Gullwing America Builds One SLS-Based 300SC Replica

Texas-based coachbuilder Gullwing America has been building MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
9852 photos
33 videos
SLMercedes-Benz SL-Class Gen.3 [R 230]Germany, 2003 > 201121 versions
67 photos
-based 300SLMercedes-Benz 300 SLGermany, 1955 > 19894 versions
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replicas since 2009. Its latest project takes that concept one step further with a new car inspired by the 1955 Mercedes 300SCMercedes-Benz 300 Sc Road...Germany, 1955 > 19581 photo
and based on the Mercedes SLS AMGMercedes-Benz SLS-ClassGermany, 2009 > present12 versions
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. Mercedes built just 92 of the 1955 300SC convertibles.

The car begins as a new Mercedes SLS that has its body removed and replaced with a handmade aluminum body with a removable hardtop. Unlike the original car, Gullwing America's interpretation includes a pop-up rear spoiler, LED headlights, a custom exhaust and height-adjustable suspension. Gullwing America is custom making the 21in front and 22in rear wheels.

The interior and engine are kept basically the same as the SLS AMG. 

Gullwing America was commissioned to build the car by a single client in Eastern Europe, and he will decide if any more are made. He paid for the car to be designed and built and whether other buyers will be able to order the car is up to his discretion. 

The original 1955 300SC sat at the top of the Mercedes range of luxury cars. Barely 200 cars were built and 92 were convertibles. They used a version of Mercedes 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that produced 173hp. In comparison, the lowest powered SLS AMG has 571hp.