Rich Buckley’s 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing by Kindig It Design
Leave it to Kindig It Design to take the classic design of a 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing and update it with a blend of American muscle and modern style and refinement. It’s a combination that comes off beautifully in Rich Buckley’s sleek custom coupe.
Starting with a fiberglass reproduction body, Kindig turned to Roadster Shop for a custom Fast Track chassis with independent front and rear suspensions to deliver modern handling and ride quality, getting it rolling on one-off wheels from EVOD with polished knock-off center caps. The American muscle comes in the form of a Harrop-injected 454c.i. GM LSX engine backed by a 6L90E transmission making some sweet noise through a custom stainless exhaust with Borla mufflers.
Those classic body lines were mostly left alone, with just a few minor nips, tucks, and tweaks to the fiberglass body. An aluminum hood from an original Mercedes was incorporated into the mix, and all body panels were coated in an AkzoNobel Modern Classikk hue called “Underslated,” with bright chrome accent plating by Ogden Chrome. Finely stitched red leather upholstery by JS Custom Interiors is complemented with features like Vintage Air and Dakota Digital gauges.
Finished a few years ago, this bitchin’ and beautiful Benz continues to draw attention and accolades thanks to its fine fusion of classic style and refined craftsmanship.
Photos by John Jackson
