Old is new again, with restomods dominating the enthusiast car scene. Coachbuilding is back too, this time in the form of an ugly-duckling tribute to the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.
The aptly named 300GTC is the brainchild of Saoutchik, a long lost French coachbuilding company which was revived in 2016 after 61 years in the automotive wilderness.
Recently acquired by a Dutch company, the 300GTC is the first in a planned line of bespoke and limited-run vehicles to be produced by Saoutchik going forward.
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Little is known about the 300GTC, but it’s likely a modern Mercedes-AMG SL under the skin, with custom bodywork draped over the top.
Designed by Ugur Sahin and revealed in detailed renderings, the coachbuilt SL features a long bonnet, circular headlights and a narrow, rectangular grille, just like the original.
It’s a hell of a lot bigger, though.
The modern SL that the GTC is based on measures 18cm longer, 14cm wider and, notably, about 500kg heavier than the 300 SL of the 1950s.
Front and centre on the front grille sits the elaborate Saoutchik badge.
Down the side of the 300GTC you’ll find chrome strakes taken straight from the 300 SL, although the vertically opening doors of the original 300 SL Gullwing are missing, preserving the folding convertible roof which is more akin to the classic Roadster.
Eye-catching chrome monoblock-style wheels also dominate the side profile.
The sloping, rounded rear has been designed with minimalism in mind. Aside from bulging rear haunches, there are vents behind the back tyres, slim strip taillights, and dual exhaust outlets embedded in a chrome diffuser.
There are plenty of design cues taken from the original, but the proportions of the remake may prove to be divisive among fans of the 300 SL.
The body of the 300GTC Roadster is a full carbon fibre construction, produced by POGEA Racing.
Saoutchik hasn’t confirmed the engine that will power its new creation, but the current Mercedes-AMG SL is offered with a choice of several powertrains.
While Australia only receives the SL63 with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, overseas markets also get 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder variants and a plug-in hybrid version of the V8.
Each car is fully customisable to the the buyers wishes, but you’ll have to get in quick. Just 15 examples will be built, each taking a claimed 4000 hours.
The asking price? That’s to be confirmed. It’s safe to assume the figure will be eye-watering.
