Why aren’t all car doors designed like this? Mercedes-Benz has been captivating car enthusiasts for decades with its iconic gullwing doors, a design that continues to turn heads and inspire awe. Often mistakenly attributed to Lamborghini due to their scissor doors, Mercedes-Benz pioneered the top-hinged gullwing door long before the Lamborghini Countach concept made its debut in 1971.
Let’s delve into the history and celebrate 8 remarkable Mercedes-Benz models that proudly feature these stunning gull-wing doors.
1. 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Racer: The Origin of Mercedes Gull Doors
Mercedes-Benz first introduced the innovative gullwing door in 1952 with the 300SL race car. This groundbreaking design was not just for aesthetics; it was a functional solution born from the car’s tubular space frame chassis, which made conventional doors impractical. The high sills of the chassis necessitated a door design that opened upwards, giving birth to the iconic gullwing.
2. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL: Gullwing Doors Hit the Showroom
Two years later, in 1954, the revolutionary gullwing doors transitioned from the racetrack to the streets with the production Mercedes-Benz 300SL. This marked a significant moment, bringing the exotic and functional beauty of gullwing doors to the public. The 300SL became an instant classic, synonymous with style, performance, and Mercedes-Benz innovation.
3. 1969 Mercedes-Benz C 111: Pushing Boundaries with Gullwing Concepts
The legacy of Mercedes gull doors continued into the experimental realm with the C 111 series, starting in 1969. These prototype test vehicles, famously painted in safety orange, showcased Mercedes’ forward-thinking approach to automotive design and technology. The C 111 embodied futuristic aesthetics and performance, further cementing the gullwing door as a symbol of innovation.
4. 1977 Mercedes-Benz C 111 III: Gullwing Doors for Speed Records
The final iteration of the C 111 family, the 1977 C 111 III, took the concept of gullwing doors to new speeds. Optimized for high-speed performance, this model was instrumental in setting world speed records for Mercedes’ new five-cylinder diesel engine. The gullwing doors on the C 111 III were a statement of aerodynamic efficiency and groundbreaking engineering.
5. 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112: The Supercar Dream with Gullwing Doors
Continuing the C 111 lineage, the 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 was conceived as an exotic supercar aimed at boosting Mercedes’ sporting image as they re-entered motorsport. While the C 112, with its striking gullwing doors, never reached production, it remains a significant milestone in Mercedes-Benz’s exploration of high-performance gullwing designs.
6. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR: A Departure with Scissor Doors
As Mercedes re-engaged with motorsports, aiming for success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the CLK GTR was born. Intriguingly, to meet racing regulations requiring production car versions, the street-legal CLK GTR adopted Lamborghini-style scissor doors instead of traditional Mercedes gullwing doors. Despite this departure, it’s an important part of Mercedes’ performance history of that era.
7. 2011 Mercedes-Benz F 125! Research Vehicle: Gullwing Doors for the Future
Mercedes-Benz recognized the enduring appeal of gullwing doors by featuring them on the F 125! Research Vehicle concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. This concept highlighted a sedan design, using wide-opening gullwing doors to showcase the spacious rear seating and innovative design language, signaling a potential future direction.
8. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: The Modern Gullwing Renaissance
After a fifty-year hiatus, Mercedes-Benz revived its iconic gullwing doors for production with the powerful SLS AMG in 2013. This marked a triumphant return of the classic design, blending retro charm with modern performance. While succeeded by the conventionally-doored AMG GT, the SLS AMG reignited the passion for Mercedes gull doors and left enthusiasts hoping for their return in future models.
The Enduring Allure of Mercedes Gull Doors
Mercedes-Benz gull doors represent more than just a unique door design; they embody a legacy of innovation, style, and automotive passion. From their functional origins in racing to their embodiment of futuristic concepts and modern supercars, gullwing doors remain an unmistakable symbol of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to pushing design and engineering boundaries. For car enthusiasts and detailers alike, these doors are not just an entry point to a vehicle, but an entry point into automotive history and iconic design.
