Vehicle Description
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is widely regarded as a benchmark
of collectible vehicles. No assemblage of significant automobiles
is complete without one of these breathtaking machines, and
original 300SL values reflect their status as "blue-chip"
collectibles. As the 300SL slipped out of reach for the average
enthusiast, the market for replicas and recreations grew
accordingly. In the 1980s, a 300SL owner and former Mercedes-Benz
employee named Anton "Tony" Ostermeier founded Gullwing
International Cars to take the concept of a "replica" 300SL to a
new level, designing a ground-up, exacting recreation worthy of
sharing the spotlight with the iconic original.Ostermeier cut no
corners in developing his 300SL tribute using the finest available
components and materials. Fundamental to the car was a welded
square-tube steel chassis built similarly to the original's tubular
spaceframe. Keeping it in the family, Ostermeier fitted
contemporary Mercedes-Benz steering, suspension, and running gear
from donor W124 and W129s. The body is a millimeter-perfect copy,
created using Tony's original 300SL and factory bucks as patterns.
Gullwing Cars made the bodies from GLARE, a fiberglass and aluminum
laminate commonly used in the aeronautical industry to ensure
accuracy and achieve the desired finish quality. While costly, the
material provides a precise fit and a nearly flawless outer surface
with superior quality and finishes compared to traditional gel coat
fiberglass. Many of the trim parts, instruments and other details
are so accurately produced that owners of original cars began using
them on restoration projects, and even experts are hard-pressed to
tell the difference between an Ostermeier SL and the real thing at
first glance. Each Gullwing Cars 300SL took over 400 hours to
complete and are highly prized by the lucky few who got one of the
approximately 150 sold. Much like a Lynx D-Type Jaguar or Glenn
Pray Auburn, Tony Ostermeier's SLs are highly desirable and
considered genuine collectibles in their own right.This superb
Gullwing Cars Coupe is an exquisite example with numerous desirable
options, showing just over 2,700 miles from new. It was completed
by Gullwing Cars early in 2000 and is presented in superb condition
in a striking livery of smoke silver over brown leather trim.
Mechanically, the car consists of nearly all off-the-shelf Mercedes
Benz components, starting with the well-established M103.942
engine, 5-speed manual gearbox & air conditioning. The
factory-style chrome Rudge wheels wear authentic knock off wing
nuts and brand-new period-style Pirelli Cinturato 185 VR 15 91V
tires. Parts are readily available, and any experienced Mercedes
technician will feel right at home under the hood. Disc brakes are
at all four corners, and the Mercedes-derived suspension is
specially tuned for balanced handling and ride quality. The engine
bay is tidy and well-detailed and a testament to Tony Ostermeier's
meticulously engineered design. These are superb cars to drive, and
their quality is apparent from the first turn of the key.Climbing
aboard an Ostermeier takes the same dexterity and practice as an
original Gullwing. The wide sill and low seat make graceful entry
an acquired skill, though the tilt-away wheel makes it considerably
easier. Once inside, the cabin is again virtually indistinguishable
from the original. Beautiful VDO instruments and chrome-plated
switchgear pepper the body-colored fascia, and brown leather is
used on the dashtop. This car has a correct original-type ivory
two-spoke wheel and matching ivory shift knob. Only the revised
shifter and the center console A/C fixtures give away the fact that
this is no standard Mercedes-Benz Gullwing. The leather on the
sills and seats is in lovely condition, as are the light brown
square weave carpets, which replicate those used on SLs of the 50s.
The Ostermeier Gullwing is a joy to drive, with modern-era comfort
and performance blended with classic styling and head-turning
looks. With only 150 or so examples produced, Ostermeier Gullwings
are extremely rare and seldom available on the open market. This
excellent example is beautifully maintained, and ready to be driven
and cherished by its next keeper.Titled as a 2000 Special
Construction vehicleOffers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7734-1955-mercedes-benz-300-sl-ostermeier-gullwing/