliant.

D N'D-Land · Jul 19, 2025

Hi Simon!! Yes, this one was announced by Mercedes-Benz as a coming 1/18th scale...but, still no part number. One friend locally, that also worked as head of Mercedes-Benz Parts Wrote Norev asking about this release and he said that Norev told him that the model wasn't coming to Europe Via them?

However, I forgot that I also have an issues of German Modellauto Magazine "Modell Fahrzeug" and the Norev C111-II is on the front cover and first story. So, I need to read if it is strictly a Dealer Edition for Europe or not?

Don't miss it, get it from China if possible. Aliexpress has them for under 130 euros shipped!

Scuddy · Jul 18, 2025

I’m toying with this one! I believe some of its rear informed the rear of the 190; so its spirit lived on!

Excellent pics and overview, Dave

D N'D-Land · Jul 19, 2025

Hey G! Man, I would seriously go for this one. Right now they are 130 shipped from China. I was told by a former Mercedes-Benz Parts Department head that this Norev release wasn't coming to Europe via them? So, IDK if that means, only Dealer Edition, or if they gave him false information? It sounds strange, but I trust him. He is a diehard Benz Collector..

I would buy one before they do sellout, as I am not sure how many they have made or how much they will cost when eventually sold out?😱

Mike K · Jul 18, 2025

Great review David, it's really good news that Norev has done the C111 justice. I saw the 1:1 at Pebble Beach last year and then paid too much for the old sealed BoS resin. But now I'm looking forward to replacing it with all these opening parts.

D N'D-Land · Jul 19, 2025

Mike K said:
Great review David, it's really good news that Norev has done the C111 justice. I saw the 1:1 at Pebble Beach last year and then paid too much for the old sealed BoS resin. But now I'm looking forward to replacing it with all these opening parts.

Hey Mike!! Very Nice Images!!!

💙

Please do yourself a favor, head over to Aliexpress and BUY one. With taxes and such here. they are under 130 euros shipped. So, certainly much less for anyone stateside in USD! Don't miss out!🥂

pdc · Jul 18, 2025

D N'D-Land said:
f you are interested in this car, I would seriously say get one. It is really a rare treat, as in that it is super detailed, but still attainable price point wise.

I was super stoked when I learned they were going to make it and since you mentioned it's not coming to Europe (at least not yet) I have a massive case of FOMO now, but... but... I'm running out of space and trying to be selective about the next models I buy, already stashed a considerable number of them at my parents' and I don't want to continue doing that. I like it, I'm not sure I love it though. And I'm afraid it's going to be a tough sell if I ever decide to part ways with it. It would make a great pair with the BMW M1 though.

vulpex said:
The C111 is so much more than just a „pretty obscure prototype/test mule“. It is an automobile icon of the 70s and back then it got much popularity. Not only because of the art of engineering and various speed records. Also its design was admired and rightfully so. It simply was one of the dream cars of my youth…

I hear you. I'm a kid of the 90s though, first time I saw it was at M-B Museum in Stuttgart and other than liking the way it looks I didn't think much of it. Call me ignorant but that's why I'm surprised they went to such great lengths, it's still a prototype and these usually don't sell nearly as well as the models of production cars.

D N'D-Land said:
I have no clue how many are made and if they aren't coming here via Norev, this might be collector's only shot.

Maybe he meant they are not coming via the dealer network? I can't believe Norev's not planning to offer them through their official channels. It's as obscure for the Chinese as it ever gets, what's the point not offering it in Europe and the USA where it's still remembered?

vulpex · Jul 18, 2025

pdc said:
I'm a kid of the 90s though

Yep, have to admit that meanwhile I'm an oldtimer myself...

tanayast · Jul 18, 2025

Wow and wow!
You know..... I don't normally collect non-production cars, but for this I might make some exceptions!
As much as I love Norev, there are a few times I call them 'lazy', but those are no longer apply on the C111.

First, love the pop up headlights!
Second, great interior details, including the fabric on the headliner. Looking at your pics, just feels very refined!
Third, love that Norev actually replicates the engine under the cargo bay, this could be a golden opportunity for cost savings shortcut, but nope! Norev did it right!

I think stuff like this shows that Norev is really serious competing with LCD, MotorHelix, and KengFai in terms of quality and values. Competition is good! In the end, us collectors will benefit!

Thanks for the pics and the write ups!

D N'D-Land · Jul 19, 2025

Hey Stefanus!! Glad to hear from you old friend!
If there is/was ever an exception, this is probably the one! Just because it is such an outstanding model itself standing alone!
Norev surprised more than a few of us, for one of their standard releases. I guess that the MayCheong Group (Bburago/Maisto Chinese Dealer Companies) have been turning up the heat on higher end model cars and Perhaps Norev felt the pressure of slipping. Also, Mercedes-Benz might have demanded a full motor and working details like the pop-up lights. Whatever lit the fire under Norev for this one... THANK YOU!

All detailed that you have mentioned and the flawless paint really does show that if Norev had thrown in fabric seatbelts and buckles they could have taken it to the LCDs/MotorHelix and certainly heavy handed KengFai's of the world.

Yeah, don't miss this one my friend!!

🥂

Smcmodels · Jul 18, 2025

Great looking model!
Norev nailed it!
This paint is so perfect and shiny!

D N'D-Land · Jul 19, 2025

EVERYTHING That you have said.. Seriously Just about PERFECT!

🥂

forza! · Jul 18, 2025

Aaaaaaand I pre-ordered one 🤩 via a model shop I regularly buy from in Belgium. Will take 2 months but that’s fine for such a nice car!

D N'D-Land · Jul 19, 2025

~WOW, that is a while, but if they can get them in as well, go for it!!!

🥂 I wasn't going to chance that maybe they ultimately couldn't get it in-stock, especially as they are only under 130 shipped with taxes to Belgium from Aliexpress.

jazzy426 · Jul 19, 2025

I hope this will be as popular and mainstream as the Norev's BMW M1 which they made long ago. Another gem which i never expect to see in 1/18. Norev could toys around with different colour releases for the M1 but for the C111 we only recognise it in that one orange colour though.

Interestingly i was browsing for the 1/18 availability of these C111 series about half a year ago after my brother visited the Mercedes museum in Stuttgart and the C111 prototyper definitely caught his eyes and was one of his favourite exhibit. At the time i thought it would be mighty hard to get hold of one since BoS did a rather limited run of it and Guiloy models are bit of rarity in this part of the world.

D N'D-Land · Jul 19, 2025

Simon, since you are closer to China that the rest of us, I would certainly run to Aliexpress and buy one of these. Chances are, it's even cheaper than the 128 Euros with taxes and shipping costs here for us in Europe.
This is another chance for you to add one that is much more worthy than a high priced sealed BoS!😌

🥂

1/18 1970 Mercedes-Benz C111-II......by Norev

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