The 1954–1957 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing was a trailblazing automobile that combined cutting-edge engineering (spaceframe chassis, fuel-injected high-output engine) with a striking design (the legendary gullwing doors). Its performance was unrivaled in its time, and it paved the way for future sports cars in terms of technology and global enthusiasm. Thus, the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing replica project by Not Just Campers stands as an audacious and technically impressive reinterpretation of one of the most iconic vehicles in automotive history. Rather than attempting a literal, concours-level reproduction of the 1954 original, the creators pursued something arguably more challenging: the fusion of vintage aesthetics with modern engineering, using a contemporary donor platform to breathe new life into a classic design while maintaining functionality, drivability, and everyday practicality. The build began with the selection of the Mercedes-Benz SLK 320 (R170) as the donor vehicle, a strategic choice driven by its relatively compact dimensions, rear-wheel drive configuration, V6 powertrain, and robust, fully independent suspension system. This allowed the creators to retain modern mechanical reliability, safety, and handling while stripping down the SLK to its core structure. With roots in custom camper van conversions, the team pivoted into automotive restomod artistry, applying their extensive fabrication experience, electrical knowledge, and keen design sense to this Gullwing tribute. In the end, this replica is a tribute, a sculpture on wheels, and a fully functional love letter to one of Mercedes-Benz’s greatest achievements, all of them reimagined by a workshop that thrives on vision, precision, and the thrill of building something unique with their own hands.
Man Builds Custom MERCEDES GULLWING Using Old Car Parts | Start to Finish by @andirt4
A team of enthusiasts has achieved a sensational transformation by building a Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing from a Mercedes SLK 320 R170.
At first glance, converting a Mercedes SLK320 R170 produced between 2000 and 2004 into a 1957 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing seems impossible, even though the two cars have an identical wheelbase of 2400 mm.
However, the Mercedes SLK 320 was chosen for this transformation because of its layout: a compact roadster with rear-wheel drive, a long bonnet, and a short rear overhang. These features match the silhouette of the original Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing, which is also a two-seater with a low driving position.
The conversion operation began with dismantling the Mercedes SLK to access the mechanical components. After cutting the body parts, a fiberglass replica of the 300 SL Gullwing’s body was fitted. However, despite the identical wheelbase, numerous fitting problems arose because, for example, the wheel arches did not fit. The SLK’s original suspension caused the wheels to sit slightly off from the intended replica arch outlines and so, the fiberglass bodywork had to be modified and adapted.
Since the SLK has a crumple zone architecture, engineers fabricated new mounting brackets. The bonnet was hinged at the firewall, where new mounts were welded and braced into the SLK’s original structure. Structural modifications were also made to the trunk floor by fitting a new steel floor.
The Mercedes SLK was designed in the 1990s with self-supporting bodywork, crumple zones, and CAD-defined suspension geometry, while the 300 SL Gullwing, launched in 1957, was built around a tubular spaceframe with different proportions.
That’s why fitting the gullwing doors was one of the big challenges of the project. They are hinged into the roof and open outwards like the wings of a butterfly. This was made possible thanks to the tubular spaceframe which offered adequate rigidity in the roof area. However, the self-supporting body of the SLK lacks the rigidity of the tubular spaceframe and the fiberglass replica of the body could not support the doors. Because of this, the steel substructure was welded to the upper area of the body and the roof and everything had to be perfectly aligned. The doors were also fitted with gas dampers so that they could open and close easily.
Then, all the styling elements of the iconic 300 SL Gullwing were grafted onto the carbon fiber body. Although the converted car has fiberglass bodywork, which is less impact-resistant, it is still safer than the original 300 SL Gullwing because the replica has crumple zones, more modern seat belts, and a self-supporting body reinforced with a steel superstructure. In addition, it is equipped with ABS, traction control, and ESP.
Inside, the SLK 320’s dashboard has been completely removed, and a dashboard and seats similar to those of the 300 SL Gullwing have been fitted. Even the steering wheel looks exactly like the original.
Although it had longer overhangs than the SLK and was more than half a meter longer, the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing had an identical curb weight of 1330 kg to the SLK R 320 due to the fact that it was constructed from a mix of steel and aluminum.
The 3-liter engine featured direct petrol injection, which was a great innovation for the time. With 215 hp and 275 Nm, the 300 SL Gullwing reached a top speed of 250 kph and was the fastest street car of its time. By comparison, the SLK R 320 had a 3.2-liter V6 engine with Indirect Injection developing 218 hp.
You can see in the video below the titanic work that went into building this superb replica of the 300 SL Gullwing.
