2004 Mercedes SLK320 Tribute Revives 300SL Gullwing Legacy at DFW Museum

The 2004 Mercedes SLK320 "300SL Gullwing Tribute" represents a significant fusion of automotive history and modern engineering, now captivating visitors at the DFW Car & Toy Museum. This unique vehicle from the Ron Sturgeon Collection pays homage to the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, one of the most iconic cars in automotive history, demonstrating how classic design can be revitalized with contemporary technology.

Sharing the original 300SL's 2,400mm wheelbase, the SLK320 platform has been masterfully transformed to recreate the classic proportions and spirit of the 1950s supercar. The tribute features signature upward-opening gullwing doors with fixed windows, wheel-arch eyebrows, dual hood bulges, fender louvers with bright spears, pivot-out door handles, simulated roof vents, and chrome bumpers. These elements combine to deliver an authentic vintage aesthetic while maintaining modern functionality and reliability.

Powering this tribute is a modern 3.2-liter M112 V6 engine featuring sequential fuel injection, twin-plug ignition, and SOHC aluminum construction. Factory-rated at 215 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, the engine is paired with a 5G-Tronic five-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. This combination provides smooth, capable performance that bridges the gap between classic styling and modern driving expectations. The chassis retains the R170 SLK's proven dynamics, including servo-assisted ventilated disc brakes, power steering, independent front suspension, and a multi-link rear setup, ensuring contemporary drivability and safety standards.

Inside the cockpit, the tribute car seamlessly blends past and present elements. Beige loop carpeting, faux sill vents, a dash-mounted rear view mirror, and air conditioning routed through defroster and footwell vents create an authentic vintage atmosphere. The body-color dashboard fascia houses VDO gauges including a 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary readouts, while an ivory-colored tilt steering wheel facilitates easy entry and exit—faithfully replicating the original Gullwing's practical design features.

This tribute car's importance lies in its demonstration of automotive heritage preservation through modern interpretation. By combining mid-century design magic with 21st-century performance and reliability, the vehicle offers both classic car enthusiasts and modern collectors a tangible connection to automotive history. The display at DFW Car & Toy Museum provides public access to this engineering achievement, making automotive history accessible and relevant to new generations of enthusiasts while honoring the craftsmanship and innovation of the original 300SL Gullwing.