1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing and 300SLR
Roller Packages

Eastern Rod and Customs has successfully captured the beauty of the "300SL" reincarnating it in composite fiberglass with a multi-tube space frame similar to the original. The use of modern sophisticated suspension, steering and braking systems make it a great handling sports car. The Gullwing is designed to accept either a GM or Ford small block V8 engine mated to an automatic or manual transmission. Mercedes components can also be used.

Two options available of which any are customizable:

Roller Package: Rolling Chassis with Body Mounted - $39,990

For most people, starting with a rolling assembly is simply the best way to build a Willys. The engineering and fabricating is done and our roller packages are designed to take the headache and guess work out of your do-it-yourself custom street rod. Exquisite finished cars are only 60 to 80 hours of plumbing, wiring and assembly from their first shakedown drive!

The rolling chassis is delivered to the customer with a pre-assembled inner body attached to the frame (helps with strength). It includes brake and suspension components, rear axel, basic wheel and tires, along with the gas tank and fittings. Additionally, it is delivered with all of the body panels mounted (along with the trim) and is ready for a customer to paint. Simply remove the trim, prep and paint.

Built in the USA by Eastern Rod and Customs, a North American Premier Car Builder

Custom multi-tube space frame chassis including independent front suspension with disk brakes, rack and pinion steering, oversized high efficiency radiator.

Body mounted with steel hidden hinges, steel cowl and instrument panel support installed. Wind shield and other windows installed. Hood and trunk lid installed.

Complete Turn Key Package 3 (completed car people) - $119,990

Built in the USA by Eastern Rod and Customs, a North American Premier Car Builder

Custom multi-tube space frame chassis including independent front suspension with disk brakes, rack and pinion steering, oversized high efficiency radiator.

Body mounted with steel hidden hinges, steel cowl and instrument panel support installed. Wind shield and other windows installed. Hood and trunk lid installed.

Tilt Steering Column and pedals installed. All wiring completed with instrument panel installed with custom gauges including tachometer, speedometer, fuel, oil, amp, water gauges, and sending units. Headlights, turn signals and tail lights installed.

Mercedes engine and drive train

High quality leather appointed seats, door panels, carpet and headliner.

Paint choice of single color, high quality enamel paint.

1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing and 300SLR Roadster History

In 1954 to 1955 one car dominated the sports car racing circuit. The Mercedes Benz 300SLR Gullwing Coupe and the 300SL Roadster, achieved an unprecedented place in the annals of the sport car competition. Winning over cars with engines twice their size, the sleek "silver arrows" as they were called, would many times come down the final lap placing first, second and third. Less than ten of these hand-built specialized racing sports cars were created.

They were roadsters recognized by their distinguished pointed fenders and enclosed headlamps. The roadster version had one or two headrests depending on whether the car was designed for one or two occupants. On some of the cars the forward part of the rear deck was hinged. This allowed it to operate hydraulically serving as a big air brake which the driver used in conjunction with huge inboard four wheel disk brakes.

These innovative new developments made the lighter weight SLR much more effective in slowing down before diving into the tight curves of the typical sport car road courses. As a result they out ran cars with engines twice their size.

Several coupe versions of the SLR were also built, primarily to race in the Pan-American races. These coupes were the first to have doors hinged in the roof, providing the driver access over high sills dictated by fuel cells along the side of the cars. These novel doors were first used by Mercedes Benz on the SLR and soon became know as Gullwing doors.

When they retired from racing in 1955, Mercedes placed the SLR on the display at automobile museums around the world. None have ever been in private hands.

Drawing from their racing experience Mercedes then began building a production SL, the first modern sports car of the Manqué. These production cars are now highly sought after as collector cars with value reflecting their rarity and quality.

The "Gullwing" Coupe is probably the most recognized and unique Mercedes of all. It has been used in many Mercedes Advertisements both in print and on television.

Only fourteen hundred were manufactured between August, 1954 and May, 1957. If ever a postwar car deserves to be recognized as a classic, then the Mercedes Gullwing Coupe has to be the choice. The car looks right from every angle...the Gullwing doors were first used in the racing version and carried over to the production coupe model.

The letters SL stand for "Sports Leicht" in German, "Sports Light". In English these letters would achieve world renowned with in a short time with the numerals "300" in front of them. Add the word Gullwing and you have one of the most desirable Mercedes of the post war era. Today one of these cars will sell for at least $750,000.