Autoblog

Clark Gable's 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing doesn't sell, then does sell for $1.85 million [UPDATE: w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 20:10:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Mercedes-Benz, Celebrities, Specialty, Luxury

How much extra value does previous celebrity ownership add to of a car? Really, there's no way to know until the car in question hits the auction block and bidders start raising their hands. In the case of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing you see above, the celebrity owner is none other than Clark Gable, who purchased it new. After Gable's death in 1960, the car changed hands a few times before settling with Charles Wood in 1975.

A high-dollar restoration was performed in 1989, and period accessories added by Gable himself were kept in place, including the Rudge knock-off wheels and Nardi steering wheel. Any Mercedes-Benz 300SL is worth a big chunk of money. In the case of Clark Gable's old Gullwing, the bidding stalled at $1.9 million here at the 2013 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale. As one of the 5000-series cars, this 300SL carried a reserve, and a bit of after-the-fact dealmaking saw the car change hands for $1.85 million.

You can see our high-res image gallery above, and the car's official auction description below.

*UPDATE: Video added below.

Continue reading Clark Gable's 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing doesn't sell, then does sell for $1.85 million [UPDATE: w/video]

Clark Gable's 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing doesn't sell, then does sell for $1.85 million [UPDATE: w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Jan 2013 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing can ruin the best of intentions

Zach Bowman — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:13:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Were we the proud owners of a Merededes-Benz 300SL, we imagine it would take a court order to pry us from the driver's seat. Even then, we couldn't promise we'd oblige the law. The team from Petrolicious seems to have found an owner who shares our frame of mind. The video below follows one SL owner as he departs for a quick run to the store to pick up some last-minute holiday items. Except, with a clear road ahead and a piece of vintage German engineering idling beneath him, the owner takes his cue to exercise the 300SL a bit.

Of course, that walk around the block may put his marital bliss in jeopardy, but sacrifices will be made. So, the story is a little corny. We'll let that slide so long as we get to peep more gorgeous shots of the red Gullwing burbling through the hills. Check out the video below for a look yourself.

Continue reading How a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing can ruin the best of intentions

How a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing can ruin the best of intentions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance snakes its way down the California coast [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Celebrities

As much as we adore the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, there's a lesser-known and considerably more entertaining portion of the show: the Tour d'Elegance. Where as the councours gives onlookers a chance to take in some of the world's most rare and valuable cars as the machines sit parked on the lush green of the Pebble Beach golf course, the tour shows off the entrants as they were meant to be enjoyed. Those owners willingly hop behind the wheel and fire up their engines for a quick jaunt down 17 Mile Drive and the Pacific Coast Highway.

Let us be the first to tell you that there's nothing like the experience of seeing, hearing and feeling these cars as they saunter their way up Highway 1. Led by Sir Stirling Moss in a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, the tour featured a hefty number of original Shelby Cobra models. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the snake that Carroll built, and as such, the V8 British-American half-breed is one of the featured models of the 2012 concours. Saturday will see 45 Cobra racers take to Laguna Seca to go fender to fender. Stay tuned. In the meantime, check out a quick video of some of the participants on the course below.

Continue reading 2012 Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance snakes its way down the California coast [w/video]

2012 Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance snakes its way down the California coast [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing is so damn special, as described by an owner

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 30 May 2012 19:45:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

The phrase "instant classic" gets thrown around a lot these days, and applied to all sorts of mediocre stuff, from mass produced retro muscle cars to Italian exotics that are astonishing only by virtue of price. Truth be told, you can probably count the numbers of cars that have ever been deserving of such a label on one hand (and perhaps have a finger or two left over). Certainly the Mercedes-Benz 300SL is one of the few.

First introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show and produced for only four years, the amazing "Gullwing" is as shocking a sight to behold today as it was some six decades ago. Seeing this icon on the street was rare even in period, as Mercedes sold fewer than 1,500. Today, with values in the $800,000 range, Gullwings are more often than not ogled from afar or treated with care more befitting a Faberge egg than a 160-mile-per-hour sports car.

That circumstance only makes this four-minute video all that much more wonderful, as it is likely the best modern footage of a 300SL extant. With plenty of artistic camerawork and excellent sound recording of the direct-injected 3-liter six at full throttle, we're betting you'll want to watch it twice. Hearing the car's unidentified owner talk about owning and driving it made us want to cheer a little, as he's our kind of car guy, someone who feels that cars were meant to be driven and enjoyed rather than locked away in a museum.

Scroll down to watch the full video, and here's to hoping that maybe director Josh Clason might cut together an extended version.

Continue reading Why the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing is so damn special, as described by an owner

Why the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing is so damn special, as described by an owner originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler crushes unauthorized Mercedes-Benz 300 SL body

Chris Tutor — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Europe, Government/Legal, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Replica carmakers take notice: Daimler will not tolerate copies of its signature Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. At all. And if you fail to heed this warning and build a full-size replica of a 300 SL gullwing, justice will come down like three tons of bricks upon your unlicensed creation.

German customs officials recently confiscated what looks to be a very faithful reproduction of a 300 SL from a German company, albeit rendered in fiberglass, and they apparently notified the folks at Daimler, who didn't take too kindly to the unauthorized likeness of their icon.

In their press release (available after the jump), Daimler says the body of the 300 SL is a "work of applied art" that has been under copyright protection for decades. And to make clear their intent to protect that copyright they also remind us they have "long taken a tough approach to vehicle replicas."

The recently seized copy found out just how tough when the Mercedes-Benz used parts centre (responsible for scrapping the company's unwanted prototypes) put the replica SL in a 30-ton industrial press and transformed it from illegal to unrecognizable. It then received the official "confirmation of scrappage" designation.

Continue reading Daimler crushes unauthorized Mercedes-Benz 300 SL body

Daimler crushes unauthorized Mercedes-Benz 300 SL body originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz recreates famous photos with Gull Wings and Golden Gate Bridge

Noah Joseph — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Gullwings at the Golden Gate - Click above for high-res image

They don't build 'em like they used to. The unofficial slogan of classic car owner's clubs around the world may just as well apply to Fort Point, the U.S. military installation at the foot of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. Fifty years ago, the Gull Wing Group - a club for owners of Mercedes-Benz's iconic 300 SL - gathered at the fortress for a group photo. And fifty years later they've come back for a reunion.

With a little help from Mercedes-Benz USA, the Gull Wing Group assembled nearly 100 Gullwings and 300 SL Roadsters at the site where the original photo was taken. And to mark the occasion, MBUSA is donating 125 scholarships for local kids to participate in the San Francisco Recreation and Parks department's summer camp programs. It's as nice a way to mark a milestone as we've seen. Read more about it in the press release after the jump and scope out the reunion photo in full resolution by clicking above.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz recreates famous photos with Gull Wings and Golden Gate Bridge

Mercedes-Benz recreates famous photos with Gull Wings and Golden Gate Bridge originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is the Citroën DS the Ultimate Legend on Wheels? If not, what is?

Aaron Richardson — Wed, 11 May 2011 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Classics, Sedan, Europe, Citroën, Design/Style

Citroën DS - Click above for high-res image gallery

To mark the 125th anniversary of the automobile, Auto News Europe is hosting a poll to determine which car represents the Ultimate Legend on Wheels. The Citroën DS is certainly near the top of our list of contenders, but the organizers have put together a group of 130 candidates, so determining the winner is going to take some work.

The list is populated with 10 entries from each of the last 13 decades, and includes names like the Jaguar E-Type, Mercedes-Benz 300SL, Ford Mustang, BMW 2002 and Porsche 911. This won't be an easy choice. The Citroën DS may have been the pinnacle of style and grace in its day, but it's got plenty of stiff competition to best.

To make things more interesting, each voter will have the chance to win a trip to the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, where the Ultimate Legend on Wheels will be crowned. The lucky voter will get free travel and accommodations, as well as a free pass to the rest of the show. Head over to the Legends on Wheels website to enter your vote.

Is the Citroën DS the Ultimate Legend on Wheels? If not, what is? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 May 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL headlines Baumberger auction

Noah Joseph — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions

Peter F. Baumberger's 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Part of the collection of the late Swiss enthusiast Peter F. Baumberger, a gentleman racer in his day and founder of the Switzerland's Ferrari club, this '62 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster is about as desirable as they come. It's in pristine condition and is one of just 209 examples built with the sought-after aluminum engine. It's also one of 19 cars in Baumberger's collection slated to cross the Bonhams auction block on August 20 in Gstaad, Switzerland.

Baumberger's diverse collection also includes a new Ferrari California and a highly-desirable 1973 Porsche 911 RS 2.7 Carrera, a favorite among Porschephiles. Both of those will be up for grabs as well, but the Benz roadster will undoubtedly be the most desirable, with pre-sale estimates valuing it at around half a million dollars. Have a closer look in the high-res image gallery below, and check out Bonhams' press release after the jump.

Gallery: 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster – Baumberger Collection

[Source: Bonhams]

Continue reading 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL headlines Baumberger auction

1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL headlines Baumberger auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mercedes SLS AMG and historic 300 SL revisit Mexico's La Carrera Panamericana

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG recreating the Carrera Panamericana - Click above to watch the video after the break

Are you as jealous as the rest of Team Autoblog that our very own Chris Paukert, better known as "El Presidente" while traveling abroad, got to snake through Mexico and Central America, recreating the famed Carrera Panamericana while piloting the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG? Yeah, thought so. But all is not lost. Please join us in reliving the journey by watching it all unfold in glorious high resolution video, along with the three accompanying photo sets below.

Epic doesn't begin to describe this trip - the cars, the country and everything in between assures us of that. Not only is it plainly obvious that a good time was had by all, it also offered up ample time to consider just how amazing the original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL of the early 1950s was. And, likewise, how impressive the latest Gullwing and its 563-horsepower naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8.

All that's left to do now is click past the break to watch the two videos. Trust us, they are most definitely worth your time.

Gallery: White 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in Mexico

Gallery: Red 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in Mexico

Gallery: Alubeam 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in Mexico

Continue reading Video: Mercedes SLS AMG and historic 300 SL revisit Mexico's La Carrera Panamericana

Video: Mercedes SLS AMG and historic 300 SL revisit Mexico's La Carrera Panamericana originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AB Road Trip: Crossing Mexico on the trail of La Carrera Panamericana in a Mercedes SLS AMG

Chris Paukert — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:09:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, South America

From Puebla to Oaxaca on the trail of La Carrera Panamericana in a Mercedes SLS AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the increasingly well-publicized progression of drug wars, ransomings, robberies and, well, murders in Mexico, I thought it sensible to familiarize myself with the various government tourist advisory messages ahead of a trip retracing part of the route of La Carrera Panamericana, the famed Mexican road race that ran from 1950 to 1955. Regarded by many as the toughest and most dangerous race ever to take place, the perils of our run down memory lane were likely to be rather different than what was encountered in the '50s. Here are some excerpts of what we were told to expect:

o. "Toll (cuota) highways should be used whenever possible, rather than less secure free (libre) roads, where armed robberies and carjacking are more frequent."
o. "Large fire fights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico."
o. "U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas."
o. "Mexican styles of driving and road safety standards are very different from those in North America. Police do not regularly patrol the highways. Be prepared for vehicles that fail to observe speed limits or indicate lane changes, and that do not stop at red lights."
o. "Thefts occur regularly. You should dress down, avoid wearing or carrying expensive jewelry, and carry only small amounts of cash... try to blend in."
o. "Be careful accepting food, drinks, invitations or rides from strangers or recent acquaintances."
o. "Road conditions vary and can be poor in some areas. Dangerous curves, poorly marked signs and construction sites, roaming livestock, slow-moving or abandoned vehicles, and other obstacles pose hazards."
o. "You are also strongly advised against borrowing a vehicle... drivers are legally responsible for their vehicle's contents, as well as for the legal status of passengers and the items carried by passengers."

Thankfully for you, dear reader, we aren't terribly proficient at heeding warnings, so a Mercedes-Benz invitation to borrow their spanking new (and clearly utterly inconspicuous) gullwing SLS AMG supercar and drive it through Mexico at a high rate of speed seemed downright reasonable and prudent. It also appeared to be an absurd amount of fun. Follow the jump to find out how it all shook out.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG La Carrera Panamericana Road Trip

Continue reading AB Road Trip: Crossing Mexico on the trail of La Carrera Panamericana in a Mercedes SLS AMG

AB Road Trip: Crossing Mexico on the trail of La Carrera Panamericana in a Mercedes SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumored Mercedes-Benz "Baby SLS" to be called SSK AMG, get its gullwings clipped?

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

Out here in the eastern part of Los Angeles, there exists an infamous Mercedes-Benz 190SL. Why infamous? Because its rotting corpse is chained to a rock in a semi-sketchy part of town. No really. It's been there for at least a decade, and if you try and take pictures of it (guilty!) a large angry woman comes hauling out of her front door screaming and cursing at you. This might be a little too James Ellroy-ish to some of you (as if there is such a thing!), but we mention the mostly dead 190SL because in the owners mind, it's every bit as awesome a full bore, hardcore 300SL. Even though it's clearly not. For one thing, the 190SL lacks gullwings.

Speaking of gullwings, who here doesn't love the new SLS AMG? On second thought, keep it to yourself if you're a hater. But if the new AMG-built SLS has one flaw, it's the price. €177,310 to be exact, which would be $265,500 is U.S. dollars. Only the Euro price has little to nothing to do with the U.S. price. Still, even if it's only around $200,000 in the States, that's still a lot of scratch. Well, looks like the folks at Daimler might possibly have a solution.

Australia's Drive is reporting that the previously rumored baby SLS will likely be called SSK AMG, and it is said to be coming in 2014. Should it see the light of day, Drive says that the SSK AMG will roll on a shortened version of the SLS's chassis. It will come as both a coupe and a convertible, but will lose the SLS' trick gullwing doors. Power should come from some sort of forced-induction V8 that should be good for about 500 horsepower. The engine will not be - and will be smaller than - the 6.2-liter, 563-horsepower slugger found in the SLS. Figure the little SSK car should cost close to half what the larger car does. All the better to do battle with the Porsche 911 - even without the gullwings.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Drive.com.au]

Rumored Mercedes-Benz "Baby SLS" to be called SSK AMG, get its gullwings clipped? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Jay Leno gets behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Celebrities

Jay Leno drives the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - click above to watch the video

Like Jay Leno, many of us Autobloggers are oil-in-the-blood car freaks living in Los Angeles, California. Only thing is, we can't seem to recall Mercedes-Benz dropping off their new gullwinged supercar - the SLS AMG - at our garage. Of course, Leno is an international superstar that knows most presidents on a first name basis and we wear sweatpants most of the time. Oh, and we don't even have a garage, let alone two Miuras and an Espada, among dozens of other pieces of drooly metal.

And sure, we've driven the 2011 SLS AMG. In California, no less. Liked it quite a bit, too. Still, we think you'll get a kick out of the video. Why? Well, it's good to see the SLS in motion, even though from certain angles at least one of us (*ahem*) thinks it resembles a third generation Mazda RX7. We also like how Jay reviews cars, as if he's talking to his buddies during a long lunch. Which is probably pretty close to what's actually happening. We also like how he just keeps hammering and hammering the press car - something we can (*double ahem*) relate to.

Then, of course, while admitting that a dual-clutch transmission can shift faster than any human, he still states that he'd prefer three pedals. Seriously, our kind of guy. And really, if you think about it, Jay Leno is little more than every gearhead's fantasy writ large after hitting the lotto (vis-à-vis, cars at any rate). For instance, he starts this video standing next to his 1955 300 SL Gullwing. Meaning that we're so jealous, we can't stop smiling. Hit the jump to watch Jay at play in the streets of Burbank.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno gets behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

VIDEO: Jay Leno gets behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Essen 2009: 1,050-hp 1956 Mercedes Gullwing drag car

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Mercedes-Benz, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty

Gullwing dragster - Click above for high-res image gallery

This ungainly little creature had an area all to itself at this year's Essen Motor Show. Built over four years by Swiss drag racer Stefan Winter - who is a roofer by trade - the most important thing to say is this: Winter did not mangle a genuine 1956 Mercedes 300 SL to create this beast, and we can thank all the gods that be for that. He copied the body in fiberglass and placed it over a tube chassis, hiding a small block Chevy in front that's been bored out to 422 cubic inches.

With modified pistons, crankshaft, cylinder heads, and a bit more black-art-ness, the gullwinged monster puts 1,050 horsepower to the ground through a 3-speed transmission and rear tires 15 inches across. The 1/4-mile rolls off in 8.1 seconds at 166 mph. If nothing else, at that speed he shouldn't have any problem with keeping the car's interior cool, a problem the originals were known for...

Gallery: Essen 2009: Mercedes Gullwing Dragster

[Source: Das Auto Blog (translated) via Autoblog.nl]

Essen 2009: 1,050-hp 1956 Mercedes Gullwing drag car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gullwing America takes on Mercedes' latest supercar, creates SLS Panamericana

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Gullwing America SLS Panamericana - click above image for high-res gallery

Few cars are as classic and iconic as the original Gullwing, also known as the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Created by a loophole in racing rules when MB realized that, "Nowhere is it written that a door can only open sideways." Hence, Mercedes was allowed to retain the strength of the 300SL's (as well as the 300SLR's) tubular space frame by hinging the doors from the roof. A legend, as they say, was born.

Fast-forward more than fifty years and Mercedes-Benz (via AMG) is about to launch a new gullwing, this time called the SLS AMG. While it's no doubt a great car (553 horsepower tends to do that), some might say it's slightly lacking in the retro SL looks department. Enter Gullwing America (you might remember their updated 300SL) and their new SLS Panamericana.

Created to be a more proper "300SL from the 21st century," the Panamericana consists of seven body pieces including the all important "eyebrows" on top of the fenders. Everything is made from either lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber. Plus, you get those snazzy racing stripes. As well as a swath of Alcantara on the seats set off by contrast stitching. You also get a set of GWA wheels, 19-inchers up front, 20-inches in the rear. While we do like most of what we see, we're honestly not sold on the brows... how about you? Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Gullwing America SLS Panamericana

[Source: Gullwing America]

Gullwing America takes on Mercedes' latest supercar, creates SLS Panamericana originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz Gullwing

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Classics, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Thanks to the box-office success story that was Back To The Future, the De Lorean may be the most recognizable instance of the gull-wing door, but the most historically significant and the first model to truly popularize this unique portal was the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Since then, the German automaker has continued experimenting with the gull-wing design, with the C111 and C112 concepts from the '60s and '70s. Apparently, the time has finally come for a return of the iconic design feature on a production supercar. We've already seen spy shots of what appears to be an odd mash-up of Dodge Viper parts with McLaren supercar bits tacked together, but the latest mule now appears to have the upwards-opening doors that could give the new model its name. Besides the doors, we can definitely see the long hood and short deck styling that echos the design of the current SLR. Rumor has it that the new supercar will wear the AMG badge and be powered by at least 550 horses from an undetermined powerplant hooked to a seven speed automatic transmission. More as we get it.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz Gullwing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 Barrett-Jackson: European Classics

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Europe, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari

Although Barrett-Jackson is now viewed as primarily a muscle car auction by most spectators, there was a time when European and American classics were their bread and butter lots. And if you scan the current catalog carefully you'll still see vestigial evidence of those days. In fact, several Euro classics are positioned in the featured tent, within spitting distance of the Mopars, Chevies, and Fords.

We found a pretty nice collection of Austin-Healeys, Jags and Ferraris arranged along one corner of the main tent annex. Beautiful cars in great condition, but sticking out like a sore thumb amongst the American iron. Our favorite of the bunch was the ex-A.J. Foyt Ferrari 512 BBi. Silver over black with a red interior, that classic Boxer shape still pulls at the proverbial heartstrings. There's a brief list of some of these classics after the jump and a full gallery of high res pics from Drew Phillips and Frank available by clicking on the pic above.

Gallery: 2007 Barrett-Jackson: European Classics

Continue reading 2007 Barrett-Jackson: European Classics

2007 Barrett-Jackson: European Classics originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jan 2007 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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At 89, John Fitch still has the itch

Alex Nunez — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Safety, Mercedes-Benz

We should all lead lives as full as John Fitch.

Fitch, 89 years young, is preparing for an attempt at the land speed record for the F/GT class (2.01L to 3.0L grand touring sport) at Bonneville this October. He first tried to set the record during Speed Week last August, an effort that, though unsuccessful, was captured in the acclaimed documentary, A Gullwing at Twilight: The Bonneville Ride of John Fitch.

Now, just over a year later, Fitch and the 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing owned by Detroit businessman Robert Surna will return to the salt in the hopes of besting the record of 168.721 mph set by Bob Norwood's Ferrari 308 back in 1985. In this weekend's New York Times profile on Fitch, he states that they'd like to set the mark at around 175 mph.

We wouldn't bet against him. It seems that in life, John Fitch only knows how to succeed.

(Continues after the jump. More pics follow as well.)

[Sources: New York Times, RaceSafety.com, Szwedo Productions, Southern California Timing Assoc.]

Continue reading At 89, John Fitch still has the itch

At 89, John Fitch still has the itch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Aug 2006 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes 300SL to return, or just a rumor?

Erin Mays — Tue, 09 May 2006 16:06:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Europe, Mercedes-Benz

Will Mercedes-Benz bring back the 300SL "Gullwing?" Autobild seems to think so. Jumping on the retro bandwagon that has spawned the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger Concept and Chevy Camaro Concept, Mercedes might be hoping to cash in on a little nostalgia itself. While there's no official word from Mercedes, Autobild seems to think that the vehicle would come on the SL platform and be priced as a limited edition collector car.

The original Gullwing (pictured) hearkens back to the years 1954-57 and retails today anywhere from $275,000 to $2,000,000 if the competition history can be trusted.

So here's the question... is this car really just the anniversary edition SL550 that John reported on here? Like kids who can never get enough candy, we hope we'll get both cars...

[Source: Autobild via Channel 4]

Mercedes 300SL to return, or just a rumor? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 May 2006 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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