Why SLS when you can Gullwing?

[omicron]

Mercedes-Benz is edging closer to rekindling the gullwing-door theme with its eagerly anticipated SLS (more here), but German company Gullwing GmbH has just unveiled a far more authentic tribute to the classic 1950s 300 SL.

And so faithful is the modern-day replica that we can barely discern it from the original. However, the resemblance is only skin-deep, as what lurks below is a far cry from the factory-built 300 SL.

As per the original, the Gullwing replicas are based on a tube-frame chassis, but the mounting points for all the major subassemblies are different and the whole structure can cope with up to 485kW (650hp) -- substantially in excess of the 158kW (212hp) eked out by the 300 SL's 3.0-litre inline six.

The modern-day replica will be offered with a choice of an AMG-tweaked 5.5-litre V8 with 302kW (405hp), or a 3.5-litre V6 with 239kW (320hp), and both engines are hooked up to Merc's 7G-tronic seven-speed auto.

Suspension and brakes are also sourced from the contemporary Benz line-up, as are the ABS and satnav systems. However, to maintain an ambience of authenticity, the latter is operated via a retro-style Becker Mexico radio-satnav unit.

Exclusivity is guaranteed, as Gullwing GmbH plans to craft just 30 examples annually, with pricing for the V8 version set at 165,000 euros (AUD$293k, USD$224k).

Would-be buyers need to throw down a deposit of 50,000 euros (AUD$89k, USD$68k), and then wait 10 to 18 months for delivery.

The Gullwing will be joined next year by a topless version, which, fittingly, has been dubbed Roadster.

http://www.carpoint.com.au/news/2009/prestige-and-luxury/mercedesbenz/gullwing-set-to-take-flight-15081

Oh yes.

[J86]

How do companies like this get away with skirting safety regs, like airbags, etc.?  Is it due to the small volume?

[the Teuton]

How do companies like this get away with skirting safety regs, like airbags, etc.?  Is it due to the small volume?

Did you know the Elise didn't have to pass the same crash test standards as most cars in America?  Neither did the Spyker.  The Spyer doesn't even have airbags.

Now if Land Rover could give us the D90 back...

In any case, I think this is a wonderful idea, and I hope the swing axle suspension is gone from the rear in this version.

But I'd rather have the original...



Seeing one of them in motion is like nothing else...

...except for seeing two of them in motion...



But prices have inflated significantly as of late.  I remember when you could get one for "only" $300,000 or so.  Now, they're easily twice that much.

[the Teuton]

I take that back...three of them...

[J86]

Stunning automobile.

[Cookie Monster]

No manual?

Blargh.

I'd rather have the drivetrain out of the C300 with the manual.

[J86]

Screw that, I'd rather have the auto in this car.  Slowly cruising in the summer, I dont wanna be riding the clutch downtown.

[the Teuton]

I like the Gullwing, but I'd rather have the roadster.  Definitely.

[Raza]

I like the Gullwing, but I'd rather have the roadster.  Definitely.

I agree.  The Gullwing is pretty freaking cool, and gorgeous, but to own and drive, I'd rather have the roadster.

[Xer0]

Id take that with the V6 thanks.  The 300SL truely is one of the most beautiful cars ever

[sandertheshark]

That looks yummy.  I'd rather track down an original for the money, though.

[Payman]

I'd rather have this to drive than the original. I'd still want an original, but I wouldn't be driving it nearly as aggressive as the replica.

[cawimmer430]

The front of that replica in the first shot gives it away as a...um...replica? Cool idea nonetheless.

I wish a company would create a modern-day replica of a 1934-1937 Mercedes 500K Spezial Roadster. Now that I would kill for.