Classic Mercedes 300SL Amped with Modern AMG GT Power
Render artist utilizes the classic AMG GT Roadster as the platform for a new Mercedes 300SL.
There are a handful of cars that are instantly recognized for their genuinely iconic status. Certainly, the classic Mercedes-Benz 300SL is one of those vehicles. When the 300SL made its debut at the in 1954, the gullwing coupe was not only peak Mercedes-Benz, it was an instant classic. It was ahead of its time in many ways; with its beautiful and innovative design, as well as its powerful performance. Many consider it the first supercar on the scene.
So, to re-imagine and re-design such a beloved sacred cow, one must be not only bold–but really nail it. Auto designer Oscar V aka “wb.artist20” recently shared his concept for a modern 300SL. He smartly chose the AMG GT Roadster as inspiration.
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“This is my attempt at modernizing the Mercedes 300 SL,” he writes. “Yes, the base is a GT AMG Roadster, which I think Mercedes intended for them to have some similarities to begin with.”
And he is indeed correct that the GT took many cues from the 300SL. Both sports cars boast open-air driving with motorsport roots. They both are dynamic cars, lightweight, and designed with a balance of grace and potency.
“I basically flipped the headlights vertically to see if it would work, then carried on to modify the grille, fenders, and air vents,” Oscar says. Looking at this 2019 GT R Roadster above we can definitely see the base reference.
Adding more retro lines adds to the appeal, and his bold side vents are a nice nod to the original. It flows together very nicely, and should be able to accommodate a nice juicy engine like the 577 hp V8 Biturbo. Using the GT Roadster as the platform is a solid choice, and gives a lot of options for top performance.
That being said, we are missing a little of the classic 300SL in the design. Yes, modern sports cars must go forward and not backwards in design–but we’d love just a little more of the retro Benz incorporated in the design. If nothing else, we’d be into seeing how a gullwing might work. But overall, Oscar V is a very gifted designer, who has created has a sweet Mercedes-AMG drop top with tasty lines. It just seems to promise a thrilling, wind-in-your-hair, ride.
What do you think? Let us know!
Photos: Instagram; Mercedes-Benz
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