Gullwing set to take flight

Mercedes-Benz is edging closer to rekindling the gullwing-door theme with its eagerly anticipated SLS (more here), but German company Gullwing GmbH has just unveiled a far more authentic tribute to the classic 1950s 300 SL.

And so faithful is the modern-day replica that we can barely discern it from the original. However, the resemblance is only skin-deep, as what lurks below is a far cry from the factory-built 300 SL.

As per the original, the Gullwing replicas are based on a tube-frame chassis, but the mounting points for all the major subassemblies are different and the whole structure can cope with up to 485kW -- substantially in excess of the 158kW eked out by the 300 SL's 3.0-litre inline six.

The modern-day replica will be offered with a choice of an AMG-tweaked 5.5-litre V8 with 302kW, or a 3.5-litre V6 with 239kW, and both engines are hooked up to Merc's 7G-tronic seven-speed auto.

Suspension and brakes are also sourced from the contemporary Benz line-up, as are the ABS and satnav systems. However, to maintain an ambience of authenticity, the latter is operated via a retro-style Becker Mexico radio-satnav unit.

Exclusivity is guaranteed, as Gullwing GmbH plans to craft just 30 examples annually, with pricing for the V8 version set at 165,000 euros ($293k in our money).

Would-be buyers need to throw down a deposit of 50,000 euros ($89k), and then wait 10 to 18 months for delivery.

The Gullwing will be joined next year by a topless version, which, fittingly, has been dubbed Roadster.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi