AMG '54 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing: 8 Were Built
Between 1996 and 2009, AMG refit 11 original Mercedes-Benz 300SLs with modern-day AMG drivetrains. Eight of them were Gullwing coupes and the remaining three were convertibles.
All were rebuilt at costs in excess of €1 million. Each. One of the Gullwings—completed in 2006 and one of five 300SLs built for the Royal Family of Brunei—is headed for the auction block today with a staggering estimated selling price of $575,000 to $650,000The resto-mod cars retain the sexy body that inspired the brand-new SLS AMG, yet underneath hides a 380-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 like that used in the SL60 AMG and the E60 AMG. The engine is backed by a four-speed automatic transmission and is fully emissions-legal in Europe. Other modern-day changes include replacing the rear suspension with a Bilstein setup, power brakes with C36 AMG components in front and E-class components in the rear, power steering, and modern AMG wheels with low-profile tires. According to the auction description, the car was track-tested after AMG engineers finished the build.
The car’s interior has been redone with Nappa leather and Alcantara, Recaro bucket seats with modern three-point seatbelts, a new steering wheel, and a stereo system that looks dated but actually features a six-disc CD changer and iPod connectivity.Yes, it’s a lot of money for a car that is no longer original, but you do get modern-day performance and reliability wrapped in a timeless design. As for an unmolested 300SL Gullwing, enthusiast sites and forums show that models in top condition typically sell for around $400,000, with a few exceptional examples topping $700K at auction. SLS AMG not exclusive (or expensive) enough for you? Check out the auction info here, and take a look at some of the other lots in RM’s Automobiles of London auction.
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |
The 300SL AMG features the original steel body, but every other part is brand new. AMG fitted its 6.0-liter V8 delivering 380 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, an upgraded suspension, high-performance brakes and new alloys
FACTS :
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL
The first iteration of the SL-Class grand tourer convertibles and fastest production car of its day. Internally numbered W198, it was introduced in 1954 as a two-seat sports car with distinctive gull-wing doors and later offered as an open roadster.Built by Daimler-Benz AG, the fuel-injected production model was based on the company's highly successful yet somewhat less powerful carbureted 1952 race car, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL (W194).The idea of a toned-down W194 tailored to affluent performance enthusiasts in the booming post-war American market was suggested by Max Hoffman. As such, it was introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show rather than the Frankfurt or Geneva shows at which other Mercedes models made their debuts. The "300" in its name referred to its three litre engine displacement, and "SL" stood for "Sport Leicht" (Sport Light).The 300SL was best known for its distinctive gull wing doors, first-ever consumer fuel-injection, and world's fastest top speed. The gull wing version was available from March 1955 to 1957, the roadster from 1957 to 1963. It was followed in the Mercedes line by the 230SL.
Racing history:
In 1952, the original 300SL (model Mercedes-Benz W194)[3] scored overall wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in Bern-Bremgarten, in the sportscar race of the Eifelrennen at the Nürburgring, and in Mexico's Carrera Panamericana. It also managed second and fourth places at its first outing, the Mille Miglia in 1952.These successes, especially those on the high speed open road races, were rather surprising as the engine then was fitted only with carburetors, producing 175 hp (130 kW), which was not only less than the competing cars by Ferrari and Jaguar, but also less than the road car of 1954. Low weight and low aerodynamic drag made the 300SL fast enough to be competitive in endurance races.
CAR and DRIVER ( various sources )