Reunited since 1990 and a leading player in the world's economy, Germany has also wielded its influence in humanitarian activities, particularly its national Red Cross service - Deutsches Rotes Kreuz.

The German Red Cross is an important presence in various parts of the world. particularly Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the countries of the former Soviet Union. Providing medical assistance, personnel and supplies - as well as education and training services that help make each country more self-sufficient in an integral part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

At home, the Deutsches Rotes Kreuz is made up of 19 units located in each of the particular states, ranging from Baden-Wurttenborg to Westfalen-Lippe. These local departments work together to respond to any emergency - from natural disasters to the waves of immigrants that have swept into Germany from such unstable locales as Turkey, former Soviet Republics and the former Yugoslavia. The German Red Cross Societies have proven themselves dedicated to the mission of the International Red Cross in serving humanity in times of need.

Now, German engineering and the commitment of the German Red Cross are celebrated in a precision-engineered die-cast model. A 1959 Mercedes-Benz L408 is marked with the official graphics of the Deutsches Rotes Kreuz. A showpiece honouring a noble organization, your German Field Service Ambulance 1959 Mercedes-Benz L408 is produced by - and available only from - Matchbox Collectibles.

(1999)

Scale: 1:43