Retro sexual: Mercedes 300SL Gullwing Replica

This is the 300 SL Panamericana – a 21st century interpretation of a 20th century legend.

The 300SL Panamericana Replica by Gullwing-America is inspired by the legendary Mercedes SL ‘Gullwing’ from the Fifties which won the 1952 Carrera Panamericana race in Mexico.

But while the design may be retro, the engineering isn’t with the Panam getting a detuned version of the McLaren Mercedes SLR’s 5.5-litre engine developing 350bhp.

But let’s ignore the engineering for the time being and just gawp at the pictures.

The wheels, low-ride height, side mufflers, grille and distinct lack of front bumper make this car look like one of the coolest machines in years.

And not to mention the fact it has Gullwing doors which, disappointingly, aren’t being displayed in the pictures.

It’s such a cool car that we think Mercedes should actually be a little bit worried about the soon-to-debut SLS Gullwing (pictured below).

The new Merc may be more powerful and faster than the Panamericana Replica but we’re kind of siding with the retro look at the moment.