2009 Gullwing-America 300 SL Panamericana: 300 SL gets modernized

Arturo Alonso and his company Gullwing America are working on the ‘rebirth’ of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing. Known as the 2009 300 SL Panamericana, the model is based on a reproduction made by Gullwing AG – who produces the closest model you can get to the real 300 SL.

Power comes from a 5.5L V8 M-133-55 engine that is used on the SLR and other AMG models. The engine will be mated to a speedtronic transmission and has been retuned to produce 370-hp with a maximum torque of 391 lb-ft. In 2010 Gullwing America will also offer a V6 M-272-E35 unit that produces 320-hp and a peak torque of 266 lb-ft.

The 2009 SL Panamericana will be painted silver with blue accents. There is also an option of white with red stripes and a Black version. The interior will feature the instrument panel that is identical to the original 300 SL.

Click through for the high-res image gallery and the press release.

2009 Gullwing-America 300 SL Panamericana:

 

 

Press Release:

Here is the rebirth of an Icon, the 2009 300 SL Panamericana, based on a Reproduction from Hoope’r, Gullwing-AG in Germany, who produce the closest model you can get to the real thing. Arturo Alonso and his company, Gullwing-America , modified this already outstanding automobile into an exotic for the 21st century.

A combination of the Glorious Carrera Panamericana cars of the 50’s and new technology, they came out with this incredible sports car, Alonso himself raced the Carrera for years in a Mercedes 300SE, where the passion for this legendary Race and the Mercedes was born.

The 300SL body is constructed with the use of aircraft composite technology. This construction comprises of a sprayed layer of aluminum to a thickness of .5mm into the mold over which an epoxy adhesive is laid and several layers of 7oz woven glass cloth are then applied with epoxy resin.

Chassis is made from RHS steel reinforced and powder coated, has independent suspension with adjustable coil overs, four wheel disk brakes, a 5.5 liter Mercedes engine, (M-133-55) the one used on the AMG Mercedes models and the SLR, mated to a six speed transmission, special made radiator and exhaust system.

The Panamericana will have a re-tuned electronics raising the HP about 370, 530nm of torque @5400RPM. The car will sit lower, have speedtronic transmission, side mufflers, no bumpers, a special grill, four spoke leather steering wheel with power assist, a start button, A/C , a four point harness, Becker Mexico Radio with CD and I pod adapter, and fitted leather luggage. It also includes specially made old school 17 X 8 AMG wheels all around with 235/45/17 Continental Sport contact tires, AMG calipers painted in red, HID headlights, and stripes on the fenders like the “Works” Cars from La Barrera.

For 2010 there will also be the option for the new V6 Mercedes engine (M-272-E35) used on the 350 Models, which has almost the same power of the V8 ( 320HP And 360nm torque @4900RPM)) and could be ordered with a manual six speed.

The cars will all be painted in silver with blue accents in the front fenders like the race cars of the Panamericana, there is the option of a white with red stripes and a Black version. The interiors will be red cover in leather and plaid cloth, typical from that model; The instrument panel is identical as the original 300Sl.

Gullwing-America thinks that this is a true rebirth of the legendary 300SL Gullwing. Updated with technology from 50 years later, the car will be more powerful and handle better than the original. It will be a very drivable car with all the convenient accessories like air conditioning, power steering, etc. from modern cars.

For price and more information contact Arturo Alonso at info@gullwing-america.com.

– By: Kap Shah

Source: Gullwing America (via WCF)