Wednesday 27 January 2010

Gull-wing and a Prayer

Ever since the decision was taken by Mercedes Benz to bring back the Gullwing model in the shape of the AMG SLS and rumoured SLK variant (see below), numerous copy cats, accessorizers and wannabes have somehow hitched a ride. Some good and some bad, this post will make an attempt to display everything Gullwing from shoes to customs and everything in between.


These pretty images come from Gullwing America, a design garage looking to bring new life into the old Gullwing shape. Hand crafted with modern Mercedes running gear, these Panamericana 300SLs epitomise the blend of old with new. Available with V8 auto or V6 manual power, these ultra cool retro newbies are the brainchild of Arturo Alonso, the man also responsible for designing the Bentley S3 E Concept.



This must be the biggest gullwing crime in history. Based on an ORIGINAL 300SL this camo coloured cock-up is the pride and joy of fashion house designer Nigo of Bathing Ape fame. The BAPE modifications are not just skin deep either. Under the bonnet the original fuel injected six cylinder motor is replaced with a modern 6.0 litre V8 and although AMG sanctioned such cruelty to style, the wheels fitted are just wrong. Simple. Next time leave the squaddie treatment to your Phantoms and Veyrons please Nigo.


Cobra fans will now be pleased to hear that AC can offer you a brand new one with yes, you guessed it, the gullwing treatment. Nonetheless, I can't help but see a strong resemblance to the extinct Dodo bird, with these puny flappers. Must try harder AC..


Shoes designed in conjunction with the new Mercedes SLS and with motoring in mind are never going to be the trendiest type of footwear and I'm afraid these Italian designed (where else), Santoni driving shoes are following in the footsteps of the awkward looking Pumas that came before them. At least they're all black this time.


This 300SL Gullwing Drag Racer is a home made replica (sigh of relief), fabricated impressively im sure you'll agree and packing over 1000hp! Capable of setting an 8.1 second 1/4 mile @ 166mph this winged flyer is the fastest Gullwing variation.

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