The 300 SL Gullwing was one of the most iconic cars of the last century. Built from 1955 to 1957, the 300 SL was the first car with fuel injection, as well as those distinctive Gull wing doors. The six cylinder engine produced over 200 hp and could go over 150mph if you were brave enough.
Pristine examples of the 300 change hands at auction every now and again at over a half a million dollars and they have become a very sought after collector's car. Ralph Lauren has one that looks like it was made yesterday....
So, after Mercedes's partial success in their attempt with McLaren to create an iconic road car, they looked to their in house performance arm AMG to come up with something a little special, based on their iconic SL.
The result is the AMG Mercedes SLS. Its about half the price of the SLR McLaren, and for my money about 80 times the value.
Its a lovely looking car. There is a touch of the BMW Z8 in the back haunches, but they have created a very modern looking car with tons of character. I think they could have done a better job with the front lights, but the overall dimensions provide a beautifully packaged car. I'm not a huge fan of retro cars, and think the American's have over done it a bit with the Mustang, Challenger, Charger and Camaro, but this has the right blend of modern lines and a nod to the past.
The doors themselves are beautifully executed, and in true Mercedes fashion have some trick hinges that with blow apart if the car is upside down, but the car looks awesome with the doors open.
Under the hood, things have moved on a bit in the last 50 years. A 6.2 liter V8 producing 571 hp should get your attention off the line and in traffic, and with a top speed at almost 200 mph, its got a little more grunt than the old one.
My absolute favorite part of this car is the interior. Its a little snug in there, but its simple and wonderfully executed. I love the dials. You can go mental with the options sheet, and create something disgusting I'm sure, but its got everything you would ever need and nothing you don't. The T-bar for the gear lever, and the dash that mimics the shape of the old car's. Its marvelous.
Compared to the SLR, this car is a bargain at about $200k (I can't believe I actually typed that). The SLR was almost $800k when it was introduced, although you could probably pick one up for about $350 these days.
One of the nicest executions of retro design I've ever seen.
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