There's a pointlessness to this whole 'replica' business.
What's the point exactly, of building something that pretends to be something else? Some of them I get. Making a mild variant of a particular car into its high-horsepower cousin is fine, as are those with exciting AC Cobra replicas with huge modern V8s under the bonnet.
What I don't get are those who bolt an HSV bodykit onto a knackered Holden Executive V6. I also don't get this ... thing.
No, it's not a genuine Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing — one of the most important cars to ever sport the three-pointed star. If it was, auction house RM Sothebys would have it listed for a fair sight more than their expected pricing window of US$125,000–$135,000 (NZ$171,000–$185,500).
It's still a Mercedes-Benz, just not the one you'd expect. Underneath its almost convincing bodywork are the bones of a first generation SLK convertible.
These weren't exactly Mercedes' finest moment, with journos writing them off for 'stodgy' handling — despite their quite attractive looks. Though at least the one used for this project was the SLK 32 AMG variant; evidenced by the hulking 3.2-litre AMG V6 under the bonnet.
There's more evidence of its true colours inside, with the original SLK interior still utilized — picked out in red all round with quilting on the seats.
While I shake my head just thinking about the time, effort, and money that was sunk into this project, it must be said that everything looks to be brilliantly finished. From the fitment of the doors to the interior. All it really needs are some more authentic wheels, and the look would almost be complete.
Almost.
