Signature Autosports brings the well-known Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing again to life with a restomod based mostly on the Mercedes SLK 55 AMG. It’s known as the Signature 355 SL and it combines the traditional look of the 300 SL Gullwing with trendy AMG expertise.
Picture: Signature Autosports
How many people wouldn’t need a Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing? However only a few have been in a position to afford one, since just one,400 models had been ever produced, and right this moment the value of a well-maintained instance exceeds 1.5 million euros. Of the 1,400 vehicles, 29 had aluminum our bodies, and their costs are astronomical, reaching 9–10 million euros.
Produced between 1954 and 1957, the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing had a 3-liter inline-six engine with direct injection, creating 215 PS despatched to the rear axle. A high velocity of 220 km/h was a decent determine for these instances.
However Signature Autosports, based mostly in Citadel Hayne, North Carolina, had an excellent concept: to revive the legend of the 300 SL Gullwing in trendy kind.
Thus, utilizing the technical basis of the second- or third-generation Mercedes SLK 55 AMG (R171 and R172), Signature Autosports builds a reproduction of the well-known 300 SL Gullwing.
The mission known as Signature 355 SL and adopts the design components and proportions of the traditional coupe. The 355 SL retains the answer of the upward-opening gullwing doorways, identical to the unique mannequin, and the physique traces comply with the Gullwing’s traits, with spherical headlights and a radiator grille that includes a horizontal bar framing the Mercedes emblem.
Beneath the bodywork it doesn’t have the tubular construction of the 300 SL Gullwing however reasonably the trendy platform of the 2014 Mercedes SLK 55 AMG R172 and its naturally aspirated 5.5-liter AMG V8 engine, which develops 421 PS (310 kW) and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) despatched to the rear wheels by way of a 7-speed AMG Speedshift computerized transmission. Gear adjustments can be performed manually utilizing the steering-wheel paddles, and the gearbox presents Effectivity, Sport, and Handbook modes.
With a power-to-weight ratio of round 325 PS/ton, the Signature 355 SL guarantees very fast acceleration and response.
The automotive rides on customized 18-inch, three-piece wheels that retain the design of the unique mannequin, fitted with trendy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. To keep up its sporty character, the 355 SL was geared up with height-, rebound-, and compression-adjustable coilover suspension from German producer KW, permitting the proprietor to fine-tune the journey high quality and cornering conduct to their style.
The fashionable inside, taken virtually unchanged from the SLK R172, contrasts spectacularly with the Fifties-inspired physique. But there are additionally just a few components that remind us of the legendary 300 SL, such because the black leather-based seats with out headrests. Even the trunk is lined in Alcantara, and the dashboard consists of trendy options resembling a premium audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and air con.
As a result of the engine and transmission are taken unmodified from the SLK R172, this mannequin might be serviced at Mercedes-Benz dealerships.
The automotive debuted on the Palm Seashore Concours d’Magnificence, the place it was topped with the distinguished Trendy Period Trophy. It now has 69,500 miles on the odometer and is obtainable on the market for USD 299,950 (round 258,000 euros). It might seem to be loads, however this worth is seven instances decrease than the unique mannequin’s, and underneath the hood it has a V8 that’s twice as highly effective as the unique automotive’s.
If you would like a made-to-order instance, Signature Autosports can construct one from scratch. The American firm presents a number of 355 SL variations: Gullwing, Convertible, or Roadster, mixed with the technical platform of both the second-generation SLK R171 or the third-generation SLK R172.
There are additionally a number of engine choices: the 5.4-liter M113 V8 for the R171 with 400 PS and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft), or the 5.5-liter M152 V8 with 421 PS and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft). These might be paired with 6-speed guide transmissions, 5-speed 5G-Tronic automatics, 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatics, and even 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatics for some R172 variations.
Past the Signature 355 SL, the American firm additionally presents a good bolder proposal. It’s known as the Signature 300 SL, utilizing the identical R171 or R172 technical base, however with a traditional inside just like that of the unique Fifties mannequin. This mannequin can also be obtainable in Gullwing, Convertible, and Roadster variations.
For extra particulars, you’ll be able to go to the web site signatureautosports.com.
