A custom Chrysler Crossfire has been transformed into a modern tribute to the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.
The Chrysler-Mercedes partnership may be remembered as one of the auto industry's most controversial mergers, but it produced several memorable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, and the Chrysler Crossfire. Built on the first-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK platform, the Crossfire has now inspired an unexpected custom project.
Nearly two decades after production ended, the Crossfire has returned to the spotlight as the foundation for a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing tribute created by Signature Autosports.
Rather than attempting to build an exact replica, the company describes the car as a modern interpretation of one of the most iconic automotive designs ever produced. That philosophy is immediately apparent in the styling.
The front end departs significantly from the classic 300 SL. A large front splitter replaces the original's delicate chrome bumper, while circular LED headlights give the car a distinctly modern appearance. The sculpted front fenders also look more reminiscent of a Shelby Cobra than a 1950s Mercedes-Benz sports car.
The rear, however, stays much closer to the inspiration. The sloping roofline captures the unmistakable silhouette of the original Gullwing, while the signature upward-opening doors remain the centerpiece of the design. The rounded tail also echoes the proportions of the legendary coupe.
Even so, several modern touches may divide opinions. The tribute features a center-mounted dual exhaust, Bentley Sequin Blue Metallic paint, and Cosmis Racing wheels, all of which give the car a contemporary look that contrasts with its vintage styling.
Inside, Signature Autosports blended classic and modern elements. The cabin is trimmed in Golden Brown Merino leather and fitted with retro-inspired gauges. At the same time, several switchgear components from the Chrysler Crossfire remain, while the audio system is designed to resemble a 1970s-era stereo. A folding two-spoke steering wheel and a body-color dashboard complete the interior.
Because the project is based on a 2004 Chrysler Crossfire, it retains the factory 3.2-liter naturally aspirated V6, producing 218 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission.
The Chrysler Crossfire was sold in the United States from 2004 through 2008. Sharing much of its engineering with the Mercedes-Benz SLK gave it distinctly European driving characteristics compared with most Chrysler models.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is widely regarded as one of the most collectible classic sports cars ever built, with pristine examples regularly selling for well over $1 million at major collector-car auctions.
Signature Autosports is asking $299,950 for the one-of-a-kind build. That's nearly $100,000 more than the starting price of a new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, which produces 816 horsepower. For comparison, a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Coupe originally started at $29,920, while the Limited model with an automatic transmission carried a base price of $35,695.