After 213 days of meticulous research and construction, a group of young people in Dak Lak including Huynh Kim Dai and Pham Quoc Binh have successfully built a homemade Mercedes-Benz 300 SL using raw materials and equipment.
A close-up of the homemade Mercedes-Benz SL-300 by the young group in Dak Lak. Video: Bazan TV. |
Previously, they gained international media attention with their impressive projects including the cardboard-made Mercedes-Benz G63, Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, chopper-style motorcycles based on Honda Super Cub, and the electric Porsche 918 Spyder.
Known as the greatest car of the 1950s, the Mercedes-Benz SL 300 features a unique and elegant design. It is also considered one of the rarest cars ever produced, with only about 3,258 units worldwide.
The original version is equipped with a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated I6 engine that produces 222 horsepower, along with the world’s first mass-produced fuel injection system. It is paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox and can reach a top speed of 260 km/h.
Inspired by the special features of the car, the young group in Dak Lak invested their time and effort in creating a meticulously crafted homemade version of the Mercedes-Benz SL 300.
The “homemade” version stands out for its handcrafted nature. The group of amateur craftsmen personally manufactured up to 95% of the parts. Dai and his team carefully calculated the weight of the frame to establish the chassis and wheelbase system.
After constructing the rough frame based on technical specifications, Dai proceeded with the shaping process using clay. To achieve the correct shape resembling the original, Kim Dai and his colleagues devoted a significant amount of time.
In his conversation with Tien Phong , the young man shared, “The most challenging stage was shaping the car because all the details are curved, making it difficult to adjust them evenly on both sides. Without relying on advanced technology, I solved this by adjusting with the naked eye and using some balancing techniques”.
Following that, Dai utilized fiberglass combined with composite glue to complete the car’s exterior. Details such as the radiator grille and the Mercedes-Benz logo were handcrafted by the group of craftsmen. To save production costs, Kim Dai chose materials such as iron and aluminum for these details.
The young team in Dak Lak paid special attention to the characteristic doors of the Mercedes 300 SL. The group aimed to design the doors to resemble the original as closely as possible, down to small details like the glass and door handles. According to the owner, the car doors weigh up to 120 kg. Therefore, Kim Dai utilized a power-assisting device to facilitate the opening of the car doors.
Moving on to the interior, the car showcases red leather seats and a white dashboard. The technical clock dial is chrome-plated and made from PVC tubes and mica. Dai handcrafted the steering wheel, and the turn signal details are adorned with bullet shells, adding a unique touch.
Unlike their previously completed Lamborghini Huracan LP610, the group of young people from the red-soiled land of Bazan did not utilize suspension and engine systems from existing cars.
Instead, Kim Dai and his team personally handled all the engine and chassis systems. As a specific investment, he procured a differential controller for the electric engine. When fully charged, the car can travel within a range of 40-50 km.
Huynh Kim Dai and Pham Quoc Binh are extremely satisfied with the final product after completing it. They plan to use the car for display to fulfill their passion. When asked about its value, Kim Dai estimated it to be around 150 million VND.