The original 300SL Gullwing model rode on a 2,400mm wheelbase, a dimension that is shared by the chassis of the R170 SLK that underpins this build. Features include upward-opening doors with fixed windows, wheel-arch “eyebrows,” dual hood bulges, fender louvers accented by bright spears, simulated roof vents, pivot-out door handles, a driver-side mirror, and chrome bumpers.

The SLK’s running gear includes servo-assisted ventilated disc brakes, power steering, independent front suspension, and a multi-link rear assembly. Additional features include beige loop carpeting, faux sill vents, a dash-mounted rearview mirror, and air conditioning, the latter of which exits only through the defroster and footwell vents.

The ivory-color steering wheel tilts downward to facilitate ingress and egress and sits ahead of a body-color dashboard fascia housing VDO instrumentation, including a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, a clock, and auxiliary gauges.

The 3.2-liter M112 V6 features an aluminum block and cylinder heads, single overhead camshafts, three valves per cylinder, sequential fuel injection, and twin-plug ignition. Output was factory rated at 215 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels via a 5G-Tronic five-speed automatic transmission.

The Ron Sturgeon Collection