The Mercedes Obsession with Gull-Wing Doors
It goes as far back as the 1952 Mercedes 300SL - Doors which swung up like those of a futuristic alien spacecraft. Since then, Mercedes-Benz has been king of the vertically rising entrances (well, aside from DMC & Lamborghini) - And it looks like the German auto maker will continue this tradition in the 2011 SLC model (an even more updated version of the 300SL). Take a look at these Mercedes-Benz stalking photos, along with some classic gull-wing 300SL moments.
It looks like the rumors are true about a possible 2011 SLC Gull-wing edition from Mercedes. These spy shots depict a SLC parked outside some testing facility with door hanging open (and hopefully no the keys in the ignition!). Haven’t seen much referring to a price so far, but expect this V12-engined beast to pack quite a punch in your wallet.
Gull-wing doors still get looks in the 21st century, so imagine the response you would receive in 1952, when the 300SL came out with its high-opening doors. Mercedes-Benz’s 300SL was also the first to have a fuel injection engine. The model continued successfully throughout the 1950’s, and these days will run a collector as much as $400,000.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren continued the gull-wing door tradition of the 300SLR from 1955. McLaren designers and engineers created this mid-engine roadster in 2003 and have sold many with a base price of just under $500,000. The McLaren SLR has been praised as being fastest automatic transmission car in the world.
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