OK, that's quite an announcement, both visually and technically! This Tesla Model 3 has been given the bodywork of the classic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. And it didn't even have to be a real SL. Nevertheless, the people of Stuttgart will be appalled at this insult to majesty.
In retrofitting or electrical conversions, Tesla vehicle components are often used as the basis of the project. Motors, batteries and electronics from the Elon Musk-led company's car are reliable, readily available and provide adequate performance. The story of the car we are talking about here is a bit different. At first glance, it looks like a Mercedes 300 SL 'Gullwing' with zero emissions heart inserted. In fact, it's a slightly, well… unusual Tesla Model 3.
No Mercedes 300 SL was abused
The project is organized by S-Klub LA from California, which takes sports cars from different eras and modifies their bodies, interiors and trims. The result is unique specimens that are sometimes more, sometimes less fascinating. The guys at S-Klub LA took a Tesla Model 3 and turned it into a Mercedes 300 SL replica. It is important to point out that fortunately no original 300 SL model was abused. That would be a shame and the classic car department in Stuttgart would be upset. However, they also have a critical eye on replica 300 SL bodies.
Inside, the Tesla 3 remains
The bodywork has been completely redesigned and is made entirely of fiberglass. It's 100% 'Gull Wing' on the outside, but the interior is entirely 3-derived with blue upholstery and some modified panels. At least in the front, since the car is completely two-seater. Although it has the classic three-pointed star in the center of the radiator grille, the Tesla logo is clearly visible on the steering wheel. And that's not all: the infotainment system in the vehicle is also clearly similar to the Model 3.
The signature of the S-Klub LA can also be seen in other elements, such as the star-shaped AMG light-alloy wheels that debuted on the E 55 in 1995, or the chrome plates in place of the air intakes behind the front wheel arches, already due to inscriptions questionable from the point of view of taste. This brings us back to Stuttgart, where people don't like to see it at all. Fortunately, between southern Germany and California lies a large puddle and a whole lot of land.
