The winning SLS AMG GT3 of Team Abu Dhabi Black Falcon circulates the featureless Yas Marina circuit with the spectacularly overbuilt Dubai cityscape in the hazy background. SLS GT3s swept the top three spots in the 24-hour endurance test.

Dubai 24-hours
GT3 Gullwings dominate

Dubai (UAE) – The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 scored a commanding 1-2-3 in the Dubai 24-hour race (January 12th till 14th, 2012). The Abu Dhabi Black Falcon team claimed victory with Thomas Jäger (GER), Sean Edwards (ENG), Jeroen Bleekemolen (NED) and Khaled Al Qubaisi (UAE). After setting a new distance record of 628 race laps, final driver Al Qubaisi drove the Gullwing with starting number 3 across the finish line. This first place was also the maiden victory for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 in a 24-hour race.

All four Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3s put their mark on the Dubai 24-hour race by showing a commanding performance from the very beginning. In the field of the 72 cars, the Gullwings were among the fastest entries right away. Having started from 15th place on the grid, the Abu Dhabi Black Falcon SLS AMG GT3 moved up into the lead for the first time after two hours. Consistently fast lap times also allowed the other Gullwings to move up quickly into the ranks of the front-runners as well.

Most successful newcomer in the 2011 motor sport season

This year’s Dubai 24-hour race marks the beginning of the second racing season for the SLS AMG GT3. In its debut year of 2011, the Gullwing became probably the most successful newcomer in the 2011 motorsport season: from March 2011 on 40 race cars were delivered to international customer teams that took part in races on four continents and won a total of 25 races. The success story was crowned by the team title of the FIA GT3 European Championship for HEICO Motorsport and its two Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 – the first title for the Gullwing in its first full racing season.

The 3rd place SLS AMG GT3 shared by Bernd Schneider (GER), Kenneth Heyer (GER), Andreas Simonsen (SWE) und Rodolfo Gonzalez (VEN) leans into one of Circuit Yas Marina's bends. Note expansive paved run-off area. Purists decry the circuit's sterile layout.

Text and photography from Daimler Media.

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If one hangs around AMG's Afalterbach facility long enough sooner or later an upcoming product will reveal itself. In this case we see an early test mule for the SLS Black Series rumbling out the gate and quite likely headed for the Nordschliefe.

SLS Black Series
Test Mule spotted at Nurburgring

When navigating through MBUSA’s website to arrive at the AMG section users are confronted with an intro graphic of AMG’s famous logo rendered in a technical manner. We’re forced to ponder the meaning of those three simple letters as the graphic consumes some time morphing into the bold logo recognized globally by automobile enthusiasts. The 44 year old company offers 15 (oddly, the new SLK55 AMG is not mentioned on MBUSA’s site) standard offerings today to satisfy just about any enthusiasts tastes. For those with extreme needs,the Performance Studio offers the radical C 63 Black Series bringing the firms current offerings to 16. There will soon be a 17th.

AMG's 'Performance Studio' has turned its attention to the successful SLS Gullwing. We see massive wheel arches to accommodate larger wheel/tire combinations and crude front facia likely hiding larger cooling ducts and a more aggressive spoiler/splitter configuration. Power will undoubtedly rise above 600hp. This test hack is fitted with full roll cage for safe high speed testing at Germany's treacherous 14 mile Nurburgring circuit.

Specifications?

How will the new Black SLS differ from its more sedate but massively competent brother? We can only speculate. Applying the improvements made to the 4 prior Black projects – 2006 SLK 55, 2007 CLK 63, 2008 SL 65, 2011 C 63 Coupe – to the new SLS and we will certainly see less weight combined with additional power/torque and balanced with improved aerodynamic grip. Brake performance must increase as well. Nothing unusual here.

However, there can be a good discussion regarding the power source. Will the car be fitted with an uprated version of the standard SLS M 159 6.2 liter normally aspirated V8? Or will we see an uprated version of AMG’s fairly new M 157 5.5 liter twin turbo V8 installed? The twin-turbo is more in tune with the eco-friendly ethos of the firm’s new ‘Performance 2015‘ program. We’ll have to wait for an answer on this issue. Will AMG turn the entire performance community on its collective ear with the release of a Black Series based on the full electric E-Cell SLS? Not this time around but it’s worth considering.

Black in Black: As is the case with prior 'Black Series' cars, the new SLS Black will not be a harmonious beauty but an in-your-face thug. Low production and a hefty list price are assured.

Visit our SLS Gullwing listings.

Visit our SLS Gullwing video section.

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com
Photography from MotorAuthority, Autoblog.com and Motor Trend

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Now in its second year, the Legends of the Autobahn is gaining momentum. With strong support from the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, BMW CCA and the Porsche Club of America, this year's event featured over 500 cars on display.

Legends Returns
Friday August 19, 2011
Rancho Canada Golf Club, Carmel Valley

Gaining attention for a new event during the typically exhausting August Monterey week is an uphill battle. Event marketing begins earlier and earlier each year as promoters jostle for the attention and disposable income of the hoards of generally sophisticated enthusiasts that overwhelm the Peninsula each August.

Were it not for Sports Car Market magazine’s handy timeline guide, an Excel Worksheet would be required to keep track of the proceedings. I counted 18 events of moderate to high interest taking place from Monday the 15th through Sunday the 21st. Retirement seems to be the only sure fire way to try to take it all in.

This year’s Legends of the Autobahn celebration of quality German automobiles seems to be gaining some traction and the Mercedes-Benz presence was up this year with MBCA members providing about 100 cars. An event for car owners rather than spectators, Legends attracted 500 cars with strong support form BMW and Porsche. Factory BMW support was evident with the BMW Hommage 328 design exercise.

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We had hoped to have our project 250SE 5-speed coupe to display but customer demands dictated we couldn’t ready our unique sunroof coupe in time. A lucky find in Santa Cruz on my way to Monterey Thursday(!) allowed me to swap my E-Class wagon for a spectacular 49k mile 1970 280SE sedan. It was no Gullwing but still a vintage MBZ with personality that I was proud to ease onto the grass among the acres of other cool Teutonic iron. I parked next to a new SLS Gullwing sadly covered with gouges after a serious episode of “keying.”

The author's simple but spotless 280SE sedan lines up next to some heavyweights. Grey skies prevailed most of the day.

MBCA Award Winners

Best of Show (all marques)- Gerry Holzapple, 1969 280SL
People’s Choice (all marques)- Pat Matthews, 1957 300Sc Cabriolet
Best of Marque (Mercedes)- Gerry Holzapple, 1969 280SL

Class 1 (1886-1962 Vintage Open Cars)
1st – Jeff Lotman, 1961 300SL Roadster
2nd – Pat Matthews, 1957 300Sc Cabriolet
3rd – Bob Buckter, 1960 220SE Cabriolet

Class 2 (1886-1959 Vintage Closed Cars)
1st – Chad Hunt, 1955 300SL Gullwing
2nd – Pat Matthews, 1957 300Sc Coupe
3rd – John Willot, 1955 300SL Gullwing
4th – Peter Thomas, 1952 W194 Gullwing

Class 3 and Class 5 (1963-1991 Classic and Modern Open Cars)
1st – Carole Osselaer, 1972 350SL
2nd – Steve Ross, 1987 560SL
3rd – Thomas Uniak, 1969 280SL

Class 4 (1960-1971 Classic Closed cars)

1st – Keith Morgan, 1971 300SEL 3.5
2nd – Pat Matthews, 1967 230S Sedan
3rd – Frank Pecarich, 1967 250SE Coupe

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The event came off beautifully thanks to the exceptional efforts of MBCA’s Laura Simonds and event coordinators for the PCA and BMW CCA. Legends is another reason to become an MBCA member and I encourage you to peruse the Club’s website for all the benefits. We proudly present many of the judged Mercedes-Benz below. See you next year!

If you wish to buy high resolution prints from our collection of Monterey Week images, visit Classic Motoring Images.

Keith Morgan attends to his class 4 winning 1971 300SEL 3.5. His air suspension 109 series sedan is fairly rare with only 3,225 units constructed in 1971.

Pat Matthews' gorgeous and highly original 300Sc coupe took 2nd place honors in Class 2. Only a handful of these fuel injected 188 series coupes were constructed.

Carole Osselaer's tobacco brown 1972 350SL captured 1st place in class 3/5. When will these early 107 SLs finally become collectible?

As a Fintail addict, I would kill to own Pat Matthews' amazing 4 speed 230S Fintail. Remarkably original in every respect - except the newly fitted 15' Universal wheels - and fitted with a floor mounted 4-spd and sunroof, it's one special Fin. It placed 2nd in class 4.

One of my favorites at the show, this restored 0319 kombi was spectacular in every respect. The result of an expensive decade-long restoration, this gem was a welcome relief to the usual Mercedes-Benz fare at the show.

Peter Thomas looks justifiably satisfied with the most audacious and expensive rig at this year's Legends. The 194 re-creation was secretly constructed over 5 years on a cost no object basis. It's a masterpiece of fabrication. The blue Renntransporter was originally commissioned by Mercedes-Benz to replace the original it crushed in 1967. Both are for sale from MercedesHeritage.com.

Steve Ross' always in vogue Champagne (473) 560SL captured 2nd place in class 3/5. 560SLs are always in style and MercedesHeritage.com has 3 in stock.

Legends at the Legends: l-r: Sammy Rad, Eli Benhamo, Wally Buch and Pat Matthews. A serial Mercedes-Benz hunter, Sammy R. bought the Golf Club gardener's 280SE low-grille coupe after spying it in the parking lot!

Another favorite of mine, this light custom Gullwing is always a nice diversion from the politically correct restored Gullwings. With lots of chrome, candy burgundy paint and other subtle modifications, this Rudge wheel GW makes quite an impression.

The meticulous Wally Buch (in the tan hat) chats all things Mercedes next to his spotless black (040)/tan roadster. Nary a bolt has been left unturned in his effort to fully sort his SL.

Will Clark surveys the proceedings next to his Rudge wheel 300SL roadster.

The Chad and Barbara Hunt Gullwing.

A contrarian hit at the show was this road warrior quasi AMG retro 300SEL 3.5. Owner Udo Putzke bought the car for $500 and 'personalized' it extensively. Legends will have to create a new class next year to accommodate this wild 108 sedan.

It was a fine day for Jeff Lotman and restorer Jurgen Klockemman. Lotman's freshly body-off restored 1961 Roadster picked up 1st place in class 1.

Bronze and black 2-tone 111 3.5 sunroof coupe.

This creme 300S coupe was an interesting addition as it exuded an comfortable patina. I'm not so sure this is a correct period color.

Bob Buckter stands proudly next to his attractive two-tone 1960 220SE cabriolet. The color scheme was specially conceived by Bob, a professional colorist.

Pat Matthews' glorious deep blue 300Sc roadster sits next to his maroon Sc cabriolet.

Moss Green 280SL.

The epitome of middle '50s elegant and reasonably rapid continental transportation, Pat Matthews' stunning 300Sc Cabriolet glows even under grey skies. It won the People's Choice award.

Frank Pecarich's 1967 250SE coupe?

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com

Photography from MecedesHeritage.com and Gary Anderson

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June 10, 2011 was the day earmarked by the Gullwing Group to celebrate the Club's 50th anniversary. Returning to Fort Point at the foot of the GG Bridge to reprise an image taken at the same spot on May 6, 1962 was spectacularly successful. The fog parted just in time for the glorious images.

Gullwing Group celebrates their 50th
Spectacular Fort Point gathering

With just 613 members, the Gullwing Group is one of the smaller classic car clubs in the United States. However, sales of 300SL Gullwings and Roadsters exert a powerful influence over the entire classic car market and are often indicators of the overall health of the market. Due to their enormous values ($500k – $1m+),  Gullwings and Roadsters loom large over the entire market. This series of cars (W198) have become ‘must own’ acquistitions for collectors and reside in many of the world’s most sophisticated collections.

In 1961 a young man named Ernie Spitzer saw far beyond the immediate low values and creeping obsolescence of his Gullwing and decided to create a small club dedicated to preserving the Gullwing legacy and knowledge base. He and seventeen fellow Gullwing owners formed the Gullwing Group on June 16, 1961. In May of that year the fledgling GWG shot a group picture at the unpaved parking lot at Fort Point at the southern base of the Golden Gate Bridge.

May 6, 1961: The fledgling Gullwing Group stages its first portrait at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Roadsters would eventually join the club. Average value of a Gullwing when this image was taken? About $3,900.

June 10, 2011
Back to the Bridge

The club’s plan to duplicate the original Fort Point shot 50 years on resulted in another wonderful picture and one that contrasts the original by including roadsters in the mix. 29 Gullwings, 12 Roadsters, two SLSs, a spectacular 1952 300SL re-creation and a beautifully done Rennsport Transporter re-creation were present under spectacular clear skies June 10.

Where have Gullwing (and Roadster) values gone over the last fifty years? In a word, up! Spectacularly so. A quick calculation of the value of the original 29 Gullwings present at the first gathering computes to about $102,000. The same calculation of the 29 present June 10, 2011 brings the value to…$18,850,000.

50 years on, club founder Ernie Spitzer is still an active figure in the club. Spitzer sold his 'best of the breed' Gullwing last year. Extraordinary W194 re-creation is at right.

Creating the unobtainable
The 194R Silver Arrow debuts

The GWG anniversary also marked the debut of two extraordinary renderings of Mercedes-Benz racing history. Front and center during the gathering was the gorgeous 194R Silver Arrow painstakingly created over the last 5 years under the guidance of Peter Thomas. This cost-no-object project is a mind boggling virtual duplicate of the father of the Gullwing, the W194 300SL created in the early ’50s. June 10, 2011 was the car’s world debut and those who looked closely at the details were floored by the fabrication quality and attention to accuracy.

Star of the gathering? Peter Thomas' spectacular 194R Silver Arrow made its world debut June 10. Only 7 original W194s exist and this car is perhaps the only opportunity for a private party to acquire a virtual duplicate of the original. Contact Roy Spencer @ 650-343-7980 for more details.

Rennsport Transporter
1 of 1 in private hands

Another surprise visitor to Fort Point on this day was the only Rennsport Transporter in private hands. Fans of Mercedes-Benz’ racing dominance in the mid ’50s will remember the 300SL engined high speed single car racing transporter. Constructed to facilitate high speed trips between the factory and Europe’s racing circuits the unusually proportioned truck became symbolic of the teams clinical precision.

Having become an outdated relic from the ’50s the bright blue transporter was crushed by the factory in the late 1967, a move Mercedes-Benz would soon regret. As corporate awareness of the marketing potential associated with the growing number of classic car events grew, Mercedes-Benz realized the discarded Transporter would have been a spectacular PR ambassador. With one of the 1955 Grand Prix cars on its back, the Renntransporter would be the focal point of any vintage gathering.

For students of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix racing history, the sight of the transporter was a vivid reminder of the exploits of Moss, Fangio and Lang during the 1954/1955 Grand Prix seasons. This transporter is the only example in existence aside from the Factory's replica.

According to the current owner Mercedes commissioned a replacement to be constructed by a fabricator in Sweden in the early ’90s but cancelled the contract fairly soon after work had begun. MIKA GmbH in northern Germany ultimately received the commission to construct a ‘new’ transporter and the result is the truck Mercedes-Benz Classic displays at vintage events today. However, the Swedish constructor continued to build the originally commissioned truck, finishing it after 14 years of hard labor. This is the truck you see above. This amazing symbol of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix dominance is available for sale and can be inspected at our facility in Burlingame. Feel free to contact me for more details.

Two new SLS gullwings and the zany Renntransport joined the group as well. A new SLS costs twice the combined value of the original 29 Gullwings photographed in 1961!

Ultimately the Gullwing's fate is determined by dedicated current owners and motivated future buyers. Based on the enthusiasm of this group we can be confident the Gullwing's next 50 years will be as secure as the last 50.

The SLSs join the group and dwarf the original cars in mass, technology and horsepower. While not appreciating as yet, the new 197 series cars are showing excellent price stability.

The group adjourned at 9am for a quick trip over the Golden Gate Bridge then back to SF for a slow tour down the twisty bit of Lombard street under flawless blue skies.

The Gullwing is certainly alive and doing well thanks in no small part to the efforts of the Gullwing Group. While organizing tours and events to bring the cars out of garages, the Group has also archived a massive amount of technical information and offers many replacement parts for the 198 series. If you’re a Gullwing or Roadster owner without a membership, join the club. If you’re passionate about these cars but don’t own one, you’re welcome as an associate member. Visit the Gullwing Group International for more information.

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com.

Photography from The Gullwing Group and MercedesHeritage.com

Will the newly announced SLS Roadster overtake the Gullwing in the marketplace? Debuted to the press last month, the attractive open SLS just may challenge Gullwing sales numbers.

SLS Roadster

How will the fabulous SLS AMG Gullwing fare in the marketplace sans the iconic gullwing doors? We’ll find out later this year after the Roadster’s September 13 release. The final design sans camouflage was shown to the press in Germany last month to rave reviews. Meanwhile the prototypes continue to be thrashed about in various parts of the world to remedy any irritating problems that could compromise this next variant of the successful SLS range. Recent media images show the 571 hp roadster circulating the high banks of the factory’s fabled test track in Stuttgart-Unterturkheim.

Dare I say the Roadster's rear 3/4 view is more attractive than the Gullwing's? I'd say vastly so. Increased chassis side rail wall thickness, additional A-post support struts and an additional crossmember behind the seats will insure stability and reduce scuttle shake.

SLS Roadster final development continues. Pounding pre-production Roadsters around the banks of the fabled Untertuerkheim test track is essential to chase potential refinement issues. The same track saw similar tests albeit at a rather slower pace for Fintails and sundry other production cars.

SLS GT3 Program

After extensive testing and development by factory driver Bernd Schneider, the fate of the competition GT3′s is now in the hands of a handful of racing privateers, albeit wealthy ones. One of the series the SLS AMG GT3 was designed for, the ADAC GT Masters, started its season at the Oscherskeben circuit in Germany.

The four privately entered Gullwings finished in the top ten in each heat race with the Team Heico car piloted by Andreas Zuber/Lance David Arnold finishing fifth in the first race. However mid-engine technology won the day with former GT Masters Champion Christoper Haase and newcomer Andreas Simonsen winning aboard an Audi R8 LMS. We’ll keep you up to date on this series.

Round One, turn one of the 2011 ADAC Masters season: A Lamborghini leads the jostling pack. We see Audis, SLSs and a Corvette bracketing an SLS.

Race 1: The SLS GT3s of Primajob Team Heico, MS Racing and Black Falcon finish fifth, sixth and seventh separated by less than one second.

GT3 Safety

Crash testing a GT3? With racing speeds approaching 200 mph, AMG must insure driver safety in the event of accidents. Here we see a direct driver side impact test simulating the worst nightmare for a racing driver. This is another example of AMG's thorough preparation.

Safety beneath the surface: We see the triangulated roll cage, deep wraparound seat, wraparound head rest, alloy spaceframe structure and the on-board fire system.

Tuners

Hamann Hawk: Starting at the front there is a new front bumper fascia with LED lights and enlarged air inlets. Carbon fiber hood allows hot air to escape while the fender flairs provide an extra 60mm on each front side and 70mm on each rear side. Side skirts, rear bumper fascia with diffuser and carbon fiber wing round out the body kit. Performance of the already potent 6.2-liter V8 engine is enhanced with high-performance titanium exhaust manifolds and sports catalysts while a sports air filter is used on the intake side. In concert with a remapped engine control unit, power output is raised to 636 PS (628 bhp / 468 kW) from the standard 571 PS (420 kW / 563 hp) for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). The coilover kit with four height-adjustable dampers and four progressively wound springs lower the center of gravity by up to 30 millimeters. Wheels are Hamann's own lightweight forged wheels in 9Jx21 with tires measuring 245/30 ZR 21 at the front and 12.5Jx21 with tires measuring 345/25 ZR 21 at the rear.

Mansory Cormeum: Designed and named by the tuner's owner and head designer Kourosh Mansory, the SLS gets wrapped in a complete carbon shell for a 90 kg weight-saving diet and a substantially revised look. The body kit includes a new lightweight roof and wing doors, front skirt with large air inlets, widening fenders that extend the SLS by 66 mm at the front axle and 84 mm at the rear axle, as well as side skirts that make the sport coupe appear lower. At the back is a rear spoiler with carbon flaps and a race diffuser for additional downforce. Engine tuning consists of increasing output to 660 PS (485 kW / 651 bhp) while a performance upgrade to 800 PS (588 kW / 789 bhp) is also in the works. For the wheels are 9 x 20 inch rims at the front with 265/30R20 Michelin tires and 11 x 21 inchers at the back wrapped in 295/25R20 Michelins. New springs and dampers lower the SLS AMG by 20 mm too. On the inside Mansory does its luxuriating thing with a hand fitted soft leather finish with decorative stitching, carbon trim, of course, a newly designed center console and other touches such as the aluminum pedals and sport steering wheel with a full-sized airbag. The name, Cormeum, comes from an operatic aria called Vide Cor meum composed by Patrick Cassidy and based on a sonnet in Dante's "La Vita Nuova".

You’re now fully caught up with all the SLS news. What’s ahead for the SLS program? We hear rumors of a ‘Black Edition’ and production plans for the all electric E-Cell. Stay tuned.

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com
Photography from Daimler Media, Hamann, Autoblog.com, ADAC Masters

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Dream find: a long hidden single California family owned 300SL roadster. We found it and it has subsequently made its way to the Mercedes Classic center in Germany. Are there more lost gems to be discovered? The answer to this question lies below.

Chasing lost classics
Recent MBZ Discoveries

Our relentless search for unique Mercedes-Benz often turns up some surprises. Some are more exciting than others and we have to weed through the mundane. A 1975 450SL sitting on flat tires with 190k miles on the clock isn’t worth a walk across the street. However, some tips are worth a flight across the country. And sometimes there have been some gems sitting right under our noses. Here are some recent finds.

Abandoned 280SL in Georgia

This 280SL was a victim of a home foreclosure in Georgia. When the lender finally got around to assessing and selling the foreclosed property they were greeted by this sad SL still sitting in the garage. Circumstances must have been dire to force the former owner to abandon the house and the car. It's a non-runner with some rust but the best of the best regarding color/trim and options. How about an original silver 280SL with full black leather, both tops, automatic, Frigiking AC, tinted glass and roof rails? Eminently savable, this cool restoration project just arrived at the MercedesHeritage headquarters.

Sleeping 1955 Gullwing – 34 years off the road

Are there still hidden Gullings lurking in garages around the country? There are but a few that are still undiscovered. The owner of this 1955 Gullwing contacted MercedesHeritage a few years ago inquiring about a possible sale. In the family since 1958, the car had been off the road for over 34 years and hadn't moved an inch in 15 years. While the luggage and tools were missing, it was still fitted with its original belly pans and its original concave grille star. Originally a 050 white car with blue MB tex, this Gullwing was an ideal candidate for a full body-off restoration. My careful inspection reveled tolerable rust and superb overall structure. And checking the coachwork with an electronic paint depth indicator revealed very little filler. There should be few surprises when the paint comes off this homely Gullwing. It arrived last week and will emerge in a few years restored to perfection.

Oceanside 300SL Roadster

Sometimes there are fabulous cars hiding closer than we realize. I've been unwittingly driving by this "yard" find roadster three or four times a year during my trips down California's glorious Hwy 1. It had been sitting barely 50 feet off the road just north of Santa Cruz. Relatively complete with its non-matching number engine on a stand in the garage, this 534 Fire Engine Red roadster had been sitting in the owner's front yard with a tarp over it for years! The clutch, gearbox and ancillary items were buried in a rotting shed in the garden. This is a find that we ultimately weren't able to buy. Our deal soured due to the aging and slightly addled seller continually changing our agreement. The finial demand of a partial payment of $100,000 cash in a paper bag torpedoed this deal. It has been sold however and is also in line for a restoration.

Contact us with your finds

If you are aware of something interesting hidden in your area, please email us or call 650-343-7980. We pay handsomely for leads that result in purchases and pay fair money for interesting cars, from Fintails to Gullwings.

View some of our past discoveries.

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com
Photography from MercedesHeritage.com

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The result of Mercedes Benz' 5 year flirtation with Wankel engine technology, the C111 program spawned some very exciting mid-engine Gullwings. Neither the Wankel technology nor the mid-engine platform ever found their way to production. Specialist constructor Arturo Alonso has been sufficiently smitten by these great cars to create his own modern interpretation. Here an original Wankel model fronts the 192 mph turbo diesel record car.

C111 Reprise from Texas

If Texas automotive designer and entrepreneur Arturo Alonso has his way, one of the most exciting Mercedes designs never to be offered to the public may see the light of day. At least in spirit. Alonso’s Ciento Once’ design exercise will undoubtedly arouse the passions of any of us who remember the C111 series initiated by Mercedes in the latter ’60s.

Constructed by Mercedes-Benz as a test platform for Wankel engine technology, the original C111s were developed into muscular supercars using three and four rotor engines. Output peaked at around 400 hp before the project was shelved. The final C111 iteration set many endurance records at the Nardo test facility in Italy. The ultra slick record car was fitted with a turbocharged 5 cylinder Diesel and averaged 188+ mph for 12 hours as well as managing 192 mph for one hour.

” Fabulous concept. Can Alonso pull this one off? We’ll just have to wait and see. Perhaps the fact the originals were never offered to the public will obviate any intervention by Mercedes attorneys.”

The brilliant orange Wankel engine cars are stored at the Classic Center in Fellbach and are rotated through the Museum as part of dedicated displays. Recent appearances include the ‘Super Sports Cars’ display in Pebble Beach August 2010 and selected European venues during 2010.

The Classic Center in Fellbach stores the few C111s constructed. Note the two other examples sitting in storage compartments above this car. What would this car sell for on the open market?

Editing the Concept
V12 Power replaces the Wankel

Alonso’s company GWA Tuning has turned its creative talents toward one of Mercedes’ more unique engineering exercises. Interpreting the rarely seen C111 for today’s tastes required taking some liberties with dimensions and drivetrain. The hand fashioned alloy coachwork will clothe a spaceframe featuring a slightly longer than original 103″ wheelbase, adjustable suspension with coil over shocks and brakes lifted from the S55 AMG sedan.

Coming soon to a street near you? Perhaps. Alonso faced stiff legal opposition from the Mercedes-Benz legal department challenging his plan for the Panamericana Gullwing project. That project has died. Perhaps the Ciento Once will go forward.

Lifting the glass engine cover will reveal drivetrain rather more glamorous than the oblong cube of the Wankel rotary engine. Alonso has opted for an M120 V12 producing the original factory output of 408hp, essentially the same engine used in another rare Mercedes prototype, the C112. In keeping with the spirit of the original car, there won’t be a paddle shifter in sight. Alonso has opted for a 6-speed Cima H type transaxle. The engine package is finished off with specially tuned exhaust.

While the interior will echo the original spartan interior of the original, carbon fiber seats trimmed in plaid will complement carbon trimmed dash accents. Drilled aluminum pedals, navigation and lighted sill plates complete the interior. And of course, this is a true Gullwing with roof mounted doors.

Fabulous concept. Can Alonso pull this one off? We’ll just have to wait and see. Perhaps the fact that the originals were never offered to the public will obviate any intervention by Mercedes attorneys. We hope so and wish Arturo Alonso all the best with this ambitious project.

More Ciento Once’ Images

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Still basking in the glow of success; The SLS AMG Gullwing continues to impress, both on the track and with the performance motoring public.

E-Cell

Continuing their rollout of the ‘AMG Performance 2015‘ program, Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed plans to put the 48 kWh lithium battery powered SLS “E-Cell” Gullwing into production. Essentially as quick as the petrol fueled SLS – .2 seconds slower to 100 km/hr – the E-Cell is powered by four synchronous electric motors which deliver power equivalent to 525 hp. Mercedes-AMG GmbH  chairman, Ola Kallenius noted, “We take social responsibility very seriously and with the SLS AMG E-Cell we are demonstrating a further milestone in our ‘AMG Performance 2015′ strategy.”

Range will be a massive issue for AMG’s bold new Supercar; The prototype was rumored to have less than a 100 mile range under moderate speed driving conditions. Pushing the engineers is what this program is all about and we can be sure there is intense activity to offer the new E-Cell as the first reasonably practical zero emission Supercar.

Detroit Auto Show January 10, 2011: Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management Daimler AG proudly announces production plans for the SLS E-Cell

24 Hours of Dubai: SLS GT3s finish 3rd, 7th and 12th

The sixth running of the Dubai 24-hours included three new SLS AMG GT3s, two campaigned by the Black Falcon team and a third car entered by Heico Motorsports. All finished the 24 hours grind with the Black Falcon car captained by Thomas Jager completing the most laps among the group for a third place overall, 4 laps behind winners Farfus/Sandstrom/Milner/Hurtgen in a BMW Z4 GT3. The quick cars at the sharp end of the grid had to navigate a massive field of 84 cars of widely varying speeds over the 24 hours.

Hustling around the Dubai Autodrome; Seventh place finisher Heico Motorsports leads a Porsche 911 and a fellow SLS GT3 entrant. Note the vastly slower BMWs in the background.

This event marks the final step in the customer SLS GT3 development program. Once the FIA homologates the cars and sets the ‘balance of performance restrictions’ to insure parity between competitors within specific classes, sales of the cars will begin. This is expected to occur late this month.

A new SLS GT3 receiving service and a driver change under the lights in Dubai. Short pants in the racing pits where refueling takes place?

Auto, Motor und Sport Award

For the second year in a row, the exciting SLS AMG Gullwing was voted the best sports car of the year in the German auto enthusiast magazine Auto, Motor und Sport’s latest survey. With over 90,000 readers responding, Mercedes and AMG can take great satisfaction that the bloom is certainly not yet off the bold new Gullwing.

With racing successes, production plans for the SLS E-Cell and the imminent release of the SLS Roadster, the fabulous 197 series will continue to be in the news and the imaginations of motoring enthusiasts throughout 2011.

Roaring into the history books: The brilliant SLS will shine on all fronts in 2011.

Parting Shot: Hurling the GT3 through Dubai Autodrome's swerves at day's end.

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com
Photography from Mercedes-Benz

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Beginning in Tuxtla Gutierrez Mexico, the La Carrera Panamericana retro features glorious roads, an eclectic variety of cars and heart stopping high speed touring.

La Carrera Panamericana 2010 Open Road motoring at it best What do you get when you unleash 120 race prepared cars from the ’50s and ’60s on 3,200 kilometers of unprotected Mexican highways? That would be the La Carrera Panamericana, a reprise of the treacherous Mexican classic run from 1950-1955. After the noise had stopped and all the wayward cars were retrieved from the ravines and canyons stretching from Chiapas to Zacatecas, the thundering early ’50s Studebaker driven by former world rally star Harri Rovenpera was crowned 2010′s winner. This was no ordinary Studebaker and Rovenpera certainly is no ordinary driver. Rovenpera, considered a gravel specialist during his rally days, won 3 consecutive 2 liter world rally championships (1996-1999). A rallyist’s skills are just what are required for the La Carrera – lightning quick reactions for surprises on the road and steely nerves to keep the throttle down while hurling past spectators, buildings and trees positioned just feet from the road.

Rovenparra sets the "Studie" in a perfect drift on his way to victory in the 2010 La Carrera. His loyal navigator Jouni Narhi kept him up to date on the rapidly unfolding terrain and prevented any "offs." Note the slip angle of the Studebaker in relation to the white lines on the road - a master at work.

The Studebaker was essentially a Nextel Cup stock car fitted with the slippery Raymond Loewy designed original coachwork. Eclectic doesn’t begin to describe the variety of cars entered and local residents witnessed competitors piloting ’50s Buicks, Hudsons and Fords as well as 60′s machinery such as Porsche 911s, Alfas and Volvos.

Mercedes-Benz was well represented and we present a selection of those entered below.

Walter Lechler idles his 280SL through a checkpoint. Note steel wheels, a roll cage with side netting and full bumpers.

Thomas Ledergerber squashes his 108 sedan into one of the La Carrera's thousand bends. Yup, you CAN rally a 108 sedan! It's heavy, it's slow but fun nevertheless. It looks like the robust sedan survived an encounter with a guardrail or perhaps the earth.

How about a fully prepared Fintail? Ulrich Koener attempts to stop his 300SE during day 7. This looks like a very high dollar, highly prepared fin. Note open sunroof for some heat relief and colors of the original Eugen Bohringer 300SE race car from 1964. Fabulous.

Another Pagoda, this time fitted with alloy wheels and with its hard top in place and showing collision damage that probably removed the front bumper. Gabriel Jochen presses on.

Carlos Anaya's V-8 "LT Special" is removed from the trees after a high speed "off." The La Carrera requires serious concentration and car control. Knowledge of the roads is a massive advantage.

Philippe Vandrome's road warrior Gullwing makes time toward Zacatecas on day 6. While the massive modifications might cause a Gullwing purist to blanch, this type of preparation makes the Gullwing behave well enough to press on at high speed with confidence.

Pagoda #311 belonged to Gunter Sundag. He opted for no bumpers, steel wheels, hard top in place and what appears to be standard exhaust. Did the car remain this pristine to the finish?

As always, it's not all about the cars.

Here's another look at Thomas Ledergerber's 108. He opted for no bumpers or wheel covers and the obligatory roll cage with window net. I just purchased a black 250S sedan. I'll check my calendar; maybe I'm available for a trip to Mexico next October...

Pierre de Thoisy's Gullwing seems to be somewhat fresher than Philippe Vandrome's car. Note side pipes, lightweight wheels, very low profile tires, perspex side windows with sliding panels and no bright work; a damn serious Gullwing.

This is de Thoisy's Gullwing again. The already cozy GW cockpit becomes extremely tight with the roll cage. Between the interior heat, a driver's suit and the Mexican climate, this Gullwing must have become a hot box, particularly if he ran with the belly pans in place.

What happens when it goes all wrong during the La Carrera? Have a look at this short in-car video taken during the event. It doesn’t end well…

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com
Photography from Mexsport

Recommended Reading:
La Carrera Panamericana: “The World’s Greatest Road Race!” by Johnny Tipler
Carrera Panamericana: The History of the Mexican Road Race by Daryl E. Murphy

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Brabus gives the SLS a new personality. Wider and quicker than the standard SLS, the Widestar will undoubtedly attract some buyers. Is it too understated for the generally flamboyant modified supercar buyers?

Brabus Releases its SLS ‘WideStar’

“The new BRABUS WIDESTAR wide version represents a custom-tailored designer suit for the Mercedes SLS AMG. In addition to the extravagant high-tech carbon-fiber body program for the gullwing the tuner also offers ultralight forged wheels, an electronically adjustable Ride Control smooth-ride suspension, a titanium high-performance exhaust system with electronically controlled sound management and custom BRABUS interiors.”

And so another tuner unleashes their talents on the magnificent new SLS. Historically focused on well engineered technical improvements and tasteful competition oriented cosmetic embellishments, Brabus’ interpretations of the Silver Star’s products are always worth discussing.

“A custom tailored suit” is how Brabus describes their new car; however the modifications run deeper than simple cosmetic tweaks. Horsepower is up slightly, lightweight 20″ and 21″ wheels are featured and a titanium exhaust with ‘sound management’ is fitted. A Widestar owner can select the ‘coming home’ exhaust setting that allows a quiet – quieter than the standard SLS – last mile return to base – very clever. The exhaust system is 26 lbs lighter than the standard system.

My drive in a new SLS a few weeks ago revealed an excessively wide automobile. Brabus thinks otherwise and added 20mm to the car's rear width

This Widestar is a study in red and black. Wider rear track, extended rocker panels and matte black finishers for most body apertures enhance purposeful look. Driver adjustable titanium exhaust system allows a quite return home. Note the fixed rear spoiler lip in addition to the factory speed sensitive spoiler. The carbon fiber rear diffuser sits underneath the tail.

Brabus claims its cosmetic revisions "gives the sides of the gullwing more profile." I'm not so sure. Do these add-ons chop up the SLS's shape?

The interior receives additional alcantara, carbon fiber inlays and matte anodized aluminum pedals. It's very elegant and tasteful.

Widestar Specifications:

• PLATINUM EDITION 20/21 inch forged alloys
• Electronically adjustable Ride Control
• Extravagant high-tech carbon-fiber body program
• Titanium high-performance exhaust system with electronically controlled sound management
• Increase in power output by 10 hp / 7.4 kW.
• Custom BRABUS interiors.
• Front spoiler for the production front fascia, a rear spoiler and a rear diffuser
• BRABUS air outlets for the front fenders
• Stiffer sway bars for front and rear
• Carbon-fiber inlays in any desired color and matte anodized aluminum pedals and foot rest

The WIDESTAR: Certainly living up to its name.

While Mercedes-Benz and AMG must groan at the sight of each new interpretation of their glorious new SLS, buyers will ultimately determine the fate of the Widestar. What do you think?

Photography from Brabus
BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com).

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