Mercedes 300SL Gullwing Replica

Few vehicles are as iconic in history as the sinuous Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe. From its successes in racing with the SLR variants to its place as a status symbol of the 1950s and still today, the 300SL car requires no introduction; it is therefore no surprise that some would try to emulate the "Gullwing" design. What we have here is a uniquely Californian creation - a hot rod Gullwing special that exudes the style of the original, but underneath lies a very serious and potent road racing machine.

The story goes that, back in 1958, an unidentified racer pulled a mold off of a 300SL, perhaps with the idea of emulating the success of Chuck Porter's SLS, which was well-known in SCCA road racing circles, or Ak Miller's Pikes Peak Special. One body shell was supposedly completed before its builders were threatened with a lawsuit from Mercedes-Benz; they promptly scrapped the project and left the completed shell abandoned in a San Gabriel valley backyard, where it languished for 55 years. When discovered by Dave Wolin, it was surrounded by bushes and weeds and had a tree growing through it!

With the help of some talented fiberglass experts and professional fabricators, the body shell was rejuvenated. The creators then built a current design chassis and added a new small block Chevrolet 350ci crate motor and Richmond Gear four speed transmission and a Speedway Engineering quick change rear end with limited slip.

The chassis, a multi-tube structure similar to current Trans Am and NASCAR road course designs, is powdercoated, with complete heim jointed suspension and coilover shocks; unequal length a frame suspension in the front, 4 link suspension in the rear and Woodward rack and pinion steering. The drivetrain includes an alloy flywheel, Ram competition clutch and hydraulic throwout bearing, GM disc brakes and an alloy competition quality driveshaft. The fuel system includes an SCCA / NASCAR legal fuel cell and aeroquip stainless braided hose throughout. Wheels are 17" Halibrand replicas by P.S. Engineering. All mechanical components, including engine, transmission, and rear end were brand new at the time of construction.

The color scheme and logos reflects the Mercedes Le Mans team cars of 1957. Since completion in 2010, total use has amounted to six hillclimbs and four races. A very competitive race car indeed, it won the class championship in the Northwest Hillclimb series and has raced with NCRC and Speed Ventures, also winning awards at numerous auto shows. For someone looking for the ultimate track day car that still retains plenty of style, this Gullwing appears to be the ideal choice.  And it can easily be converted for road use.

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