Photo : Jean-René ROGER - ACO/Nikon

Paris Motor Show

For the 2010 show at the Porte de Versailles , Mercedes has three variations on one of its most striking design features; gullwing doors.

The Mercedes 300 SL that appeared in the mid 50's was one of the finest sports cars of its time. Beyond its beautiful lines, it had doors hinged along the centre of the roof that open vertically like a bird's wings, the famous "gullwing" doors. The picture of the doors-open 'flying' 300SL has haunted the collective imagination for over a half-century and the car is the benchmark of all subsequent Mercedes sports models.

The silhouette of the SLS AMG echoes that of the 300 SL. In Hall 8, two other gems are presented in the context of the exhibition of "Treasures of the manufacturers." First, the C111 concept car exhibited at Frankfurt Motor Show in 1969 and Geneva in 1970, powered by a 350hp fuel injected Wankel engine. C112 was launched in 1991. At that time, Mercedes was the partner of Sauber in endurance racing, including the victory won by Jochen Mass, Manuel Reuter and Stanley Dickens in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1989. Equipped with a six-litre 408hp V12 and with active suspension, the C112 was intended for production, but despite the enthusiasm of 700 potential buyers, Mercedes decided not to go ahead with the project.

The 300 SL, is synonymous with the great road marathons of the 50's (Mille Miglia, Carrera Panamericana), the SLS AMG, joins the ranks of the GT3, the gullwing doors have always been synonymous with high performance on the road and sporting glory; probably in the future too judging by these three cars at the Paris Show.

Jean-Philippe Doret – Translated by Dave Davies

Pictured above: the Mercedes C111 (1969) in Hall 8 of the Paris Motor Show.