MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL GULLWING RESTORED BY THORNLEY KELHAM. Car news.

Award-winning classic and vintage car specialist – Thornley Kelham (based in the Cotswolds) have just released pictures of the full restoration of a rare 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.

It was delivered to Thornley Kelham by a renowned collector and Pebble Beach Concours’d Elegance judge for a full restoration.

The owner wanted it to be perfectly restored, period-correct and finished in anything but silver.

It had spent its early life in France and then came to the UK in 1981. When it arrived at Thornley Kelham the team immediately noticed that it had the wrong front headlights and rear taillights. On thorough inspection there were signs of accident damage to the front and rear. This damage had led to the car being repaired with Roadster parts. This would have to be rectified. Its tubular chassis was in good condition, but many of the cars mechanicals were not.

The Thornley team went to work cleaning, rebuilding and sourcing a number of original parts.

Buying the parts alone totalled more than six-figures!!

Restoring a Gullwing is a huge responsibility, and restoring a Gullwing for a Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance judge like our client also comes with a fair bit of pressure. When you’re working with a car as rare and iconic as this, originality and accuracy is absolutely crucial. We spent hundreds of hours getting the details of this car exactly right, while making sure it adheres to the same standard that every car we work on does – it has to look good, drive well and is made to last. This car has been enjoyed for over 60 years now, and we’re delighted to have extended its lifetime for many more years of pleasure for its owners.
Said Simon Thornley, co-founder of Thornley Kelham.

The owner opted for the rather classy shade of (period-correct) Horizon Blue exterior finish, de-bumpered with a blue plaid interior.

I hope you guys reading this enjoy looking at the pictures as much as I do.