Purchased from a dentist in California as a partially done project. Well over $200,000 has been spent on this car to date.
Mechanically, this car runs, drives and is nearly complete. It features an LS3 crate engine with 435 HP purchased from GM Performance as a package that included a matching ECU. It is mated to a 6-speed GM manual gearbox. Custom front and rear suspension is included, utilizing a Corvette differential and Willwood brakes on all four corners, with in-board brakes in the rear. Heat and A/C were installed by Vintage Air in Texas; the A/C will need to be charged. The steering column is custom made and the car is fitted with power-assisted rack and pinion steering.
The body was made a number of years ago from molds taken from an original 300 SL and is almost ready for paint. The frame was made in Southern California. The gauges are VDO with custom-made faces designed to look like originals. The grille is from an actual 300 SL, rechromed at a cost of $2,200. The tail lights, headlight bezels, signal switch and steering wheel are original 300 SL. All window glass is also original and can be installed after paint is complete.
All rubber window surrounds were purchased directly from Mercedes Heritage for $3,400. The bumpers were custom manufactured and are stunning. The doors, hood and trunk are properly hung and functional. The 16” Rudge-style alloy wheels were custom made by Chris Coddington in California at a cost of over $8,000 and are fitted with new Toyo Proxies 225/45ZR16 89W tires. The seats are very close to correct.
With some final fettling, paint, windows and a suitable interior, this spectacular 300 SL re-creation will be complete. This is a unique opportunity to own one of the most iconic looks and feels in all of sports car history. Coupled to the brutal force and dependability of the Corvette running gear, you have effectively given an Arabian stallion the power of a Clydesdale. One exceptional, dependable retro super car available for a decimal point less than the antiquated original.
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From Jim Simpson
Body made a number of years ago from molds taken from an original car, two bodies were made from the molds and the molds were destroyed after that the two bodies were bought from the estate of the gentleman who made the molds and bodies. Frame was made in Southern California and GM Performance new LS3 engine was purchased and installed in car, a 6 speed GM manual gearbox was installed behind the engine. Custom made suspension front and rear using Corvette differential and Willwood brakes front and rear. In board brakes in the rear. Gauges are VDO with custom made faces to look like original 300 SL instruments. Custom made dash and switches again to look like original 300 SL. Heat and A/C done by Vintage Air in Texas A/C will need to be charged it never has everything is hooked up but not charged. Bumpers were custom made in Vietnam and stunning. Grille is original 300 SL re chromed at a cost of $2,200. just for the grille. Tail lights are New from Mercedes 300 SL. Headlight bezels are original 300 SL. All Glass for the car is 300 SL. All rubber window surrounds purchased from Mercedes Heritage for $3,400. Car is very close to being ready for paint, doors hung and work properly hood as well as is the trunk lid. Custom made 16” Rudge style alloy wheels made by Chris Coddington in California at a cost of over $8,000. the wheels are fitted with new Toyo Proxies 225/45 ZR16 89W tires. Original 300 SL turn signal switch and steering wheel on custom made steering column, car fitted with power assisted rack and pinion steering. Car fires up and is drivable except the glass is not installed as paint would want to be done prior to that. None of the metal trim for door windows is included and would need to be fabricated. Seats are very close to correct but not upholstered. plan was to paint the car in Mercedes Silver which the dash is painted in and then the top and crash pad on the dash are covered in blue leather. No upholstery has been done for the interior. To date well over $200K has been spent on this car. time for it to go to a new home.
Mechanically this vehicle appears to be nearly complete.
Body work
Body panels need to have final fitment
Window frames must be fitted to glass
Interior needs to be finished to taste
Needs paint
