Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Is Actually A $222K, SLK-Based Replica

If you want to buy a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, you’ll need to have a bank account with at least seven figures in it. Alternatively, you could save some money and buy this 300SL replica that’s currently for sale from Classic Driver in Germany.

The first thing to note about this 300SL replica is that it is actually built around a 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Consequently, the vehicle’s interior gives away its true identity as it’s identical to the first-gen SLK and therefore bears no resemblance to the 300SL.

It might be a replica, but it’s definitely not cheap

While the car’s roots are easy to recognize by glancing at the cabin, the replica’s exterior is much more convincing. In fact, you could be excused for thinking this was the real thing just by looking at the photos.

Like a genuine 300SL, the replica’s front fascia now sports round headlights, small turn signals and a pretty grille with chrome accents. The hood has also been designed to mimic what you’ll find on a legitimate Gullwing.

Spin around to the sides and the replica includes wheels, air vents, skirts, and body lines that are virtually identical to the original. It’s a similar story at the rear, where there are tiny taillights, pronounced wheel arches, and a small rear window. If the car also featured the same chrome front and rear bumpers as the original 300SL, it would be almost impossible to notice any of the differences.

Some replicas cost just a few thousand dollars but, in this case, the impressive craftsmanship is reflected in the asking price that sits at 198,800 euros ($222,674 at current exchange rates). Which might be a steal compared to the prices commanded by real Gullwings, but it’s still hefty for a replica – even a very convincing one.