The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing was renowned as a race car adapted for the streets. Emerging in the mid-1950s, it boasted an extraordinary two-seat coupe design, inheriting features from the W194 racing car, including its distinctive tubular-frame construction and iconic gullwing doors that opened upwards.
Unprecedented in the automotive industry, it offered a blend of lightweight construction, impressive speed, and a visually striking design that swiftly secured its place among the world’s most aesthetically pleasing automobiles.
Under the hood, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing housed a potent 3.0-liter M198 straight-six engine, paired with a four-speed manual transmission, generating 222 horsepower (equivalent to 215 metric horsepower) and 202 pound-feet (equivalent to 274 Newton-meters) of torque.
With its agile build weighing in at just 3,300 pounds (1,500 kilograms), it could reach a top speed of 134 mph (217 kph). Transitioning the iconic 300 SL Gullwing into a restomodded electric vehicle, the S-Klub team ingeniously acquired a fully operational Tesla Model 3, modifying its chassis to accommodate the Mercedes body.
The resulting fusion renders the Benz virtually indistinguishable from a Tesla, with even the electric sedan’s camera and sensors seamlessly integrated into the new build. The hallmark gullwing doors retain their distinctive upward-opening functionality.
While the interior no longer exudes the classic style and refinement of the original Mercedes, having been replaced by the minimalist design of the Model 3, functionality remains intact through the large 15-inch touchscreen, controlling all vehicle functions.
The project consumed approximately two months of intensive labor, often extending into the late hours of the night to ensure completion. The next phase involves applying a Pearl White paint finish, selected to match that of the Model 3, enhancing the vehicle’s sleek aesthetic.
Further customization includes wrapping the seats, dashboard, and various interior elements in Tiffany Blue a vibrant turquoise hue creating a stunning contrast against the Pearl White exterior and evoking images of leisurely drives along the Pacific coastline.
The exterior accentuates this color scheme with turquoise detailing along the hood, roof, trunk lid, and brake calipers, while the vehicle rides on white 18-inch wheels fitted with Toyo tires.
Dubbed the Tiffany 300 SL, this hybrid creation, showcased at SEMA 2023 in Las Vegas, was spearheaded by John Sarkisyan, CEO of S-Klub, marking a successful fusion of classic automotive heritage with modern electric technology.