Apparently, you can accomplish some impressive feats when you’re the Sultan of Brunei. The Southeast Asian nation’s leader requested that Mercedes-Benz’s AMG® division could remodel the interior of an original 300SL gullwing coupe and 300SL roadster. It is alleged that other Brunei royal family members made a similar appeal, but what remains certain is that AMG®, between 1996 and 2009, restomoded eleven original 300SL models – three roadsters and eight coupes. In the end, each was sold for more than $1.39 million.
In early May, at an RM Auction event in Monaco, one of the cars goes on sale: a 1954 300SL with chassis number 198040. While the chassis and body are original, nearly the rest of the car is new. It now boasts a 6.0-liter V-8 that cranks out 380 horsepower and 426 lbs-ft of torque, as well as a modern five-link suspension system. The German automaker added Bilstein shocks, AMG® light alloys, power steering, disc brakes, and a four-speed automatic transmission.
The interior is home to improved features and a mixture of Nappa leather and Alcantara trim. With an adjustable steering wheel, a Sony CD changer, and carbon fiber protective panels, this car has classic good looks mixed with today’s creature comforts. What may be the most fun feature is the complete set of original 300SL instruments modified to meet modern comfort and electronic operation.
While the end-price of an auctioned item is, naturally, unknown, an AMG-modified 300SL sold for $767,460 at an auction in 2009.
At Mercedes-Benz Cary, you won’t find a $767,460 price tag on any of our vehicles, but you can get your hands on the gorgeous, current AMG® models. We have a full array of premier luxury cars and SUVs, so come by to speak with one of our knowledgeable brand ambassadors.