Why should only birds have wings? Mercedes-Benz dared to ask this question decades ago, pioneering the now-iconic wing doors, often mistakenly attributed only to Lamborghini. While “Lamborghini doors” (scissor doors) gained fame later, Mercedes-Benz was ahead of the curve, introducing top-hinged gullwing doors long before the Lamborghini Countach concept in 1971.
Let’s explore 8 memorable Mercedes-Benz models that proudly sport these stunning wing doors, showcasing a blend of innovation and style that defines automotive excellence.
1. 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Racer: The Original Winged Wonder
Mercedes-Benz first revolutionized automotive design with the introduction of wing doors in 1952 on the 300SL race car. This wasn’t just a design flourish; the wing doors were necessitated by the car’s lightweight tubular frame, which ran high along the sides, making conventional doors impractical. This ingenious solution became an instant icon, blending form and function seamlessly.
2. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL: Gullwing Doors for the Road
Building on the racing success, Mercedes-Benz brought the captivating wing doors to the public with the 1954 300SL production model, often referred to as the “Gullwing”. This road-going version retained the racing car’s innovative door design, instantly making it one of the most desirable and recognizable sports cars ever created. The 300SL cemented wing doors as a symbol of automotive innovation and luxury.
3. 1969 Mercedes-Benz C 111: A Vision of the Future with Wing Doors
The legacy continued with the Mercedes-Benz C 111, the first in a series of experimental prototype vehicles debuting in 1969. Painted in vibrant safety orange, the C 111 showcased Mercedes-Benz’s forward-thinking approach to automotive technology and design. These wing-doored prototypes were not just testbeds; they were rolling showcases of style, so futuristic that the C 111 even featured in a TV commercial decades later in 2015.
4. 1977 Mercedes-Benz C 111 III: Speed and Wing Doors Combined
The final iteration of the C 111 experimental series, the 1977 Mercedes-Benz C 111 III, took the wing door concept to new speeds. Optimized for high-velocity performance, this gullwing marvel was engineered to break speed records, successfully setting a world speed record for Mercedes-Benz’s new five-cylinder diesel engine. The C 111 III proved that wing doors were not just about aesthetics but could be part of a high-performance package.
5. 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112: The Supercar That Never Was (But Had Wing Doors)
Mercedes-Benz intended to revive the spirit of the C 111 test series with the C 112 in 1991. This exotic supercar, equipped with—you guessed it—wing doors, was designed to elevate Mercedes-Benz’s sporting image as they re-entered motorsport. Despite its advanced engineering and striking design, the C 112 unfortunately never made it to production, remaining a tantalizing “what if” in the history of Mercedes-Benz wing door cars.
6. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR: A Scissor Door Deviation
When Mercedes-Benz returned to motorsports, aiming for victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, regulations required production models for racing entrants. This led to the creation of road-legal race cars like the V12-powered CLK GTR. Interestingly, this model deviated from the traditional gullwing, opting for Lamborghini-style scissor doors instead. To meet racing homologation rules, Mercedes-Benz produced 25 units of this unique, scissor-winged car for the street.
7. 2011 Mercedes-Benz F 125! Research Vehicle: Wing Doors for the Future Sedan
Recognizing the enduring appeal of wing doors, Mercedes-Benz incorporated them into the F 125! Research Vehicle concept, unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. This concept car aimed to reimagine the sedan, using wide-opening gullwing doors to showcase the spacious rear seating and innovative design, demonstrating the versatility of wing doors beyond sports cars.
8. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: The Gullwing Returns in Grand Style
After a half-century absence from production models, Mercedes-Benz triumphantly revived its iconic gullwing doors with the exhilarating SLS AMG in 2013. This modern classic paid homage to the original 300SL Gullwing, blending retro design cues with contemporary performance. While the SLS AMG has been succeeded by the conventionally-doored AMG GT, its recent production run fuels hope for future Mercedes-Benz models featuring the beloved wing doors.
The Enduring Allure of Mercedes-Benz Wing Doors
Mercedes-Benz wing doors are more than just a design feature; they represent a legacy of innovation, a bold approach to automotive engineering, and a touch of dramatic flair. From the racetrack to the road and into futuristic concepts, Mercedes-Benz has consistently used wing doors to make a statement. As we look to the future of automotive design, the iconic Mercedes-Benz wing door remains a symbol of pioneering spirit and timeless style, forever linked with the brand’s prestigious heritage.
