This page was last updated: February 18, 2011
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Mattel McLaren - F1 HO Slot Cars - trackhobbies.com
Mattel has released two Mika McLarens, the USA and the European version. I have been fortunate enough to run across a third car that appears to be a cross between the USA and the European version. Although Mattel also made two test shots, one all gray and one with no gray, this is not one of those. It could have been and experiment, another test shot, but it is different. I will show and detail these differences below.
The Proto car is on the top >>>
The Mika is smaller and the letters are fatter. Computer Associates is somewhat centered.


The European car is in the middle >>>
Note the size and placement of the graphics. Computer Associates is forward.


The USA car is on the bottom >>> Characterized by the "large Mika oval and lettering. Computer Associates is back.
The Proto nose with dark orange color & bold dark graphics. The nose white is defined except where it dips down on both sides by the Mercedes logo. 
The Euro nose with reddish color and very defined graphics.
The white is undefined and fades into the silver. There is no white detail between the red and the black on the nose.
The Proto cowling has the large Mercedes-Benz but no black dot.
Well defined and accented black and orange swooshes.
USA
PROTO
Euro
PROTO
USA
Euro
This is a good shot of the nose of each car although the pictures vary in size.
Above the white on the left side of the Proto, look at the orange logo. The USA car is different and there is none on the Euro version.
Front wing graphics are the same but all very different.
Notice the color differences.
Bottom Line: I can't tell you where the car was made, but it is different from the USA and Euro version. I assume it could have been a test shot.
Mattel McLaren Mercedes Mika # 1 Test Shot
A very rare car they never produced.
European                                      Test Shot
The differences between the Euro and the Test Shot are apparent.
>No white paint on the nose, defined or undefined.
>No black paint on the side pods or sides of the cockpit.
>Cockpit is solid black and not gray with black restraints.
>Swooshes are not outlined.
>Nose graphics are closer to the front.
>Gray "A" arms on the front and more.

I hope you enjoyed the information.
THIS ALL GRAY EXTREMELY RARE Test Shot is shown separately below.
Mattel McLaren Mercedes Mika # 1 Test Shot
This car is listed in Dan Esposito's Mattel book as a "Test Shot". These cars were never produced. There could be one in existence or a dozen, I do not believe anyone knows. I was very fortunate to run across this car.
Mattel David Collection
Mattel McLaren David Coulthard #3
Mattel McLaren David Coulthard #4
This is the Black Test Shot Version
Mattel McLaren David Coulthard #4
This is the White Test Shot Version
Mattel McLaren David Coulthard #5
Here is a look at the David McLarens. Both Test Shot pictures were sent to me to use.
The USA cowling has the large Mercedes-Benz with black dot. The light orange swooshes are poorly defined and are outlined.
The USA nose with light orange color with more defined graphics
The nose white is defined.
The Euro cowling has the small Mercedes-Benz, Mobil and Senna Boss graphics. Very defined swooshes.