When A Classic Gullwing's Flap Becomes A Rare Treasure

Iconic Rarity - Among the legends of the automotive world, few names shine as brightly as the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. Unveiled in February 1954 at the New York International Motor Show, this stunning creation immediately stole the spotlight. Its upward-swinging doors, shaped like the wings of a seagull, earned it the nickname “Gullwing” and made it an instant design icon. Yet the car’s allure was never just about appearance—it was the perfect fusion of style, innovation, and exclusivity that elevated it far beyond the ordinary.

The late Mr. BJ Habibie once posed proudly beside his cherished Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing,’ a car that reflected both his passion for engineering and timeless design. (Picture from: Tempo)

The journey of the 300 SL began with a bold vision: to build a machine that combined futuristic beauty with cutting-edge aerodynamics. Crafted on the W198 chassis, its streamlined body was designed to slice through the air with minimal resistance. Beneath that sculpted shell lay the powerful six-cylinder M198 engine, delivering 221 horsepower from 2,996 cc. For the mid-1950s, a top speed of 250 kilometers per hour was nothing short of astonishing, pushing the limits of what a road car could achieve.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe, celebrated for its iconic gullwing doors, is showcased at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. (Picture from: GridOto)

What truly amazed drivers, however, was how the Gullwing delivered that speed. It could rocket from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 7.4 seconds, thanks to its advanced direct fuel injection system developed with Bosch—an innovation years ahead of its time. Even the dry sump oil circulation system played its part, ensuring smooth performance through aggressive turns at high speeds. This wasn’t just a car built to impress in showrooms; it was engineered to thrill, proving that Mercedes-Benz had created not only a classic beauty but also a technical masterpiece.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL relies on an exceptionally lightweight tubular pipe chassis weighing only 50 kilograms, a design that gave the car both rigidity and elegance. (Picture from: GridOto)

But the genius of the Gullwing wasn’t just about raw power. The car’s heart was matched by its clever bones: a tubular chassis weighing only 50 kilograms. Its cage-like structure kept the vehicle light and rigid but left no room for conventional doors. Instead of compromising, Mercedes-Benz turned necessity into art, creating the now-iconic gullwing doors. They didn’t just solve a problem—they gave the 300 SL its unmistakable character. Watching those doors lift skyward was like seeing a bird ready to take flight, an image that continues to enchant even today. 

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe features a cabin decorated in an elegant bright-red finish, adding a striking contrast to its timeless exterior design. (Picture from: GridOto)

And then there was the driving experience. The car’s dry sump oil system meant uninterrupted lubrication, even during sharp, high-speed turns. This was not a car built to be admired from afar; it was built to perform, to be pushed, to thrill those lucky enough to sit behind its wheel. For enthusiasts of the time, the Gullwing wasn’t simply fast—it was alive with innovation.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe is one of the most sought-after classics in the world, prized by collectors for its rarity, innovation, and timeless allure. (Picture from: GridOto)

Of course, exclusivity has always been part of its charm. Between 1954 and 1957, only 1,400 units of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing were ever produced. About 1,100 made their way to the United States, leaving just a few hundred scattered across the rest of the world. That rarity, combined with its beauty and history, has elevated the Gullwing to almost mythical status. Today, collectors are willing to pay anywhere from $1 million to $2.5 million—or the equivalent of 14 to 35 billion Indonesian rupiahs—for the privilege of owning one.

The rear view of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe, highlighted by its iconic gullwing doors, is proudly displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. (Picture from: GridOto)

In Indonesia, the Gullwing carries a touch of national pride as well. The late President Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie, known for his own engineering brilliance, owned one bearing the plate number “B 300 SL.” His connection to the car feels fitting: a visionary leader driving a visionary machine. 

The automotive passion of the late Mr. BJ Habibie for German cars was reflected in the rows of Mercedes-Benz vehicles neatly lined up in his garage, including the iconic Gullwing. (Picture from: Tempo)

Seven decades later, the 300 SL remains more than just a car. It’s a reminder of what happens when imagination and precision collide, when design dares to defy convention, and when engineering chases the thrill of flight on four wheels. The Gullwing isn’t just parked in garages or displayed at auctions—it lives on in the hearts of those who believe that cars can be more than machines. They can be dreams sculpted in steel, ready to spread their wings.

(We have written this article as a tribute to the late Mr. Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie, who passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at 18:05 in the Central Hospital of the Indonesian Army, Gatot Subroto, Jakarta. 

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the entire Indonesian nation. May he rest in eternal peace, and may Almighty Allah grant him the highest place in His paradise. His remarkable contributions to Indonesia and the world will always be cherished and remembered.) *** [EKA [13092019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TEMPO | GRIDOTO ]

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