Classic

AMG Restored 300 SL Gullwing Headed to Auction

And Iconic 1954 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing that has been restored and modified by AMG is headed to the auction block in Monaco

Words Jim Davis
March 21, 2014
And Iconic 1954 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing that has been restored and modified by AMG is headed to the auction block in Monaco
Words Jim Davis March 21, 2014

Car restorers crave the opportunity to get their hands on a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.  And understandably so, only 1,400 were built and if done right, a great restoration can make your career in the restoration world.  But for some who attempt a restore on the iconic Mercedes, it can create a backlash from those who don’t believe in straying from the original.

One of the latest resto/mods was done on a 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, heading to the auction block at RM Auctions in Monaco on May 10 wasn’t done by a third party, it was completed by Mercedes AMG themselves.

AMG didn’t just give the iconic Gullwing an overhaul, paintjob and a new set of wheels, they did complete reworking of every mechanical system on the car. Gone are the awkward rear swing-arms, replaced instead by a new five-link suspension system from a modern SL. Disc brakes all around, necessary to contain the 380 hp, 428 lb-ft 6.0-liter V8. The 6.0-liter engine likely came from a SL60 AMG while the brakes, along with the Bilstein shocks, were taken from a C63 AMG.  Not left out of the update were the wheels, replaced with five-spoke AMG wheels with low-profile tires.

The vintage leatherwork or tartan fabric on the 300 SL has been removed to make way for a set of new Recaro seats.

It leaves us wondering, why did Mercedes decide to restore and modify the SL in such a modern way instead of sending it over to the Mercedes-Benz Classic for a restore?  Looks like credit goes to the Sultan of Brunei who ordered a half-dozen resto/mod 300 SL’s.  AMG then sold another five to other buyers.

For more info on the auction, visit RM Auctions.