Flip-up doors, often mistakenly called “Lamborghini doors,” have a rich history with Mercedes-Benz, predating Lamborghini’s scissor doors by decades. Mercedes-Benz pioneered the iconic gullwing door design, showcasing it on some of their most memorable and groundbreaking vehicles. These top-hinged doors are not just about dramatic style; they represent engineering innovation and a commitment to pushing automotive boundaries. Let’s explore 8 iconic Mercedes-Benz models that proudly feature these gorgeous wing doors.
1. 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Racer: The Original Winged Wonder
Mercedes-Benz first introduced the gullwing door in 1952 with the 300SL race car. This wasn’t just a stylistic choice; the tubular space frame chassis, designed for lightness and strength in racing, had high sills that made conventional doors impractical. The upward-opening doors solved this structural challenge, becoming an iconic design feature born from necessity and ingenuity. The 300SL racer quickly became a motorsport legend, and with it, the legacy of Mercedes-Benz wing doors began.
2. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL: From Race Track to Showroom Icon
Building on the racing success, Mercedes-Benz brought the revolutionary gullwing doors to the public with the 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL production model. This stunning sports car translated the racing technology and dramatic door design into a road-legal machine. The 300SL became an instant classic, celebrated for its performance, luxurious appointments, and, of course, its signature wing doors. It cemented the gullwing as a symbol of Mercedes-Benz innovation and high-performance luxury.
3. 1969 Mercedes-Benz C 111: Futuristic Vision in Orange
In 1969, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the C 111, the first in a series of experimental prototype vehicles that sported wing doors. Painted in a vibrant safety orange, the C 111 was a rolling laboratory, testing new technologies like rotary engines and advanced suspension systems. Its futuristic design, accentuated by the gullwing doors, made it a sensation. The C 111 wasn’t just about technology; its striking aesthetics ensured its place in design history, even featuring in a modern TV commercial decades later, proving its timeless appeal.
4. 1977 Mercedes-Benz C 111 III: Speed Record Breaker with Wing Doors
The C 111 program continued to evolve, and the 1977 Mercedes-Benz C 111 III iteration became a high-speed marvel. This gullwinged machine was specifically engineered for velocity and achieved a world speed record for Mercedes-Benz’s new five-cylinder diesel engine. The wing doors on the C 111 III were not just for show; they were part of a vehicle designed to push the boundaries of speed and efficiency, showcasing Mercedes-Benz’s engineering prowess in both performance and diesel technology.
5. 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112: The Supercar That Never Was
Continuing the C 111 lineage of experimental vehicles, the 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 was intended to be a production supercar, designed to elevate Mercedes-Benz’s sporting image as they re-entered motorsport. Naturally, it featured dramatic gullwing doors, befitting its supercar aspirations. Despite being technologically advanced and highly desirable, the C 112, unfortunately, never reached production, remaining a tantalizing “what if” in Mercedes-Benz history, but solidifying the wing door’s association with cutting-edge performance.
6. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR: Racing Rules and Scissor Doors
When Mercedes-Benz returned to motorsports, aiming for victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, regulations required entrants to be based on production cars. The result was the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, a race car for the road. Interestingly, this model deviated from the traditional gullwing, opting for Lamborghini-style scissor doors. To meet racing homologation rules, Mercedes-Benz produced a limited run of 25 street-legal CLK GTRs. While not a wing door Mercedes-Benz in the classic sense, it represents the brand’s commitment to racing and the dramatic door styles associated with high-performance vehicles.
7. 2011 Mercedes-Benz F 125! Research Vehicle: Gullwings for the Future Sedan
Mercedes-Benz recognized the enduring appeal of wing doors for auto show concepts and incorporated them into the F 125! Research Vehicle, unveiled in 2011. This concept car was designed to explore future sedan designs and technologies. The wide-opening gullwing doors served a practical purpose, offering an unobstructed view of the spacious rear seats and highlighting the vehicle’s innovative interior packaging. The F 125! demonstrated that wing doors could be integrated into different vehicle types, even luxury sedans, for both style and functionality.
8. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: The Modern Gullwing Renaissance
After a long hiatus, Mercedes-Benz revived the iconic gullwing doors for production with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. This powerful and stylish sports car was a direct homage to the original 300SL, bringing the wing door design into the 21st century with modern performance and luxury. While the SLS AMG has been succeeded by the AMG GT with conventional doors, its recent production run signals a potential for future Mercedes-Benz models to once again feature these distinctive and captivating wing doors, keeping the legacy alive for new generations.
Mercedes-Benz’s journey with wing doors is a testament to their innovative spirit and design leadership. From racing origins to futuristic concepts and modern supercars, wing doors have become synonymous with the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries and creating vehicles that are both technologically advanced and visually stunning. The legacy of the Mercedes-Benz wing door continues to inspire awe and remains a distinctive symbol in automotive history.
