When a flap of classic gullwings becomes rarity

One of the world's iconic classic cars named the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL which has a hallmark that is the door was open upward like a flutter of seagull wings, familiarly called Gullwing.

The car was first introduced in February 1954 at the New York International Motor Sport Show. This car was made by carrying a futuristic shaped that was aerodynamic in its time and based on the W198-coded chassis platform.

The late Mr. BJ Habibie posed with his special Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing.' (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2mfJWiw)

According to data from the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, this Mercedes Gullwing uses an 6-cylinder inline Mercedes-Benz M198 engine with a capacity of 2,996 cc which is capable of producing a maximum power of 221 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm.

Then those engine power channeled to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission system.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe with its iconic gullwing door type is displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2lNrP3a)

The amounts of power above is able to make it run to the top speed numbers reaches of 250 kph. And also made the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing' has acceleration capability from 0 to 100 kph in 7.4 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL uses a very lightweight a tubular pipe chassis, which is only 50 kg. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kvtfPH)

This engine is also really special because it has used a mechanical direct injection fuel supply system which is the result of cooperation with Bosch. Then the oil circulation system also uses dry sump model. The goal is that the oil supply continues to work optimally when the car is doing an extremely cornering.

The cabin of Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe decorated by an elegant bright-red color. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kvtfPH)

Yes, for the car made in the 1950s of course the performance is quite impressive. Moreover, this Mercedes Gullwing uses a very lightweight chassis, which is only 50 kg. The chassis are made of tubular pipes and assembled like a cage. These chassis-shaped is makes the sides doesn't have door hinge holders as usually found in the cars in general. And that's why its door is open upward like a flutter of seagull wings.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe is one of the most sought after cars by the world's antique car collectors. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kvtfPH)

At present the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing,' is one of the most sought after cars by the world's antique car collectors. Reportedly, the car in good condition might be able to has a price ranges between 1 to 2.5 million US. dollar or around Rp.14 to 35 billion. Even it's very difficult to find, when there's a collector who willing to sell it.

Rear view of Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe with its iconic gullwing door type is displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2lMqY2Q)

At the time, this car was only produced as many as 1,400 units and about 1,100 of them were sold in the United States while the rest were spread throughout the world. 

Although classified as the super rare cars, but in Indonesia these Mercedes Gullwing are owned by several automotive collectors and one of them is owned by a former of the 3rd President of the Republic of Indonesia, the late Mr. BJ Habibie with a special plate number 'B 300 SL'.

(We deliberately wrote this article as a homage for the late. Mr. Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie who has passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, 18:05 at the Central Hospital of Army 'Gatot Subroto,' Jakarta.

The automotive passions of the late Mr. BJ Habibie on the German cars can be seen of the Mercedes-Benz car rows that lined up neatly in his garage, including the Mercedes Gullwing. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kdjwNC)

Our deepest condolences to his family and to the all of Indonesian nation. May You rest in peace, Sir. And may Almighty Allah grant You the best places by His side. We will always remember all your services to Indonesia and the worlds.) *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ]

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