The Gullwing buzz is back with talk of the new 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing So I felt compelled to reminisce on the original. Before DeLorean, there was Mercedes-Benz. 1955 was the year, the car was the 'Benz 300SL, and history was made when it rolled off the assembly line.

The closest rendering to the new 2011 SLS AMG Gullwing

It was first introduced in 1954, loosely based on the Mercedes 300 SLR race car. A few things stood out about this car. The most obvious were a pair of beautifully designed cockpit doors. These were unlike any other and made heads turn at all the car shows including; Geneva and Frankfurt. These "Gullwing" doors still attract onlookers in packs at any given show. The problem is finding one, try Pebble Beach for starters.

Mercedes internally labeled this car the W198. It wasn't until the 1954 New York Auto Show that this made-for-street car was dubbed the 300SL. the "300" is designated for the 3.0 liter engine. The "SL" means "Sport Leicht", or Sport Light as translated. It had a look like no other roadster at the time.

A beautiful example of the original Gullwing.

One major innovation overlooked by most was the fact that this was the first ever gas-powered engine with direct injection. Does this term sound familiar? It should if you read any of the modern day auto mags. Direct injection is the latest and greatest to internal combustion gas-powered engines since fuel injection. In short, the car is more efficient with such a set up.

To top all the technical innovations off, the 300SL was the fastest production car of 1955. This didn't come without it's own little issues. The car was based on a race car, this meant maintenance above and beyond most autos of '55. Little things like a 10 liter oil capacity and a heavy clutch made short jaunts a pain. The oil never had time to warm up, and your left leg would throb in city driving.

Considering the above, this car still has it's spot on my bucket list. There's just something about the sexy detail and seductive lines that attracts me. Due to it's limited numbers and revolutionary firsts, this is the most desired Mercedes by collectors ever!

Motor On, Lance

As the summer ends, my favorite season slides into it's place. I speak of Fall, the time of year when days get shorter and kids go back to school. Although summer is winding down, the shows aren't.

Nay, this never means the end to events revolving around internal combustion engines! Forget the big seasonal rod shows, we have plenty left on the roster in our own backyard. From rat rods to real clean Vette's, it's still going on folks.

This weekend is the 7th Annual Primer Nationals at the Ventura Fairgrounds. This will be two days of rat-rods, and customs. They have a great lineup of live rockabilly, blues and surf bands as well. See more at: Primer Nationals

Red Line Vette's '08 Show

My buddies at Red Line Corvettes, in conjunction with the Thousand Oaks Police Dept. and Conejo Recreation & Park District, will hold its 16th Annual Corvette Show next weekend (Sept 13th) at Conejo Creek Park in Thousand Oaks. This show helps raise funds for The Thousand Oaks Police Explorer Program as well as the Hospice of the Conejo. They always have a nice selection of Corvettes from the famed Stingray to appearances this year of the all new ZR1. Red Line Vettes event page

We also have Ventura Vintage Rods hosting the Harbor Run 19 Car Show on Sept. 13 at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. This annual event will begin at 8 a.m. with awards being presented at 1:30 p.m. The event is free and is at a great location by the sea.
To sponsor or attend, visit:Ventura Vintage Rods

Our friends at Jalopy Joe's will be a holding a Car Show on the third Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. at its Ventura location (1225 E. Main St.) Entry fee is all of $10 for any year or model of car or motorcycle. They also do a Koolest Kids Car and Koolest Kids Bike contests. For more Information, call Joe at 805.794.4286.

Another nice cruise night in Old Town Camarillo

The Camarillo Cruise Night has it's final run the fourth Sunday of September. This event has blown up into much more than what was anticipated. It has brought rods and customs of all years and makes to a perfect setting in old town Camarillo.
Camarillo Cruise flyer

The last of my list is an event I am highly anticipating (and will be attending) is the car/motorcycle show being put on at the Elk's Lodge in Ventura Sunday, September 27th. This is a fundraiser event put on to support the Saticoy Veterans Home. With past sponsors like Magnuson Superchargers, In-N-Out, and Magic Mountain, this is always a good show with great rides. Contact Jim for more info at: vvrjim@yahoo.com

I hope you will find your way to one of these local events!

Motor on, Lance

Although we are amidst the weekend commonly marked as the end of summer, the shows aren't over yet! As the summer ends, my favorite season slides into it's place. I speak of Fall, the time of year when days get shorter and kids go back to school.

But wait, this doesn't mean the end to events revolving around internal combustion engines! Forget the big seasonal rod shows, we have plenty left on the roster in our own backyard.

This weekend is the 7th Annual Primer Nationals at the Ventura Fairgrounds. This will be two days of rat-rods, and customs. They have a great lineup of live rockabilly, blues and surf bands as well. See more at: Primer Nationals

My buddies at Red Line Corvettes, in conjunction with the Thousand Oaks Police Dept. and Conejo Recreation & Park District, will hold its 16th Annual Corvette Show next weekend (Sept 13th) at Conejo Creek Park in Thousand Oaks. This show helps raise funds for The Thousand Oaks Police Explorer Program as well as the Hospice of the Conejo. They always have a nice selection of Corvettes from the famed Stingray to appearances this year of the all new ZR1. Red Line Vettes event page

We also have Ventura Vintage Rods hosting the Harbor Run 19 Car Show on Sept. 13 at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. This annual event will begin at 8 a.m. with awards being presented at 1:30 p.m. The event is free and is at a great location by the sea.
To sponsor or attend, visit:Ventura Vintage Rods

Our friends at Jalopy Joe's will be a holding a Car Show on the third Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. at its Ventura location (1225 E. Main St.) Entry fee is all of $10 for any year or model of car or motorcycle. They also do a Koolest Kids Car and Koolest Kids Bike contests. For more Information, call Joe at 805.794.4286.

The Camarillo Cruise Night has it's final run the fourth Sunday of September. This event has blown up into much more than what was anticipated. It has brought rods and customs of all years and makes to a perfect setting in old town Camarillo.
Camarillo Cruise flyer

Another event I am highly anticipating (and will for sure be attending) is the car/motorcycle show being put on at the Elk's Lodge in Ventura Sunday, September 27th. This is a fundraiser event put on to support the Saticoy Veterans Home. With past sponsors like Magnuson Superchargers, In-N-Out, and Magic Mountain, this is always a good show with great rides. Contact Jim for more info at: vvrjim@yahoo.com

I hope you will find your way to one of these local events!

Motor on, Lance