Cloning a $1M Car? Mercedes 300SL With a Modern Engine/Chassis

Help support us and purchase some signed art prints for your walls: www.etsy.com/shop/LarryChenPhoto
High-res photos: www.larrychenphoto.com/Hoonig...
The Mercedes 300SL is a nearly un-attainable car for the average man. But that didn't stop John Sarkisyan from pursuing his dream of not only owning, but fully customizing one. A fully cloned body, modern underpinnings, and a ton of custom work later - we have this W I L D build before your eyes.
Follow Our Crew on Instagram:
Larry Chen @larry_chen_foto
Louis Yio @lusciousy
Tyler Kapper @tylerkophoto
Luis Garcia @hatch.jpg
Richard Kim @richardkimm
Turn on notifications to keep up to date on our latest uploads!
Check out our friends on Instagram:
@pennzoil
@typesauto
@rotiform
@canonusa
@thehoonigans
@gridlifeofficial
@formulad
@yokohamatire
@kw_suspension

[@LarryChenPhoto]

Make your walls epic! Support AutoFocus and purchase a large wall Photo Print today: www.etsy.com/shop/larrychenphoto

[@mrjodoe]

18:07 - statement of the car: Cereal rubber.

[@12lilzee]

I'm actually blown away by the quality of this build

[@benjamindavidson632]

Except that dash needs some work

[@lordsiringo]

4:42 looks like shit

[@FlowDownUnder]

@@lordsiringo just like you 😄. Don't critique other people's work...

[@Mallpaperplane]

@@FlowDownUnder wow wow wow..."Don't critique other people's work" ???? are you serious???

[@CrazyCowboyBuilds]

From a guy who builds cars too, there’s always more detail you can add and it will never be perfect. Sometimes you have to get it to where you’re happy with it and have fun with it. He did an AWESOME job

[@EndlessNayture]

This guy is so humble and seem so sincere...

he is so humble with random million dollars sitting around the car

[@justjoshin209]

Kübra Özcan the money was fake, watch the video.

[@samthemansamtheman4026]

John Sarkisyan is his name

[@1kennylo]

6:14

[@magnumopus9033]

and he makes me sleep in his monotone voice , he needs a drink

[@Omrie69]

That was no goal, thats PURE obsession.. Thats a masterpiece.

[@vangcruz4442]

Would you say say the same, masterpieces, if it is from CHINA?

[@SpikedCollar666]

Vang Cruz if China wants to build me a body on the low idc

[@darth420vader]

the builder is so chill and down to earth, makes you appreciate the car even more

[@ryderdeimom8yearoldutuber252]

ive always thought it was illegal to copy a gullwing. nice build a beauty

[@alejandror765]

The fact that the old man let him do that man..friend for life

[@dominicmorones8314]

old man knew whats up. what better way to preserve a piece of automotive history is there?

[@alejandror765]

@@dominicmorones8314 not only that the fact that he got EVERY PIECE back and didnt have a bad ending to alot of these car storys that end up carless or fucked over

[@adamkardohelyi9924]

Thanks to that man, they can start building them again only because of him

[@GTRShaun]

It’s a pity KZbin doesn’t have a “love” button... this car is awesome! I’d totally smash the love button!!

[@vangcruz4442]

Would you do the same if it is from China?

[@humanityfirst5490]

@@vangcruz4442 whats the deal with you asking this question over and over?

[@716tg3]

“ smash the love button “ sounds like something brazzers would have 😂✌🏽

[@f3p]

@@vangcruz4442 no because China will never build a beautiful car like this

[@vangcruz4442]

@@f3p no need, China can buy all they wanted. China is to busy counting all the money flowing into the country.

[@MrTurbo_]

This guy is so extremely good at what he does, everything is so well balanced, nothing is over the top, it just all fits together perfectly, this guy has the best taste for style I've ever seen! Amazing!

[@CoreyWBaker]

First impressions, wondered why anyone would do that to a 300SL (unless they had the money to blow) but upon learning that he built it. man i love it all

[@darrell3118]

I have been an Automotive Refinish Technician / BodyMan for 43 years and this is an incredibly beautiful well-designed build! I am duly impressed with peoples visions and artistic abilities !! Well done Sir !!

[@bengrizzlyadams6187]

The internet is definitely allowing us to discover talents that mainstream would only mention as an afterthought 25 seconds after the news to then move on onto commercials that they will interrupt sporadically to air bits of yet another soul crushing show...

[@returnofthestrangers]

Simply a master piece, I would of gone for red interior but everyone has their own color obviously, I love how it’s modern yet still 80/90% classic.

[@adatshhc]

Jay Leno will be calling this guy tomorrow.

[@opinionateddrone]

Best part is when these two guys start playing rock paper scissors in the back of the shot at 13:20

[@ailestriker9888]

A true intellectual like myself

[@the_maine_line]

When people say check out my build and its bags and wheels.....take note kids this is a build a real build

[@dzjeipii8540]

what is real?

[@guycha0s380]

@@dzjeipii8540 nothing

[@g.wheels]

Really appreciated John's energy in this video. Saying the SEMA LS build was "nice" but that he believed it needed to be a Mercedes. Passionate about his own style yet respectful of others'. Cheers. The car world needs more people like him.

[@MrGaryGG48]

The man has a very quiet credibility. That says so much more than any of the loud, flashy noise that dominates many of the shows and much of KZbin. His work speaks for itself... very eloquently.

[@coloneldd]

Im German. Buddy this "thing" is absolute on Point. And when i read these old plaques "MADE IN WESTERN GERMANY"...OMG Backflash O.o

[@intercity4553]

Saw one of these last year and that plaque was what made me realise just how old this car is

[@alanromero6059]

This build is probably the best I have ever seen!! The details on this thing are amazing Keep it up!

[@willibogmann297]

16:35 The new GTA 6 graphics are insane

[@yobrethren]

I swear to god, for real man XD

[@jessicamoreno7135]

Are they? Provide a link.

[@kock5574]

lmao some youtubers are going to take this and make a clickbait

[@thinway2301]

Sabrina Vella it’s a joke

[@HarshwardhanPatil-vg7nd]

Man what a build more importantly what crazy shots!!!

[@dalewier9735]

I am 63, i have lusted for this car for 58 years. This is a work of art and a cutting edge science project. WELL DONE!

[@STARTINGSOMESHIT]

I love it. No original 300SL was hurt in this production. He made molds. It can be done again.. I LUV IT! ❤

[@ristube3319]

STARTINGSOMESHIT Gentleman, we can rebuild him... we have the technology...

[@justus1995]

Steampunked-DTM-300SL sound just slightly insane

[@scotttras15]

Sick shots! Great mini-documentaries! Excited to see more!

[@terryratcliffe1451]

Absolutely fantastic. I have been a modern Mercedes man for 40 years, but yours is the best. Love the old and the new together.. Don’t stop and I hope your orders never dry up. Thanks for your input. Cheers all the way from Australia, Terry

[@JB-ou4fu]

A man on a mission. Spectacular build! One of the few elite builders in the world.

[@joshda6197]

What an insane build :D The blend of elegance and function is just perfect!

[@giff74]

Larry CAN'T be on here too much! His pics are great and he's such an intelligent, classy guy when he's talking to owners.

[@JA-dm3le]

This is priceless. What a beauty. I was blown by your other builds, like you just make them simple yet so gorgeous with crazy details. Buttttt this mannnnn!!!!!! This is out the list. What a beautiful piece of art. Absolutely stunning. Amazing job. Never sell it.

[@ddavid122]

Such a great job. Outstanding craftsmanship. Lots of love went into this. I love it. I’m in awe of his talent.

[@TomAbramoff]

I've loved this car from the moment I saw it, but never knew the story or builder. thanks!

[@blankspace5614]

I literally saw this car on Instagram a few days ago and thought "damn you need some balls to hot-rod a 300SL". Didn't even cross my mind that it could be a replica!

[@benruether8294]

He seems like a pretty chill guy. Cool dude

[@tacolove892]

He's a wizard!

[@EK-jm7uw]

Wow. Most beautiful build. Good job John!

[@morganwadsworth9275]

To have the vision, knowledge, skill, resources and the network to pull this off...I am blown away. Such rad work. Cheers!

[@keloduma]

Best build I've ever seen. The attention to detail is insane

[@robertkopp873]

This is ... Art. Well done, to all involved. THANK YOU to the creator of this Wonder.

[@alienfac32]

Amazing build Thank u for taking us on this ride. till next video :D

[@CrzyMav]

People that talk crap don’t know anything about building a vehicle from scratch. They probably never even build anything...this is pretty awesome! Let know should you ever need anything or help with built. Amazing work man!

[@nhennessy6434]

The body is a masterpiece. Would have preferreda more traditional interior in black or tan leather, but it's still gorgeous.

[@thepaintslayer4821]

What a engineering masterpiece.. Love what Larry is doing with this channel!!!

[@deldridg]

My initial reaction was a combination of being gobsmacked and then indignant at this car being so low with 'those wheels' - sacrilege etc. But you know - this guy has put in the staggering effort to make it as it stands and so he can damn well do as he pleases. It is a beautiful thing however you look at it and thank you for bringing it to us. I want one (perhaps a little less 'pimped' though...). Cheers from Sydney, Aust - Dave

[@Deivs65]

Oh my god. That is all I gasped for first 10 minutes of video. I like the part where he goes "it's original glass, only I had to make this trimming myself, couldn't find it in time". His attention to detail is absolutely amazing. So much respect for pulling off build like this.

[@eyeswideopen9696]

Unreal quality such a humble guy

[@harryvj6397]

What an absolute beauty. I can imagine a photo doesn’t fully give this thing justice. But good stuff as always Larry

[@vidkid01]

All I can say is beautiful 😍👍. Great job. I'm not a huge Mercedes fan but that car is bananas. I'd rock that any and every day.

[@JSAFIXIT]

That's a rolling piece of art. This guy has absolute passion and it shows. The quality in that car is amazing.

[@kumaresonchandrarajan8563]

Incredible creation by John. The colour of the car and interior seem perfect. Superb build quality too. Can’t thank Larry enough for the video! 👌

[@adam8137]

I love the 300sl honestly the most beautiful and iconic car Mercedes has ever produced🤤

[@blairwilliams136]

So totally agree man , and they have produced some gorgeous cars over the years.

[@asiaexpat62]

Absolutely overwhelmed with this guy's projects.

[@rickpamaran5238]

Who ever criticizes you is just freaking jealous, because they don't have your talent. Extremely great job!

[@paulallen8109]

That kind of "talent" (to ruin art) sure isn't something to be "jealous" of. And you're jealous of Justin Bieber by the same baby logic because he's popular and rich and you're not.

[@Cosigner22]

@@paulallen8109 ... You didn't listen. He didn't ruin a real car. He made moulds from a real car. Listen better.

[@XBullitt16X]

wrong, thats a bad take.

[@goldtutch]

omg i nearly cried man thats talent my bro! I think merc would be proud of what youve done with it , and the world can always do with more of these theyre lovely cars.

[@michaelswart9236]

Loving all the content on the new channel! Incredible car, excellent interview, and as always, gorgeous beauty shots by Machine Gun Larry! Can't wait for the next episode!

[@LarryChenPhoto]

Stoked you're enjoying it!

[@Romee_rome]

Cloning cars are acceptable if their done proper and this was done proper.

[@goyangi2014]

Jiggz Romey proper cloning would be from the chassis up.

[@bman1668]

goyangi why use old school chassis? New school chassis with old body is the way to go

[@goyangi2014]

@@bman1668 that's why I said "proper" 😉

[@brianscammell8652]

search adelaide university find 2019 stroke stemcell clinical trial dates

[@Emilein89]

Wow that’s amazing, dude truly found new love for the Gull Wing

[@saldollarsox]

This is my favorite builder. Style and function. Always looking forward to seeing his builds. So tasteful!

[@signorpippistrello]

Beautiful from the outside! It really is! The interior..... I would have avoided a closeup of the dashboard.

[@superresistant8041]

they're maybe working on it and forgot to close

[@signorpippistrello]

Joe H Gaps like on a Shiguli....

[@MrAdrianGrigore]

Car is impressive, the builder is even more impressive, a very level headed individual, vital for such builds. Good job !

[@miksvalters9430]

This is the most beautiful car I’ve ever seen. Amaizing. Never seen a car with so much detale even fabricated cars aren’t any close to this.

[@twoblacklabs904]

Wow...what a beautiful “one off.” I love everything about it with one minor exception, the Toyo Tires brand decal on the windshield tint line...

[@ajayborkar1788]

Thanks for the video and thanks to his friend that was cool with his gullwing being taken part for molds. That must have been nerve-racking

[@steveanderson3942]

Why it's just molds?

[@ajayborkar1788]

@@steveanderson3942 well if I had a car like that, I wouldn't want to take it apart unless I had to

[@duronboy2]

I know I wouldn't want to be taken apart just so someone could get a mold of my kidneys.

[@frankworrell9472]

beautiful machine. and the 2 guys playing rock paper scissors was hilarious!!

[@allantaylor3288]

Wow what an incredible build of one of the most iconic cars on the planet simply amazing and so humble with it👍😊

[@gman6862]

Imho the 300sl Gullwing is the most beautiful car ever made. And this interpretation is beautiful.

[@Taaaah2010]

can you imagine making this and then driving it when its done knowing that youre just that badass? must be the best feeling

[@david.carreira]

I really like John's work. Every build that he does is off the top and unique!

[@SaulV]

Blown away how beautiful this build is. Easily one of the most beautiful cars ever built in my book.

[@love-life928]

This is the sleekest clean damn fine Mercedes slk 32 I've seen in my life, the beautiful glossy grey and the accents on the tyres make the rims pop. This is the stuff of dreams, at least mine anyways .

[@JSmooVE3990]

This guy is a national treasure! Amazing car.

[@FirstGearPinnedProductions]

This was awesome! I have notifications on for this channel now!

[@LarryChenPhoto]

Smart.

[@davelangford2439]

He is the greatest car builder in the world right now. His Porsche speedster is also stunning. His attention to detail is incredible and he doesn't compromise on any part of the build. His cars give me a semi!

[@davelangford2439]

I'm not digging the grey colour of his builds though. The speedster is perfect in white

[@texwill77]

Wow.....what a car and of course thanks Larry for bringing another level to these videos.

[@AlmightyLeos]

Im so glad they gave Larry is own channel. This guy is around the sickest cars in the world and creates photo masterpieces! Larry Chen is the modern age Picaso, not that he paints but you know what I mean haha, great job Larry, keep doing what you love!

[@myinfinitestate1586]

Absolutely gorgeous car. You definitely nailed it mate. Cheers from Western Australia!!!

[@MrGaryGG48]

Absolutely beautiful!! The best part is that you had access to an original and took advantage of that but there was no original 300SL Gullwing "butchered" to turn it into a hotrod. I know there will be purists having conniption fits over the sacrilege of the whole thing but.... just tell them to get a life and go away!! The build quality is just spectacular!! Well Done!

[@daveshiroma]

This is so pleasing! What an amazing group of artists! Thank you for blessing us with this amazing work! This type of build is my absolute dream build. It would be the car I was buried in. I’m legit fanboying so hard right now 😂

[@RawenWarCrow]

As much as I hate those wheels (on this car), it's not my car... And this car is brilliantly done, an absolute dream... Respect.

[@vitalino1981]

Best custom build I've seen so far in my life Ultimate timeless weekend driver

[@Omrie69]

agreed mate!

[@dn252]

This is How it should be Done!! I have loved this build since the beginning!! I would love to see this video with the 993 Speedster!!

[@deadprivacy]

someone made moulds for this before and were ordered to destroy them by mercedes....

[@user-sn5kj1gy1t]

@@deadprivacy link?

[@bukspetrusmare1225]

To me this is no.1 of dream cars because of style and power back when it originally came out. Even though it is only a replica, you kept the looks neat. Liked the Porsches aswell, also a dream. Both are wallpapers on my pc. Keep up the good work and can't wait for your next project. South Africa

[@Valdismith]

OMG, they did the bodywork so good, it looks like a real one, not some sketchy replica you can tell from 100ft away. Congratulations, the car is beautiful, and sitting sick on the bigger rims, with the low profiles.

[@Autofaze]

Seriously the most unique build I've ever seen online! Such craftsmanship, it's insane. Killer images Larry! ❤️

[@jancovanderwesthuizen8070]

Most beautiful car ever made. He should start producing this for ppl to buy I'd buy a 300SL or a DB5 clone in a heartbeat

[@johnanthony114]

Janco van der Westhuizen hit up slang500 on ig. He can make more

[@itsalgud1459]

And amazing car, and incredible achievement. It’s a very interesting and unique perspective on this great classic. I’m sure many have castigated you for doing this, and while all of it is not to my taste, it’s simply amazing what you have done.

[@johnmallett4983]

I am a SL purist…but my mind is now blown. Absolutely lovely. The greatest SL ever designed has been recreated into a sumptuous delight.

[@Gus171987]

I never comment on builds but that's beautiful !!!!!

[@GenesisInc2001]

So.… you cloned a million dollar car.... Do you want to do a burnout for Hoonigan in it.... Thanks :)

[@LarryChenPhoto]

Scumbags worldwide

[@allensaunders449]

Yeah its a clone not original so you can use it.

[@jasonbirch1182]

@@allensaunders449 originals are meant to be used too. Look at the LSR 300sl mentioned in the beginning.

[@stevethibodeaux3764]

That smoky shot will also probably end up on something widely seen so...

[@KillItandGrillIt]

@@LarryChenPhoto There's one in every crowd. Nice car.

[@nissan1580sx]

I like what you made. Some very intricate craftmanship went into making a modern take on this classic. thumbs up man

[@MartinAston00]

WOW.. when it comes to the bodywork and laying down on that chasis.. this is a very impressive build! ..and it’s an MBZ gullwing... it’s already iconic.

[@jamesbond8530]

This car takes nothing away from the original on the contrary it enhances it. Great to see such craftsmanship.

[@1959LP4U]

James Bond - Having an auto trans definitely takes "away from the original" and doesn't enhance it!!!

[@SerpentXTech]

The OG of Gullwing doors, sorry "falcon-wing" but it is so clean!

[@abdullahz4804]

Falcon wings is the gay name for tesla doors, how dare u call them that

[@darrylhenry3793]

This is better than anything I seen before. What a masterpiece! This is true Craftsmanship, pride and legacy.

[@DanPrintzhunny]

I love everything about this! THIS is a real artist and craftsman!

[@mickromer6199]

Are we Ignoring the two camera guys playing paper scissors rock outside at 13:20 lol

[@christianbuczko1481]

My guess is the winner got to ride in that merc.

[@mixrable1212]

I think that clip alone represents us men the best. On one side, you have a man passionately talking about his creations and on the other side there's two dudes just playing rock paper scissors.

[@AmateurTroll69]

Yes ignore it

[@jarradmoore6939]

mick romer yes we r

[@Greengoblin2345]

Are we gonna ignore the fact that it’s “rock, paper, scissors” not what you said

[@radmansa5514]

Brilliant! A true artist, respect man, good work👍👌

[@Landshark928]

This is simply the best of both worlds: fantastic timeless design combined with modern technique. What an institute this SL...

[@Ronagery]

The new era of restomod and how restomod should be. Wonderful work of and attention to details I would have never considered. WOW

[@timoschatz3055]

Gratulations !!! Im impresst and proud to be a German !!! You make some perfekt more than this :-) Thank You Brother !

[@brv002]

That's my kind of build. Subbed!

[@CrazyCowboyBuilds]

brv002 agreed!

[@PcParamedics868]

Man you rock love this car might never see one in my lifetime but man good job to you and your whole team that put this together... reping the 868

[@High-Tech-Redneck]

there is no competition to this, its in a class all of its own! Like a Picasso, one of a kind and I think it's truly priceless

[@adarshhirjee333]

Sooo in love. I wish I could get a kit version of this in South Africa.

[@louisfaasen4511]

my point exactly, as a fellow South African, where do we get a replica body?? Is there even an SL300wing in South Africa, so that we can create our own molds??

[@MrGaryGG48]

@@louisfaasen4511 I have no connection with either Larry Chen or John Sarkisyan but I would think that orchestrating some sort of collaboration with Mr. Sarkisyan would be by far simpler. He has proven he has the means and the facilities to make an exceptional piece of automotive art that actually drives well. That was definitely a stroke of good fortune when he found that the SLK and the 300SL have the same wheelbase. That cut a huge amount of time and effort from the overall project plan!

[@miika6739]

Kits are illegal, the 300sl body is apparently patented. The car in this video is kinda barely legal if I've understood it correctly

[@CaseyFinSF]

Damn, you forced me to sub you...with pleasure and respect from San Francisco. When people say you make some smoking hot vehicles..well, you take it literally. Very cool.

[@salas231141]

The amazing shape of cars like this should come back it's the most beautiful machine I have seen in a long time