Ride along with Daniel Muller as he wheels this priceless and beautiful 300SL Gullwing, at the limit and beyond, over a vintage hillclimb course.
There’s a lot to see, and a lot to enjoy, in this in-car video clip. First, there’s the course: the picturesque 2012 Arosa Classic Car Hill Climb in Switzerland, with its ancient stone walls flying past scant inches away. And there’s the vehicle: a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL gullwing coupe, surely one of the most compelling and coveted sports cars ever built.
And then there’s the action. Watching this video, it’s a bit stunning to witness how little total grip the Gullwing has at its disposal compared to a modern performance car. But the overall balance is so fine, and the car’s responses are so linear, that driver Daniel Muller can fly along at or beyond the limits of traction for miles on end. Clearly, Muller is very good at this, and he’s not afraid to put the whip to the extremely valuable classic, either. Pull down your belts and watch this.
Thanks MCG, while I really enjoy in car video’s, this particular video made me nervous. The steering looked pretty sloppy and looked like he was fighting it most of the way, and almost lost it a couple of times. Due to the camera angle, I tried to see the speedo, and don’t think he was going as fast as it seemed, but still looked like a lot of fun. Anybody know what that button on the steering wheel is?
If memory serves, that operates the tilt steering wheel, made necessary by the very high door sills. The wheel flips out to make entry easier, rather like the fat man steering wheel accessory for Model T Ford.
Bill is right, the top of the wheel comes back toward the driver, the bottom goes forward. Almost impossible to get in or out without using that facility, and difficult with it with those wide, high sills. I’ve done thousands of miles as a passenger with James Allington, who had a red gullwing for some years.
Everyone has their opinion, but I’d take that exhaust note over any Ferrari or Corvette. However, it’s probably not as compelling in real life, even inside that cabin.
On a US spec car, the speedometer would be indicating around 60 to 70mph. That one may be in kph but the markings are likely in the same place. I’m pleased that the car was being put to good use rather than sunning on a patch of grass somewhere.
That was a fun ride! Hillclimbing is perhaps the purest form of motorsport, which wins it a special place in my heart.
I won’t judge the driving too much, as I am fully aware that what may look out of control to the viewer may in fact be well within the comfort level of the “author” of those moments. I know I’ve been accused of going beyond the limits when I knew I was maintaining a fair margin for safety.
However, it should be noted that this particular Gullwing, if the same as the one pictured at the top of the post, is prepared well beyond the original spec or even beyond period correct race trim. The tires are obviously and visibly wider than they would have been in the late 50’s when this car was built. While such “upgrades” typically exacerbate pre-existing handling faults at the limit, they do raise that limit significantly. We can only guess if the rest of the car (engine, brakes, suspension) has been upgraded similarly.
My point is twofold. The outright pace is not so surprising when the modifications are taken into account. Also, the value of the car, while never anything less than several times greater than my annual income, is less than one that had not been modified and is presented in original spec.
Drive it like ya stole it. 🙂
There were a couple of slides that had MY sphincter clench, but overall it looks like a blast.
Kudos for the owner for using the car in that fashion.
Hi Cletus, HA, at my age, that could be a serious situation. Those blocks in the roadway made me nervous, as well.