Man Builds Custom Mercedes Gullwing Using Old Car Parts

The Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing from the 1950s is an automotive legend, famous for its revolutionary engineering, dramatic gullwing doors, and iconic style. Inspired by this classic, the team at Not Just Campers set out to build a tribute that combines vintage aesthetics with modern reliability—using an early-2000s Mercedes-Benz SLK 320 as the foundation.

Man Builds Custom MERCEDES GULLWING Using Old Car Parts | Start to Finish by @andirt4

Rather than create a museum-perfect replica, this project focused on blending old-school design flair with the everyday practicality, safety, and performance of a contemporary sports car. The SLK 320 donor brought rear-wheel drive, a strong V6 engine, and robust independent suspension—a perfect base for a custom Gullwing interpretation.

The conversion began with stripping the SLK to its bare chassis and engineering custom body panels to capture the spirit of the original Gullwing. With a background in custom van builds, the Not Just Campers team used their fabrication skills, electrical know-how, and creative vision to bring this dream to life.

The finished car is much more than a copy; it’s a rolling work of art and a personal homage to Mercedes’ most famous sports car. The result is a beautiful, reliable, and usable tribute—built by hand, from the ground up, for the ultimate blend of classic inspiration and modern drivability.