THE COLLECTOR

Mike

IN THIS FEATURE: Meet Mike Interact

Mercedes Benz Replicas

Mike's closet

with Mike from Lauderhill

How long have you been collecting these items?

I started to collect Mercedes-Benz model cars when I was 12 years old. So, 10 years and counting...

Give us a little background on your collection

I have a passion for Mercedes-Benz, they are my favorite cars in the world because they're beautiful, sexy, sleek, swift, and luxurious. The collection I have is pretty recent, now I mostly have late models.

How did you develop an interest in this particular collection?

I love cars, I believe that they are one of the greatest inventions. I collect Mercedes-Benz because they are what I love. I owe my passion and somewhat obsession to my mother. She bought me my first 1:18 scale model replica of a 1929 SSK.

What approach did you take in starting this particular collection?

After I received my first replica from my mother, I started to buy the pre-built cars, as I got older I started to purchase the do-it-yourself kits, where you build and paint them from the ground up, but that was very time consuming. So I mostly stick to the pre-built models.

What are your favorite specialty items in your collection?

My most favorite is the SLR McLaren because it is so detailed.

What other collections or hobbies do you have?

I am working on collecting the real cars. But my only hobby now is school.

Where do you normally get the cars?

I either get them from a local hobby shop or eBay.

How do you choose the next car to put in your collection?

I choose them based on what my collection needs.

Do you think that you would ever get into collecting the older more classic models of Mercedes?

Maybe, I'm not sure, but for right now I prefer the sleek look of the later models.

I notice that most of your cars are silver in color. Does that have any signifigance?

Not really. They were just the model of the car that I wanted at that particular time. I actually drive a black Mercedes C class.