27d Mercedes Benz 230 SL

[Idris]

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) differentiates between two body colours: white and cream. The AIM's “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) agrees, listing the cream model with plastic door springs, and the white model with either plastic or metal door springs.
Stannard has no variations not already listed by Nick and, like Nick, classes all models as off-white.
Houghton also catalogues cream and white body colours. He has cream as the first issue (variation code 27d-1), with an identical model in white as the second issue (variation code 27d-2). These both match Nick's variation code 1 (i.e. without wing braces, without tow hook brace, plastic door springs). In addition, Houghton lists as variation code 27d-5 what is Nick's variation code 4 (with wing braces, metal door springs) but without the tow hook brace. This is plausible as yet another example of Lesney uncovering older castings in the stock room late in a model's life. Can anyone confirm this variation?
U.K. Matchbox did not examine the model.

[Rob]

I can confirm both Cream and White existed in SF as I had both as below.

[Idris]

I can confirm both Cream and White existed in SF as I had both as below.

Unfortunately, this is an RW area (but if you wish to start a parallel SF initiative, even if it's only for the transitionals, I'll be happy to create an area for you).

[Diecast]

Houghton lists as variation code 27d-5 what is Nick's variation code 4 (with wing braces, metal door springs) but without the tow hook brace. This is plausible as yet another example of Lesney uncovering older castings in the stock room late in a model's life. Can anyone confirm this variation?
U.K. Matchbox did not examine the model.

Yes Hugh, I can confirm the variation with wing braces, metal door springs and without the tow hook brace. I have also both variations with wing braces, plastic door springs and with/without the tow hook brace.
Antonin

[Diecast]

There is a few small unlisted variations. The windscreen is blue tinded and is a little bit thicker by very early models.

[Diecast]

standard windscreen

[Diecast]

the interior dashboard:
a) continuous
b) interrupted

[Diecast]

the right door sill
a) continuous (nice to see here the blue tinted windscreen)
b) interrupted
Antonin

[Diecast]

Houghton also catalogues cream and white body colours.

Practically all variations could have a white or cream body colour.
Antonin