Latest news with #300SLGullwing
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
This Gullwing Replica Costs More Than A $430,000 Ferrari Purosangue
When you hear someone mention a half-million-dollar car auction, you probably think of a vintage Ferrari, a Bugatti Veyron, or the latest Ferrari SUV. But there's something far more unexpected commanding that sort of money on Bring a Trailer: a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing replica built by the legendary Anton "Tony" Ostermeier. Sure, it's a replica, but it's far from your typical kit car, held together by gaffer's tape. Ostermeier's Gullwing Cars company, founded in the 1980s by a former Mercedes-Benz employee, represents the gold standard of 300SL replicas. What makes this particular build so special is the obsessive attention to detail that went into it. Ostermeier didn't just eyeball a few photos and get to work. He used his personal 300SL Gullwing and patterns sourced directly from Mercedes-Benz to create the fiberglass and aluminum bodywork. The 2000 Ostermeier Gullwing replica, sitting at a heady six figures, features all the hallmarks of meticulous German engineering. Under the silver bodywork sits a welded square-tube steel chassis, housing a 3.0-liter inline-six engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. This isn't an engine-swapped, slap-in-the-face to purists either, it's the same M103 unit that powered contemporary Mercedes models like the W201 190E, W124 300E, and R107/R129 SL, to name a few. It's what sets Ostermeier replicas apart: their use of genuine Mercedes-Benz running gear. The independent suspension, steering components, and power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes all trace their lineage to popular Mercedes models. Chrome 15-inch Rudge-style wheels complete the authentic aesthetic, while details like the pivot-out door handles and wheel-arch eyebrows demonstrate the builder's commitment to period correctness. Inside, brown leather bucket seats and mostly correct details create a cabin that would fool most enthusiasts. The tilt-forward steering wheel adds another layer of authenticity to the driving experience. The eagle-eyed may point out the incorrect location of the fuel filler door on the side and not in the trunk, and the placement of the shifter lever. That may be a turn-off for some, but that's honestly not the point. With less than 3,000 miles showing on the odometer, this particular example offers the chance to own a piece of Ostermeier's legacy. That is, assuming you're ready to pay for the privilege. The high bid on this rare replica peaked at $430,000, and it still didn't meet reserve, remaining unsold. With a value hovering around half a million dollars, that puts it way over many genuine classics and certainly more than most modern supercars. For Gullwing enthusiasts priced out by the original's seven-figure plus price tag, these meticulously crafted replicas represent the next best thing. Just be prepared to pay a big six-figure sum the next time it crosses the auction block. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Jay Leno Unveils Ultra-Rare 1956 Mercedes Alloy Gullwing Forgotten Even by Mercedes
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious In his latest video, automotive icon and comedian Jay Leno unveiled one of the rarest Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever produced—a 1956 Mercedes-Benz Alloy Gullwing, so exclusive that even Mercedes-Benz doesn't know where all of them are today. Leno's discovery highlights a version of the classic 300 SL Gullwing that is rarely seen outside of elite collections. Only 29 examples of the alloy-bodied variant were produced, and this one—once owned by noted collector Rudi Klein in Los Angeles—is among the few known to remain intact. Unlike its more commonly seen steel-bodied sibling, the Alloy Gullwing was a lightweight, high-performance version built entirely out of aluminum. Its 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 215 horsepower, was designed for competitive driving and reduced weight. While the standard Gullwing is already a legend, the Alloy version emphasizes performance over refinement, making it highly prized among purists. Despite its value—estimated at $10 million—this Alloy Gullwing is not the most expensive Mercedes ever sold. That distinction belongs to the record-breaking 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, which fetched over $140 million in 2022. Still, the Alloy Gullwing remains one of the most valuable privately owned road cars in the world. 'This is the first true supercar,' Leno declared in the episode, challenging the often-cited claim that the Lamborghini Miura holds that title. He emphasized the Alloy Gullwing's blend of performance, rarity, and motorsport heritage, qualities that make it unlike anything else from its era. Now retired from late-night television, Leno continues to spotlight automotive rarities through his YouTube channel, Jay Leno's Garage, where he shares cars from his 300+ vehicle collection, valued north of $50 million. With each new video, Leno not only entertains but also helps preserve the legacies of cars even their manufacturers forgot existed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rebodied 2001 Mercedes SLK320 Could Pass as a 300SL Gullwing
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A rare automotive fusion has hit the road—a 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320, professionally rebodied to resemble the legendary 1950s 300SL Gullwing. With its nearly identical dimensions and comparable performance, the SLK320 serves as an ideal base for this meticulous transformation. The original 300SL Gullwing, introduced in 1954, remains one of the most iconic Mercedes models ever built. Derived from the W194 race car, it was the fastest production car of its time, featuring a lightweight design, mechanical fuel injection, and a top speed of 162 mph. Only 1,400 Gullwings were ever produced before the model transitioned to a roadster. This rebodied SLK320, completed in 2021, faithfully recreates the aesthetic of the classic Gullwing while retaining modern engineering. The fiberglass bodywork is complemented by genuine 300SL trim pieces, while the interior is styled after the Mercedes 190SL, adding to its period-correct appeal. However, beneath the vintage-inspired exterior lies the performance and reliability of a 21st-century car. Powering this unique build is a 3.2-liter V6 engine producing 215 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Interestingly, the SLK320's wheelbase of 1400mm is identical to the original 300SL, and its torque output of 229 lb-ft slightly surpasses that of the Gullwing's 203 lb-ft, ensuring a spirited driving experience. The build also retains modern conveniences such as air conditioning, fully functional classic-style gauges, and Mercedes' innovative folding metal Vario-Roof, allowing for an effortless transition between coupe and open-air driving. With just 731 miles since the rebuild, this one-of-a-kind SLK320 Gullwing conversion offers the best of both worlds—timeless 300SL styling with contemporary performance, comfort, and reliability. It stands as a unique collector's piece, blending nostalgia with modern engineering in a seamless tribute to Mercedes-Benz history. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
