Why can’t all car doors be this extraordinary? Mercedes-Benz has been ahead of the curve, pioneering top-hinged wing doors, often referred to as “gullwing doors,” decades before scissor doors became popularized. While some might associate upward-swinging doors with other brands, the true heritage and innovation lie with Mercedes-Benz.
Let’s explore 8 remarkable Mercedes-Benz models that proudly feature these stunning wing doors, showcasing a blend of engineering marvel and iconic design.
1. 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Racer: The Original Winged Wonder
Mercedes-Benz first revolutionized automotive design with the introduction of wing doors on the 300SL race car in 1952. This wasn’t just a design choice; the unique door structure was necessitated by the car’s lightweight tubular frame, which ran high along the car’s sides, making conventional doors impossible. This ingenious solution became an instant icon.
2. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL: Bringing Race Tech to the Road
Just two years later, in 1954, Mercedes-Benz brought the racing technology and breathtaking design of the 300SL to the public with the production model. The 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL inherited the distinctive wing doors from its racing predecessor, instantly becoming one of the most desirable and recognizable sports cars globally. It cemented the “gullwing” door as a symbol of automotive excellence and innovation.
3. 1969 Mercedes-Benz C 111: Futuristic Vision in Orange
The legacy of Benz Wing Doors continued into the experimental realm with the 1969 Mercedes-Benz C 111. This prototype, the first in a series of test vehicles, sported striking wing doors and was famously painted in signal orange, a color synonymous with Mercedes-Benz’s experimental projects. The C 111 embodied futuristic design and served as a testbed for new technologies.
4. 1977 Mercedes-Benz C 111 III: Chasing Speed Records
Furthering the C 111 lineage, the 1977 Mercedes-Benz C 111 III emerged as a high-speed marvel, still featuring the iconic wing doors. This iteration was engineered for top speed and achieved a world speed record for diesel engines, showcasing Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries alongside innovative design.
5. 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112: The Supercar That Never Was
The spirit of the C 111 experiments led to the 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112, a supercar intended to elevate Mercedes-Benz’s sports car image as they re-entered motorsport. Equipped with wing doors, the C 112 was a technological tour-de-force. Sadly, despite its advanced features and striking design, the C 112 never reached production, remaining a tantalizing “what if” in automotive history.
6. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR: A Race Car for the Road (with a Twist)
When Mercedes-Benz returned to motorsports, aiming for victory at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, regulations demanded a production car basis. The result was the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. To meet homologation rules, Mercedes built a limited run of street-legal versions of this V12-powered beast. Interestingly, the CLK GTR adopted scissor doors, diverging from the traditional Benz wing doors, yet still embodying the dramatic entrance expected of high-performance Mercedes vehicles.
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 explored future sedan design, using wide-opening wing doors to showcase the spacious rear cabin and innovative vehicle architecture. It demonstrated the potential for wing doors beyond sports cars, even in luxury sedans.
8. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: The Gullwing Renaissance
After a fifty-year hiatus in production models, Mercedes-Benz triumphantly revived its iconic wing doors with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. This powerful and visually stunning sports car was a direct homage to the original 300SL, bringing the classic gullwing design into the 21st century. While the SLS AMG has been succeeded by the AMG GT with conventional doors, its successful production run leaves enthusiasts hopeful for future iterations of Benz wing doors.
Mercedes-Benz’s legacy with wing doors is a testament to their pioneering spirit in automotive design and engineering. From the track to the road and into the future of vehicle concepts, Benz wing doors remain an unforgettable symbol of innovation and automotive artistry.
