TESLA Gullwing

The world of automotive customization is no stranger to ambitious projects, but few can rival the sheer audacity and innovation of the recent creation by S Klub LA and TSK: a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL– with a twist. This classic beauty, known for its iconic “gullwing” doors and timeless design, has been reimagined with a Tesla Model 3 underpinning. Put crudely, you may just call it a bodyswap, but the incredible amount of work, superb craftsmanship and ingenuity lift this fantastic creation to an OEM level of finish, which is the pantheon of customization. The end-result is a vehicle that blends vintage charm with modern performance to perfection – absolutely setting a new standard in the custom car world.

The brainchild of John S, an automotive artist and builder from Southern California, this project aimed to fuse the aesthetics of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL with the technological prowess of Tesla. The vision was not just to create a car that looked good but to engineer a vehicle that performed exceptionally well, leveraging the full suite of Tesla’s electric capabilities, including its full self driving function. This endeavor was brought to life by the talented team at S Klub LA along with Tesla repair guru Bogdan Golovatiuk from TSK, in Cypress, California . (Los Angeles) playing a pivotal role in its execution.

The project began with acquiring a Tesla Model 3, which was meticulously stripped down to its essentials. The key challenge was marrying the glassfibre reproduction and sleek body of the Mercedes 300 SL with the steel ‘skateboard’ chassis and electric drivetrain of the Tesla. This required precise alignment and modifications to ensure the classic body could seamlessly fit onto the modern platform.

The key issue to overcome was the wheelbase: the Model 3 is longer than the SL. The TSK team, therefore, cut the rolling chassis in half to remove 15.75 inches in length – this was the easy part. The battery pack also needed to be shorted. Bogdan opted for a 50 kw/h pack from an early Model 3 standard Range, and the back is not completely populated, using four shorter modules, meaning the pack can be shortened relatively easily, getting rid of the empty part of the pack at the front. Also, when mocking the interior following the shortened wheelbase and the battery installation, the team encountered a significant hurdle. Originally positioned under the Tesla’s back seat, the pack penthouse, hosting the charger unit, had to be relocated as it now sat where the front seat base was – necessitating relocation of the charger unit behind the seatbacks.

The body of the Tesla Gullwing is a masterful combination of lightweight fiberglass and carbon fiber. These materials were chosen not only for their strength and durability but also to maintain the weight specifications crucial for the car’s performance and handling. The bespoke carbon body kit and modern wheels, along with expanded arches, give the 300 SL a contemporary yet classic appearance.

The interior of the Tesla Gullwing received an overhaul composed of original Tesla components, from the steering wheel to the central screen and seats. Everything is upholstered in rich turquoise leather by California Upholstery. The cabin exudes elegance while maintaining Tesla’s minimalist and functional design ethos. All of Tesla’s advanced features, such as the autopilot and sensor systems, are fully operational. This ensures that the Tesla Gullwing looks the part and performs reliably and efficiently. Integrating cameras in place of traditional mirrors enhances safety and modernizes the driving experience, allowing for a clear view when changing lanes. Moreover, the original FSD camera has been discretely integrated into the roof, front wings and top of the screen, just like on the Model 3. The charge port follows the same concept, being fully integrated into the body yet keeping its motorized function.

Underneath its vintage exterior, the Tesla still sports its dual-loop cooling system, which ensures optimal performance and efficiency. The car can accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and boasts a range of 217 miles on a full charge. By retaining 99% of Tesla’s technology, the Gullwing benefits from the most advanced electric vehicle components available. From its torque-sensing limited-slip differential to the advanced telemetry system providing real-time data tracking, every aspect of the vehicle is designed to deliver an exceptional driving experience.

The journey to bring this revolutionary project to life was not without its challenges. The meticulous preparation of the body, which took nearly two months, was a labor-intensive process that demanded patience and precision. The final assembly, where the body and chassis were united, marked the culmination of countless hours of hard work and dedication. The painting process was another critical phase, with the team opting for a four-stage white pearl paint from Tesla, accented with a Tiffany stripe that sparkles with green and blue flakes under sunlight.

The Tesla Gullwing made its grand debut at Barrett-Jackson’s Future Collector Car Show, captivating audiences with its stunning appearance. The project shows what can be achieved when passion, creativity, and innovation come together. As Bogdan Golovatiuk and his team continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the Tesla Gullwing serves as a reminder that the future of automotive design is limited only by our imagination.

General Information

Chassis and Body

Powertrain

Interior

Technology

Contact Information

For those eager to see this masterpiece in person or learn more about the incredible work of S Klub LA, visit their website (www.sklubla.com), and TSK (www.tsk-ev-collision.repair) to reach out to the repair and Tesla parts experts in Cypress, CA.