User “titocarslive” on TikTok has put together a modern interpretation of the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing. What would it have been like if Mercedes had chosen the retro design theme for the current Mercedes-AMG GT C192?
Photo: titocarslive on tiktok, Mercedes-Benz
In August 2023, Mercedes unveiled the new Mercedes-AMG GT at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Built on the new MSA (Modular Sports Architecture) platform developed by AMG, the AMG GT has a modern but rather mundane design that doesn’t catch the eye like the former Mercedes supercars, SLR McLaren, or SLS AMG. The AMG GT also lacks the famous gullwing doors of the 300 SL Gullwing.
On the other hand, the Mercedes-AMG GT’s main rival is the Porsche 911, whose design still retains the main features of the first generation launched in 1963.
So we wonder what a Mercedes-AMG GT would look like if it took over the design elements of its illustrious predecessor, the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing, which, among other things, received the title of sports car of the 20th century?
User “titocarslive” on TikTok has tested our imagination and gave the Mercedes people something to think about by drawing a modern Mercedes 300 SL.
As you can see in the renders posted on TikTok, the front end retains the famous chrome-edged radiator grille incorporating the Mercedes logo and round turn signals, but two additional projectors have been added, and the twin-power dome bonnet is lower than on the original model and the side panels are higher and flared to accommodate the wide wheels.
For aerodynamic reasons and crash test regulations, the chrome bumper from the original model has been dropped, and the modern interpretation has a spoiler that goes very low to reduce the flow of the air under the car.
Also impressive are the side exhausts behind the front wheels, which are inspired by the 300 SLR and would probably no longer meet emissions regulations today. The passenger cell has a more aerodynamically design and it is noticeable that the famous 300 SL Gullwing doors have been retained, as well as the round mirrors located on the wings.
In one of the photos, you can also see part of the dashboard, which retains the tall instrument cluster with the two large, round speedometer and tachometer gauges.
It’s hard to believe that Mercedes will ever consider this redesign for a future Mercedes-AMG GT. But hopes might be there at HWA, which last year unveiled the concept of a modern Mercedes 190 E 2.5-16 Evo II that will appear in 2025 for 714,000 euros ($781,523) plus VAT.
AMG also demonstrated that a V8 engine can fit under the hood of the 300 SL. Mercedes’ sports division modified a Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing a few years ago and put the AMG 6-litre E 50 AMG V8 engine developing 381 hp and 580 Nm in it. So if a 6.0-litre V8 had its place under the hood of the 300 SL, the current 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with the turbos mounted inside the V would fit in no problem.
But until an eventual transformation, let’s enjoy these images and dream on.
