While often mistakenly attributed to Lamborghini, the concept of upward-swinging doors, specifically “wing doors,” has a rich history with Mercedes-Benz, predating Lamborghini’s scissor doors by decades. Mercedes-Benz pioneered this striking design, integrating it into both racing and production vehicles, creating some of the most memorable and visually stunning cars in automotive history. Let’s explore eight iconic Mercedes-Benz models that proudly feature these gorgeous wing doors.
1. 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Racer
Mercedes-Benz first showcased its innovative spirit with wing doors in 1952 on the 300SL race car. This model was engineered for performance and the track, and the wing doors were not just a stylistic choice but a necessity due to the car’s lightweight tubular space frame, which came high up the sides of the car. This pioneering design marked the beginning of Mercedes-Benz’s legacy with wing doors.
2. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL
Just two years later, in 1954, Mercedes-Benz brought the captivating wing doors to the public with the production version of the 300SL. This road-going variant retained the racing model’s distinctive doors, instantly making it an icon. The 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL became synonymous with style and innovation, cementing wing doors as a sought-after feature.
3. 1969 Mercedes-Benz C 111
The Mercedes-Benz C 111, debuting in 1969, marked the next chapter in Mercedes’ wing door story. This prototype was the first in a series of experimental vehicles, famously finished in vibrant safety orange, a signature for Mercedes-Benz test cars. The C 111 was not only a technological marvel but also a design statement so ahead of its time that it featured in a Mercedes-Benz TV commercial decades later in 2015, proving its enduring appeal.
4. 1977 Mercedes-Benz C 111 III
Continuing the C 111 lineage, the 1977 Mercedes-Benz C 111 III was the ultimate iteration focused on high-speed performance. This gull-winged marvel was engineered to break speed records and successfully set a world speed record for Mercedes-Benz’s new five-cylinder diesel engine, demonstrating the aerodynamic advantages and striking design could coexist with groundbreaking performance.
5. 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112
In 1991, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the C 112, a successor to the celebrated C 111 series. This exotic supercar was intended to elevate Mercedes-Benz’s sporting image as the brand re-entered the world of motorsport. Despite its advanced engineering and striking wing door design, the C 112, unfortunately, never went into production, remaining a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been.
6. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
As Mercedes-Benz returned to motorsports, aiming for victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, regulations required participating cars to have production versions. This led to the creation of street-legal race cars like the V12-powered CLK GTR. Interestingly, while built for racing homologation, the CLK GTR adopted Lamborghini-style scissor doors instead of traditional Mercedes-Benz wing doors. Mercedes-Benz produced 25 units of the CLK GTR to meet racing requirements.
7. 2011 Mercedes-Benz F 125! Research Vehicle
Recognizing the visual appeal of wing doors, Mercedes-Benz incorporated them into the F 125! Research Vehicle concept, showcased at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. This concept car emphasized sedan design, and the expansive wing doors were used to highlight the spaciousness and accessibility of the rear seats, demonstrating both style and practicality.
8. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
After a fifty-year pause in production wing doors, Mercedes-Benz triumphantly revived the iconic design with the SLS AMG in 2013. This powerful and stylish car brought gullwings back into the Mercedes-Benz lineup, thrilling enthusiasts and showcasing the timeless appeal of this door style. Although the SLS AMG has been succeeded by the conventionally-doored AMG GT, its recent production run gives hope for future Mercedes-Benz models to once again feature wing doors.
