2009 Gullwing 300SL Panamericana, the Legend Reborn

Take a good old fashion classic - the Mercedes 300 SL, a resourceful garage - Gullwing-America, a veteran engineer/designer - Arturo Alonso, put them all in one spot for a while and at the end you'll get this: the 2009 Mercedes 300 SL Panamericana.

We'll leave the looks of the sports car to your consideration, so you can decide whether it is a tribute to the 300 SL or just a bad mock-up. What we can't leave aside are the specifications of the Panamericana.

300SL's body was made by using aircraft composite technology. This construction comprises of a sprayed layer of aluminum (0.5mm thick) into the mold, reinforced by fiberglass. The body stands on a RHS steel reinforced and powder coated chassis, fitted with an independent suspension.

The 300Sl Panamericana is set in motion and kept at high speeds by a 5.5l V8 AMG engine, which, with the use of re-tuned electronics, develops 370 horsepower and 530 Nm of torque at 5,400 rpm. The engine is matted to a six-speed transmission.

In 2010, the Panamericana will become available with a new Mercedes V6 engine, the one used on the 350 models. Developing 320 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque at 4,900 rpm, the engine will be mated to a manual six-speed transmission, worldcarfans reported.

The cars will come in only either silver paint with blue accents in the front fenders, or a Black version. Optionally, a white with red stripes paint job can be ordered. As for the interior, the Panamericana will use red leather upholstery and plaid cloth. The instrument panel will be identical to the original 300SL.

Pricing and additional information can be obtained by contacting [email protected].