2004 Mercedes SLK320 Tribute Revives 300SL Gullwing Legacy at DFW Car & Toy Museum

The 2004 Mercedes SLK320 "300SL Gullwing Tribute" is now showcased at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, offering a unique fusion of classic design and modern automotive technology. This custom build, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, meticulously recreates the iconic silhouette and spirit of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing from the 1950s while utilizing contemporary mechanical components for enhanced reliability and performance.

Sharing the original 300SL's 2,400mm wheelbase, the SLK320 platform has been transformed to emulate the classic proportions through signature upward-opening gullwing doors with fixed windows, wheel-arch eyebrows, dual hood bulges, fender louvers with bright spears, pivot-out door handles, simulated roof vents, and chrome bumpers. These elements combine to deliver an authentic vintage aesthetic while maintaining the underlying modern chassis dynamics, including servo-assisted ventilated disc brakes, power steering, independent front suspension, and a multi-link rear setup.

Powering this tribute is a 3.2-liter M112 V6 engine featuring sequential fuel injection, twin-plug ignition, and SOHC aluminum construction, factory-rated at 215 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. The power is transmitted through a 5G-Tronic five-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels, providing smooth and capable performance that bridges historical appeal with modern drivability. The interior continues this theme with beige loop carpeting, faux sill vents, a dash-mounted rear view mirror, and functional air conditioning routed through defroster and footwell vents.

A body-color dashboard fascia houses VDO gauges including a 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary readouts, while an ivory-colored tilt steering wheel facilitates entry and exit—mirroring the original Gullwing's practical design elements. This combination of retro styling cues and contemporary comfort creates an immersive experience that appeals to both classic car enthusiasts and modern collectors, demonstrating how automotive heritage can be preserved through innovative restoration techniques.

The vehicle's display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, located at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com, provides public access to this significant automotive tribute. The museum's 150,000 square foot facility offers climate-controlled preservation and represents an important cultural institution for automotive history enthusiasts. This tribute car not only honors Mercedes-Benz's engineering legacy but also illustrates the evolving nature of automotive restoration, where historical authenticity meets modern reliability, potentially influencing how future classic cars are preserved and presented to the public.