U.S.-based Signature Autosports has posted a highly unusual replica for sale: an obscure Chrysler Crossfire wearing the clothes of a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing”, complete with the gull-wing doors and many other recognizable traits. The catch? Look at it and ask yourself if you feel like parting with $299,950 for it.
The listing calls the car a “modern interpretation” of the 300 SL, rather than an accurate copy, and it shows. The front end forgoes the classical chrome bumper for a body-matched royal blue counterpart complete with a splitter that looks bent out of shape. The headlights are LED-based and resemble bulging eyes, while the fender flares evoke unfortunate associations with the Shelby Cobra, looking almost alien on what’s supposed to be a German classic.
The side view wins some style points back with its surprisingly accurate proportions and gorgeous pop-up doors. It’s the double-six-spoke wheels in the arches that ruin the illusion for us here. The rear end tries hard with dual tailpipes grouped in the middle and very convincing taillights, but the overall shape is just too far off.
A peek inside the cabin reveals new brown leather upholstery, neat analog gauges, a folding steering wheel and what appears to be a modern audio system pretending to be ancient radio. All in all, what little can be seen there is nicely done.
Where this 300 SL arguably falls apart is the engine bay. The 2004 Chrysler Crossfire’s stock engine, a 3.2-liter V6, still sits there without any upgrades. Back in its glory days, the mill would send 218 PS (215 hp / 160 kW) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque to the rear end via a five-speed automatic. How much it makes now is anyone’s guess.
As you may have noticed, we here at Formacar usually try to go softly on replicas, praising the effort wherever we see such. Our issue with this build is that the donor car started from $30,000 two decades ago, and was never considered anything special. Asking ten times that amount just for the looks seems wrong in this case. But what do you think?