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 vehicle
Offers welcome and trades considered
