Mercedes-Benz SLK 320 turned into 300 SL Gullwing (51 photos)

Many replicas of iconic models of the past resemble the original only with major reservations. But not this time.





At the Bring a Trailer auction, there is a lively bidding for one of the most pleasing to the eye attempts to recreate the image of the "gull wing" - the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing on more modern units. The replica is based on the SLK 320 roadster in the R170 body, manufactured in 2001 and with a mileage of 60 thousand km, as the most suitable in terms of availability and size, especially the length of the wheelbase.

The conversion, which began in 2017, took several years. During this time, a virtually authentic Gullwing body was made from fiberglass, a metal frame with thresholds for upward-opening doors was welded, and the necessary components for the decor and interior were selected, including original Gullwing parts or their authorized analogues from VDO, Talbot and Pilkington Classic.

The work was not in vain: even connoisseurs of classic Mercedes do not immediately understand that they are looking at a skillfully made copy. The replica is given away by steel wheels, designed in the style of that era, but still not the same magnesium wheels that were on the Gullwing. The hood opens in the wrong direction, and in the Camel leather-covered interior, you can see a modern handbrake and buttons in the basement of the dashboard. Although the steering wheel is made like the original, with a downward-swivel steering wheel to make it easier for the driver to get into the cramped cockpit.

The 3.2-liter V6 with 215 hp, coupled with a 6-speed manual, multi-link suspension, ventilated disc brakes with power steering and the factory set of safety systems of the original car, including ABS and traction control, were inherited as is, without changes. Of course, according to the documents, the replica is still an SLK 320.













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