WOLF retro DESIGN REVIEW. 29th August 2024
A retro review looks at products that are at least over ten years old from a present-day WOLF design perspective. While the technology and fashion of the period influence design, and are taken into consideration, great design ideas will transcend their eras to be timeless.
Interesting and factual information may be provided, but our review aims to deliver insight from the perspective of a designer’s mind and eyes.
Unmistakable Mercedes shape and form.
Introduction
Product Focus
As with most reviews the focus is on a products design and its evolution within its industry. The functioning systems and useability are not necessarily considered.
Product description
Back in the days before mobile phones, we had what were known as landlines, telephones connected by a cord to a point in the wall. It was particularly novel in the 80s to have unique phone designs and those that resembled cars were particularly popular. From our research Mercedes only had such phones in the shape of the R107 convertible SL and the C126 SEC coupe. These cars actually did not bear the Mercedes name or emblem which we assumed was to get around copyright issue, but their shapes undeniably resembled the iconic 80s Mercs of the day.
Price and Availability.
The SEC phone is extremely rare so this review focuses primarily on the roadster SL. These vintage telephones are generally always available on the second hand market. At the time of this review there were six on eBay with prices ranging from US$20US to US$80 depending on condition. Some even had original packaging. They don’t appear to be very popular so you can probably find bargains if you are patient.
Additional information
From our research we identified that this Mercedes telephone was available in different colours and through at least three different companies – Betacom, Dialfone and Modulo-Phone. Betacom had their own logo printed on the phone. The others were bare and more minimal. They were manufactured in both Hong Kong and China in the late 1980s and possibly even into the early 1990s. We know the SL in this review is from 1988 due to the paperwork that came with it.
Review
It’s not always black or white.
First impression/ Delight
Those of us old enough to remember landlines will recognise these immediately as telephones. Otherwise you could easily mistake these uniform coloured plastic cars as unpainted toys. They feel as heavy and substantial as they look and with reasonably accurate shape and proportions that are recognisable as Mercedes. In our first impression we found them to be rather “Cool”.
Mint with original box that described with “PRESTIGE”.
Exterior Design Review
The size of these phones closely resembles the 1/18 scale diecast model toys. Although they are well proportioned the wheels curiously extend beyond the wheel arches. Further to this are the wire wheel designs that are out of keeping with Mercedes. There is purity in the lack of paint with colour defined by the plastic. From this perspective we have a preference for the phones without any labels. From our research these phones were available in white, black, red and blue. We noticed the Dialfone versions to have silver wheels.
B for Beta and not Brabus.
Betecom called their phones the Betacar with labels on the bonnet and sides
Also labelled as the RC380 this unique variant came with different stickers.
Craftmanship.
The main body is made from high-grade hard plastic and apart from discolouring with age, many will have survived quite well. The white phones tend to turn beige or yellow when exposed to UV and we have also seen blue phones turn completely grey. Car phones that have enjoyed many conversations tend to show scuffs and scratches but these can often be buffed back with the appropriate polish. We like that the tyres are made from real rubber and at almost 40 years of age still have grip and feel firm. Overall, this phone is well assembled with visible screws intentionally located only on the underside.
FUNCTION- Experience.
Today these phones will mostly just serve as novel talking points. While they resemble Mercedes cars accurately and feel substantial, they would look rather bland as display pieces, especially if next to more colourful scale model toys. We have a slight preference for the Modulo-Phone variants because their cords are easier to disconnect and as non-functioning phones display better without messy cords. It would have been cool if the wheels actually rotated but perhaps it was intentional to have a phone that could not accidentally roll off your table?
The Betacom version shown here has a switch enabling the ringer to be turned off.
Desirability / Collectability and what to look for.
Telephone collectors would surely appreciate these phones, but we think these would also appeal to Mercedes enthusiasts in general, especially if you’re a fan of the R107. If you focused only on Mercedes, this is an achievable set that is not too large and won’t break the bank. It probably does not matter whether the phones work or not but overall, the plastic should be clean with minimal scratches. We would avoid the discoloured ones damaged by UV, although the faded to grey ones are rather interesting. The SEC coupes are very rare and their detail of form actually appear more accurate and refined. The wheels also correctly do not extend beyond the wheel arches.
Interesting that some cars had silver wheels
The SEC phone had a scale more like 1/24 and was a single unit. The tyres unfortunately are hard plastic and would have been nicer in rubber.
Original paperwork indicating age with a guarantee card dated 1988.
WORD OF THE WOLF
We like these phones because they look and feel great. We prefer the pure white ones that are void of labels and with removable cords. Place one on your coffee table as a retro talking point.
WOLF DESIGN EXCELLENCE SCORE =6.7
Disclaimer
The information in this review is intended for informational or educational purposes to provide readers an understanding of how something may be seen from a certain design perspective. In this case it is from the view point of WOLF DESIGNS. As design is subjective this review should only be considered as an independent opinion. Information further to being of an opinion is provided to the best of our knowledge based on our own research at the time of doing the review. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or inconsistencies and reserve the right to change or update any content as appropriate.
The final responsibility of the design resides with the original manufacturer.