by Brad Anderson
- The 355 SL restomod blends 300 SL design with SLK55 AMG performance.
- A 5.5-liter V8 delivers 421 hp, paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
- Found inside the cabin are mostly standard SLK parts, but with a custom twist.
The original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing remains one of the most beautiful automotive designs ever produced, though owning a pristine example will easily set you back seven figures.
For anyone who admires its form but not its price tag, this unusual 300 SL-inspired restomod offers a fascinating middle ground.
Read: Pristine 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Is Worth Spending Nearly $2 Million
While it could easily fool a passerby into thinking it’s a genuine Gullwing, this car actually began life as a Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG. Now for sale in the United States, it presents a rare blend of modern engineering and vintage aesthetics.
Created by designer Alan Derosier, known for his work with Gemballa and Radford, the project carries an asking price of $299,950.
That’s a heck of a lot of money, particularly since it’s possible to buy an original SLK55 for less than $30,000, though still a relative bargain next to the near-$2 million demanded by an authentic 300 SL.
Clearly, a lot of time and attention has been given to ensure the exterior of the so-called 355 SL looks as close to the original classic as possible. The body carries the same graceful lines that defined the 300 SL and, naturally, retains the hallmark Gullwing doors that make it instantly recognizable.
The car’s deep black finish, not a common shade for the original, adds a sharper, more modern edge that somehow complements the design rather than clashing with it.
Although the exterior looks like a classic, it’s all pretty modern under the skin. The SLK 55’s original 5.5-liter naturally-aspirated V8 has been retained, still pumping out 421 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque while mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
To fine-tune the ride and handling, the builder fitted a set of KW adjustable coilovers, giving it a more composed and responsive character than a stock SLK.
