GULLWING EXPERIENCE: Raw and Raspy 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing | EP34

[@Onewheelordeal]

I swear this could be a Haggerty show, the production is so great!!

[@DeBoerVan]

This is better then Jason. ❤ I respect him, but the Cyber T nonsence bring his points down.

[@riverbluevert7814]

I'm guessing Nicole wants to stay on KZbin and work on a schedule she controls. She clearly has the talent to do a Hagerty show.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

@riverbluevert7814 Thank you...I appreciate that!!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We appreciate the compliment...thank you for watching !!

[@kerrywilliams6596]

This is better. This is the Nicole Johnson Detour show.

[@thenotanclan]

The content she produces is first class and she has great chemistry with people Film work, sound, editing - all spot on I vote for Nicole and Jason Camissa to be hired for a Top Gear reboot

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for the kind words...we sincerely appreciate it!!

[@mindeloman]

I think what makes Nicole great is that she knows cars and she knows car people and understands what she is doing. At around the 24:00 mark he says "for Me, it checks all the boxes, " and then Nicole immediately asks, "what are those boxes?" I've seen waaaaaaaaay too many presenters just ignore that HIGHLY important question. It's as much about the owners/builders as it is about the cars. So many lose sight of that.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

@@mindeloman Thank you for that!

[@kendpruitt]

Sounds so sweet!

[@eric1138]

Agreed. It reminded me of an episode from Alain de Cadenet's Victory by Design.

[@badesign9519]

I love how Robert restored this how he wanted too rather than the established way.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes...we totally agree!! Thank you for the comment!!

[@3pan1]

I'm Dutch and i can't tell you how disgusted i am.

[@dudley7540]

@@3pan1 seriously?

[@3pan1]

@@dudley7540 You people are from a different world really without respect for cultural values, importance of originality, especially in the automotive field. In Europe one does not alter significant cultural objects; those MB gullwings are rare, you bring them back to the exact original state, you preserve, you restore, you don't fit leds or whatever modern b*llsh*t., This is NOT restoring, it is raping.

[@shanehnorman]

@@3pan1 I would agree, but the car was a bitsa before the restoration - hardly any part belonged to any other, even if all were original to a 300SL. A faithful restoration would not have changed any of those drawbacks, so why not give it a different slant? After all, he could have fitted Wilwood discs, flared arches, a Tremec five-speed, and all of the other restomod hacks. The car still responds, sounds, and handles as the original did - just a bit more so!

[@gregoryhorvath8920]

Robert is one of the most laidback people I’ve ever seen. His attitude towards cars is exemplary. Do what you want and drive it. Nichole, find more guys like him.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We agree!! Thank you for the comment!!

[@andreasweber7828]

My dream car. Period The engineer who created the original on a tube frame, Rudolf Uhlenhaut drove his 300SL 0001 to work every day, or to Norway to participate in a race, won it and drove the trophy in his car back home. And he became deaf on his left ear because his car had sidepipes wo mufflers. Couldn’t stop him from driving it till he died. Legend

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for sharing with us...love it!!

[@2JZDestroyer]

That was the 300SLR , a completely different car and engine.

[@ricklong3218]

The fact that he created a "Hot Rod" 300SL Gullwing (that is worth over a 1 million dollars MINIMUM) and had 2 or 3 more in the shop speaks volumes! Some are worth less, but they are ALL worth 1M at auction, unless its a basket case, which makes it worth 500k. Love that he treats it like a CAR, drives it, and that it stayed in his family! Such a raw and basic build probably makes it worth more, and I hope he keeps it and passes it down 👍

[@05gtdriver]

Robert is too chill...with The King & Elvira in the rafters, snacking on jerky while Nicole is amazed by the Gullwing's virtues. Cool stuff, Mrs. Johnson 😁

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Haha...he was awesome!! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@lamarw9901]

I keep thinking about the strangler... (nods) good! I laughed at that one. chill and a warped sense of humor. I like it.

[@RedBud315]

I definitely got into the wrong line of work. I said people will always need a phone so I became a phone man. This is the work I would have really loved to do. These are not only cars, they are rolling art.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

They are definitely rolling art!!! Thank you for the comment!!

[@slowcountryboy476]

I love the sound. That is the kind of car you needn't worry about miles per gallon; it's about SMILES per gallon... 😊

[@roymcgavigan5018]

I was a telephone man too but if I'd had any guidance at school I'd have ended up working for Morgan.I've only been through the factory 6 times.I love that place.

[@gordocarbo]

Buddy has a small phone service here in Socal and hes about all closed up. Did nice systems for commerical residential, securtity systems etc . Very few willing to pay for it and even less using those systems.

[@mauricesthomas2399]

Its never too late to do something new!. If this is your passion, make the plan to shift and do it. All the best to you brother.

[@tomcolegrove5491]

In 1962, when I was 6 years old, my great-uncle picked up my parents and little brother in a gullwing (brother and I sat on the shelf in the back, Mom and Dad in the passenger seat). He drove us through Heidelberg Germany on the way to our grandparents house. All these years later and I still recall it clearly. This is NOT my uncle's 300SL! Robert - thanks for sharing your amazing creation with us. Nicole - again - thanks for taking us along for the ride!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We're so glad you enjoyed riding along with us!! Thank you for the comment...loved it!!

[@chrisbike77]

Amazing creation is just the word to look for🙏

[@johndean2110]

That is a very cool car! 👍😊

[@DeBoerVan]

All of the cars Nicole toured are peace of art. Same as the people that built them. Creative people = creative outcome. ❤

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Well said!!! Thank you for the comment!!

[@AMAMBT]

just restored my late father's car, a 46 old Peugeot . it took me 4 years . succeeded to bring it back to life, maybe not perfectly but easily drivable and reliable. never replaced anything but its original. no flashy colors or even one mechanical modification. so i understand the joy of driving a vintage unmodified car .

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

That's so cool!! Thank you for sharing with us!!

[@lukesaldana8945]

That inline 6 is a melodious symphony of awesomeness !! 🤘

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes it is!! We're glad you like it!!

[@MrGaryGG48]

Very well stated!! 👍

[@Gerry-K]

My History Teacher had a 300SL Gull wing back in the 60's. He had the car shipped to Canada when he moved back in 57. The sound of those engines was so exotic. as was the styling. When he moved back to Germany in 73, the 300 was shipped back with him. I'm so happy I was lucky enough to be able to ride in his 300 a few times.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for sharing with us...we appreciate it!!

[@FIGGY65]

Very cool visit, and awesome cars ! The Hillside Strangler connection is the cherry on top of the story ! My English instructor ( and boxing coach) in Junior College (CCSF early 1980s) Mr. Moorhouse , owned a 55 300SL ( or 56 ) Couple like this, and he bought it as a basket case, fully restoring on his own in the mid ( to late 70s) 70s IIRC. It was silver with a burgundy interior, and was beautiful. He drove it regularly to school, and was able to securely park it at the staff parking area. It was a sight to behold.

[@erikmontville4413]

Nicole is so knowledgeable, and not fake TV knowledge, but a true motorhead that can relate to each person she interviews. I'm excited to see where her channel goes. #1 on my feed!

[@lukewalker1051]

Wonderful story. Robert is a very talented man and deserving custodian of these timeless cars. Thanks for this interview Nichole. Captivating for car lovers.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Our pleasure! We appreciate you watching...glad you enjoyed it!!

[@vernonbennettiii3646]

Yeah, I've seen a number of these 300SL Gullwings. But, my first recollection of seeing one, was one being restored by a guy who worked part time at the Gilmore Car Museum, back in 1979. He had a shop on Portage Road, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and there was also some sort of a Ferrari on one of his lifts. I had my 1972 Saab Sonnet for sale to raise money to go to Law School, and that guy bought my crazy little Saab Sonnet for his girlfriend to drive. Several years later, as a lawyer, I ended up drafting the contract between the Gilmore Car Museum and the Classic Car Club of America to join forces for showing classic cars at the Gilmore Car Museum, in Hickory Corners, Michigan. I now regularly bring the various Jaguars that my wife and I have owned to show at the annual Mad Dogs and Englishman British Car Show at the Gilmore Car Museum each summer. You ought to attend. It's quite a nice event, and wonderful people in attendance!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for sharing with us!! Sounds like a nice Car Show!!

[@joelmurphy7980]

I watch a LOT of car channels on youtube but Detour is hands down my favorite, everything else goes down a notch on the watch now list when a Detour video drops. Always enjoyable, well done. And that gull wing, wow. Well done to Robert as well, an amazing car.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Wow...that means a lot to all of us here at Detour!!! Thank you so much!! We're glad you enjoyed watching!!

[@dakota4211]

In 1956 I was a caddie for the owner of Pirelli tires in Samedan (two towns east from St,Moritz) Switzerland. He played only nine holes that day so we had to drive to the ninth hole in the Mercedes 300SL. As a young kid at that time driving in a 300SL, was one of my biggest adventure I will never forget.Very nice presentation thank you.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks so much for sharing with us...love it!! We appreciate you watching!!

[@violinmiata]

I love how every part of every car in the garage has a story and a reason. Taking a classic car and making it more classic is the best part!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for the comment!! We appreciate you watching!!

[@margaretbehler4935]

Ok! The Maserati excited me like I was a teenager. That sound! I never would have thought that I would like a hot rodded 300 SL. Nice!

[@JimStabe]

You did it again! Love the way it sounds and I can appreciate the work he did to get it to sound like that. He hit the perfect balance of reverence for the original making it his own. Well done.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We couldn't agree more!! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@brucebrown9604]

This must be one of the coolest gullwings! A dream for the eyes and ears ! 😎

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We're so glad you like it...thanks for watching!!

[@louk231]

It's just a work of one individual's art and function...Love it a lot.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We're so glad you like it!! Thanks for watching!!

[@Petrospect]

The eyebrows on the sides of the Gullwing were actually added because water splashed up excessively without them during endurance racing and this solution fixed the issue! Greetings from Greece! Loved the episode 😃 Gullwings have the most presence of any car I've seen irl, stunning!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks for the info! Greetings to you as well!!

[@gordocarbo]

Makes sense seen similar shaped pieces on the front/side of ships

[@valsetriste7875]

Nicole Johnson, one of a kind, just hope there is an endless list of unique cars and people to feature !

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much...we hope so too!!

[@besteven]

Gawd, what a car. I've been to multiple car shows and never seen one, so this was all new to me. Watching a video is never full-on visceral, but Nicole's delight in driving and her intent to bring us along is the best I've experienced. And the merch bit at the end was a fun touch.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!!

[@georgek.papafilippou2583]

Nicole, I have to admit that this 4 wheeled beauty is one of the best cars ever being built! I envy you!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you...we appreciate your comment!!

[@arminjehle6979]

Nice, pretty, famous and just really wonderful cars.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes we agree!! Glad you like it!!

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear arminjehle. 👍👌👏 You're absolutely right, Sir! And when you take away the word cars, it's exactly the right terms describing Nicole Johnson too! 💚 Best regards, luck and health in particular.

[@arminjehle6979]

Who are you?

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

@@arminjehle6979 A German, just like you (at least I guess so). Why do you ask?

[@arminjehle6979]

​@@Chr.U.Cas1622 Because your answer was different as the others.

[@RoninDosho]

!955 is one of my all time favorite years for cars, and this one is one of the best from that year.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for the comment!!

[@worldsails2000]

A friend's dad had a 1962 3000SL roadster with knock off hubs, true spoke wheels. Everything was original and it was in perfect condition.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks for sharing with us!!!

[@duviworthing]

It would have been a 300sl. If it had knock off wheels, they would have been Rudge wheels. The 300sl never had wire wheels.

[@zeroceiling]

I personally love the roadster more than the gull wing..

[@Toomuchfun986]

It never gets old on how much you enjoy driving, I enjoy watching you enjoy. I don’t know if you find these cars or these cars find you, keep up the great word.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you...I'm so glad you enjoy watching!!

[@samuelhatman8995]

I subbed... again. Over time this will be shared with a few friends. Tremendous respect for your background, values, strength and perseverance. This is the top. And, and... your driving and joy of the experience? Well, yes, we felt the experience due to your quality of production.... dang just all of it. I've loved the gull wings since I was a kid and that was 60+ years ago. And, you get this... we are blessed by you sharing the folks and the cars, and you. Thanks... old Sam with the young heart.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much...all of us here at Detour sincerely appreciate your comment!! We're glad you enjoyed watching!!

[@jamiecampbell3068]

Love owners that believe in a car's soul. Those cars are iconic as they drive, not as a museum piece. Love the car. Long live the owner !!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for the nice comment!!!

[@johnboydTx]

Fantastic 👏👏👏👏 Everything is Purpose Built for Enjoyment!!! A Driving Adventure 🤔... Enjoy 😊 Happy Motoring ✌️🤠💕

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you!! We're so glad you like it!!

[@JayWelchy]

She has a knack for finding not only fantastic cars, but good people who own those cars. Best part of the vid, is the sound for sure. Captured it multiple times and it is glorious.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We're glad you enjoyed watching!! All of us here at Detour are always on the hunt for our next subject...it's a team effort for sure!!

[@PaulFellows3430]

Great looks, great style - just like you in fact Nicole. Best wishes from Great Britain. 😃

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks so much! 😊 Best wishes to you as well.

[@maxxwellbeing9449]

That’s absolutely beautiful. So classy… the cars are pretty cool too, but they don’t compare to Nicole. Another great show. Well done Nicole.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you...that's very nice!! We're glad you enjoyed it!!

[@maxxwellbeing9449]

@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour I love your content, and not just because you’re beautiful, but it helps. It’s always a treat to watch your shows. They are very well done and you obviously know your stuff. Thank you for showing us these builds. We would never get to experience them if it wasn’t for you. Well done!

[@barissuyabatmaz]

Nice car, nice story, nice video again.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

And you're nice too!! Glad you enjoyed!!

[@donparker1823]

Thanks!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

You're welcome!!!

[@eric19875]

Amazing video Nicole. And what an amazing car. It's one of the cars I want to at least drive once in my life.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We're so glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks for the comment!!

[@eric19875]

​@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour For sure. My pleasure!

[@Baratkarm]

When I was 8 yrs. old living in North Miami, 1963, a regular neighborhood just off 7th ave., a guy down the street from my house had a dark grey/ red interior SL gullwing. 1st time I saw one. Drove a convertible 300 SL in 1976.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching...we're glad you enjoyed it!!

[@VTX1800MC]

Classic one. Thanks from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching...glad you enjoyed it!!

[@eduardwalhout1740]

I was in a little town in the netherlands while a tour of these dropped in, like 15 of them. Old german couples, all respectable and clean original cars. None of them as cool as this ofcourse.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for sharing with us!!!

[@davids.9707]

Another great video Nicole, thank you. I had a slot car track many years ago and my favorite car was the Mercedes Gullwing.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you....we're glad you enjoyed watching!!

[@fatherguidosarduchi5204]

These videos she makes are always representing the cream of the crop in vehicles. What a great job she has. Great cars lots of history. What makes this such a great video series is that it’s always awesome cars all presented by an equal awesome lady.

[@jukaitoa2891]

I absolutely love it. Greets from Antwerp Belgium!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Awesome...we appreciate you watching. Greetings to you as well!!

[@andrew_barros]

just hearing the exhaust had me phantom feeling it in my chest with those drive bys.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We're so glad you enjoyed watching it!! Thank you!

[@NebulaTraveler2956]

Damn I love early Mercedes Benz Engineering...Just to look at is a joy. Remember - 1950 !

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much for the comment!!!

[@seanscott7120]

One of the most beautiful cars ever built.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes...we agree!! Thanks for the comment!!

[@laurent_cobra_eleven_official]

Hello my friend Nicole i love the video ❤

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Hello!!! Glad you enjoyed watching!!!

[@auleschay180]

I am a German guy of 59 y and I have seen a gullwing driving on the road the last time 40 years ago. It was not part of a historic rallye. Just a normal drive vom A to B. I love your channel and I really appreciate your style.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for the comment...we appreciate it!!

[@DeBoerVan]

verry cool car and the way he built it improving as the period allows and small conviniences that do not take away the specifics of the car ride. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Well said! We agree!! We're so glad you enjoyed watching!!

[@packhams4]

What, no carbon fibre bonnet? No 22" alloy wheels with spokes like scimitars and 1/2" thick tyres? Jokes aside, a beautiful piece of work, the craftsmanship [and sound] of that exhaust is unsurpassed. And seat belts out of a Me109?, very classy. The engine work is the epitome of 'what will work best' as the abiding principle, all thought out thoroughly. Rudi Uhlenhaut would have approved I reckon. And so good to see a 'young feller' doing it all!! Great work! And nicely driven, Nicole, excellent production and choice of location - New Mexico? Thanks, and please keep them coming, you two!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Nice...we're glad you approve!! Thank you for watching!

[@scottfoster1083]

Dang that sounds SO good, and I definitely felt like part of the experience (and sitting "shotgun" w/Caroll Shelby, wow) swear I'm a bigger fan with every episode, and finding you every bit as sincere and genuine in person was a real gift 🤗 thanks, Nicole... 😊🏁

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you...that's so nice!! We're glad you enjoyed watching!!

[@mariosoeters69]

Hello mario here, What a very cool Mercedes gold wing , and the sound wauw wauw wauw and its the best looking ever ! I like to drive it to nicole. 😅 Bye from mario.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks Mario...glad you enjoyed watching!!

[@mtnman3MTA3]

Almost everyone interested in cars knows that a 1955 300SL is a coupe with gull wing doors. It seems superfluous to call it a gullwing instead of a coupe. They’re beautiful cars, no matter what you call them.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes they are!!!

[@MarkBlance]

This car was setup just perfectly. Not too much power, just enough to be fun but not obnoxious. Still has comfort. Glad to have it shared with us.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We're glad you enjoyed watching it!! Thank you!!

[@karljakober]

what a freaking cool car owned by a freakin cool guy

[@karljakober]

"i keep thinking about the strangler" "good"

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

haha!!!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes...he is!! Thank you for watching!!

[@bmwpete65s55]

Kudos to the audio engineers! Sounds great with ear buds, that inline 6 is awesome.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much...we're glad you enjoyed it!!

[@mykalmarsh1550]

My dad so weird on camera he was very excited the whole time.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Haha...he was awesome, we had fun shooting this episode!!

[@alangeddes268]

Hey young lady. Another sweet ride. Brings back a few memories as I worked on one about 50 years ago. Absolutely hated getting in and out of it and I'm a little guy.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks for watching...glad you enjoyed it!!

[@synthnseq]

Maybe, given the history of the interior, Robert should get the leather tested...?

[@TheAmericanGarage1]

The first time I ever saw a gullwing was in a 1/25 scale plastic model, and I was completely fascinated. It was so cool, so unreachable. Something you would dream of but would never even see in real life. Thanks for letting us see what it is like to drive a little-

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for the comment..we appreciate it!!

[@MrGaryGG48]

Nicole, you and Robert were talking about how rare they are on the street. That's true but they were made in 1955... that's almost 70 years ago. I went to an America High School in Stuttgart in the early 1960s and they were very rare even there and then. I've definitely seen more of them in the States than I ever did in Europe. I think a significant part of that is that the economy in Germany in the 1950s and into the '60s was still very much recovering from WWII and very few people could afford much more than the little buzz-box sedan of that era. Three cylinder 2-stroke cars were not uncommon because they were cheap. At that time Mercedes, in Stuttgart, was known for building really good taxi cabs, often diesels that were slower than paint drying!! They still built luxury cars but not many until maybe ten years later. Excellent day, very well spent!! Thanks Nicole.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much for sharing with us...very interesting!!

[@FuriousMess]

One of the greatest automotive designs ever. I almost bought one at a classic car dealership at the mouth of the Pasadena Freeway back in the mid-seventies. Silver/blue with all the original factory luggage in the back. They were asking $15,000 for it and my ex-wife even said go for it. I got cold feet an passed, ouch. The oldest son across the street when I grew up had one and that really impressed me, but he was always working on it or had it in the shop. Great episode.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks for the comment!!

[@denniswhite9721]

This is, without question, the coolest Gullwing I have ever seen!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Awesome...thank you for watching!!

[@barryf1966]

What a lovely car ..driven on the exhaust note not rev counter 👌 A rare car too

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We're glad you enjoyed watching...many thanks!!

[@thejackofalltravels8267]

The story of Sterling Moss in the Milla Miglia running it flat out is a touchable story now that I’ve spent the time to watch this video Thanks for sharing

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching...glad you enjoyed it!!

[@The_Repair_Shop]

What a gorgeous version of the Gullwing. Thanks Nicole & team.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Our pleasure! Thank you for watching!!

[@jimk351c]

Robert is cool as a cucumber. Very cool car, thanks for sharing !

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks for watching!

[@btolley100]

It's got a unique buzz and pop, you can tell what it is without seeing it. Cool car, cool people. Thats what I like about this show.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed watching!!

[@mattpovah5952]

For me this is the ultimate dream car. Unattainable for us regular people now though. What a sweet engine note! Great video.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching!!

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

While still watching,... That engine development, sounds exactly like one would expect Mercedes to have done if they'd kept developing the car, gentle evolution and improvement, same with the LED tail lights and the light weight windows. As a Slant Six HyperPak driver,.. yeah, that lumpy inline six rasp, Love. It!.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes...we agree!!

[@johnnyo5993]

The 300's are so amazing, I think it's a tough call to pick a favorite so I'll say all of them❤

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Good choice!!!

[@bryandickerson5365]

Yes, I think I got a taste of what it’s like to experience a Gullwing and a very unique one at that! I love the vintage Cali hot-rodder changes Robert has made. What a gift to have the opportunity to start with a very non-original car and the resources and skills to pull this off!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks for the comment! We're glad you enjoyed watching!

[@Penguinracer]

Top content Nicole, as always. I love what Robert's done to improve his SL and make it his own. This car has its own distinct story, history and character. I think Harry Metcalfe of "Harry's Garage" nailed it when he said he's interested in "characterful cars." Robert was delightful - great people and interesting cars - the ideal combination.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for the nice comment...we're glad you enjoyed watching!!

[@donmears4090]

I love it when I hear a piston engine airplane fly overhead with that precise sound that they make. The Gullwings engine sounds like that to me. The sounds of an engine at work doing what it does best is music to my ears. One of my fondest memories is standing at the top of the hill just before the corkscrew at Laguna Seca rocking out to the sound of racing engines coming up the hill at full song. This was during the 1986 Monterey Historical Races so I got to hear everything from a 1903 Mercedes Benz racer to 1960's big block 427 AC Cobras and 427 Corvettes.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much for the comment...love it!!

[@jerryeads4084]

Have been close to but never driven 3 of them - LONG time ago I'd become friends witht the kid who inherited the local Benz dealership; he managed to snag the display of a pair of 'em in the showroom for a few weeks. Last one I again didn't get to drive but put my butt in was a '57 in a small 'cars and guitars' (honest) shop in Miami maybe 5-6 years ago. It was going out the door the next day to Cal for a million three. Your productions are ALWAYS just so superbly done, this no exception. Was fun to see somebody actually hot rod one of these things. How fun. I was petrified he was trashing an original, but it's obvious he'd created it from multiple sources. Fantastic.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

This car is an original!! He didn't trash it at all, he just put his own touch on it!!

[@a73capri]

I was invited to a Mercedes SL300 Gullwing Club's annual convention car show back in September of 2019. It was awesome seeing a whole flock of Gullwings and roadsters... I really want one after seeing them in person, but for now, my SL55 is a nice consolation prize. Loved seeing Robert's SL. It's cool that he's having fun with it :-)

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks for sharing!

[@k4x4map46]

a gem. Absolutely gorgeous!!!! fav on the color, curves, and consistent video production quality...whew yeah!!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Wow, thank you! We're so glad you like it!!

[@letsgetmikey3830]

The 300 SL GW...in my top 5 for most beautiful cars ever made.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for the comment!!

[@caribshogun9772]

As a young kid I was obsessed with the Mercedes 300 SEL 😍

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for the comment!!

[@blacksmithBart]

man, it sounds sick.... good one again Nicole! ( Netherlands here., nope never seen one out in the open.... )

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you...we appreciate you watching!!!

[@jongoforth1405]

Well, that's one of the coolest things I've ever seen on KZbin. Thank you, Nicole. I, too, was "built" in 1955. I've always had a thing for these cars. When I was you, about seven, I got to sit in one. It was red with a red interior. I'll never forget it. But I never got the chance to ride in one. So very cool. What a sound! Car music. Car art. Thanks so much!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

What a nice comment!! We're so glad you enjoyed watching!!

[@gianlucaantoniocamilleri1966]

Beautiful car! Pleased to see that Robert restored the car to his own likings and actually enjoys driving it (like its engineers designed it to be), rather than just locking it inside to preserver the value! Hats off

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes...we agree!! We appreciate you watching!!

[@williamgreen1489]

Nicole, your videos are always intriguing and amazing. The content and production are first rate! You bring nothing but smiles to our hobby!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Wow, thank you! We really appreciate that!!

[@23727bgk]

This Gullwing doesn't fit into any category typically shown at Pebble Beach, but it should still be on the Pebble Beach Concours tour in August!

[@Adrian-fy7rd]

This was such a great interview. Love how you didn't interrupt and let his natrual laconic style flow through the show. Great work!! and what a lovely guy!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching this video. We're glad you enjoyed it!!

[@uxb2001]

Another great video from the Good Nicole Johnson!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Glad you liked it! We appreciate you watching!!

[@johnbarker5009]

Robert is so chill! That gullwing is absolutely wicked, and as always Nicole as a fantastic presenter.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you...we appreciate you watching!!

[@irish223]

I have never seen a Gullwing to be honest. I assumed most were stored away out of harms way in the “automotive wine cellars” of collectors. It was delighted to see this video. It is really two people who know cars, enjoy the thrill of driving, and make that accessible to the viewer. It is also an owner that loves what he does not for the financial reward but for the shear love of cars and enjoys giving that opportunity to others. Thank you for the experience and thank you for your continued excellent videos that puts us, the viewer, in the driver seat. Keep them coming ....

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much for your comment...we appreciate it!!

[@gordocarbo]

Nice to see guys who own the car, not owned by it. If you cant drive em whats the use?

[@SnowDawg]

Thanks again for this experience. I have never seen one of these cars in person and next to a Ferrari Dino, I think that the 300SL Gullwing is perfect. Nicole, you brought us along for the ride and let us hear the engine and its' many tones - perfect. I wish your shows were weekly and I agree that Haggerty should pick you up, let you do your thing, and make you a weekly channel. Robert is a cool guy with perfect taste in cars and friends. - Sno Dawg

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much!! We appreciate you sharing your opinion with us...glad you enjoyed it!!

[@cyrilvillarosa2421]

Looks like you are having blast carving while you’re listening to that intoxicating sound from that exhaust. Love the video and car.

[@cyrilvillarosa2421]

@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour 🤣

[@GregoryBamber]

I've loved the Mercedes 300 gullwing since I was a kid, I just turned 67, I've literally driven 1 million kilometres and I still love driving hot cars.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for sharing with us!!

[@robschaffer2189]

Nicole is absolutely my spirit animal... Her facial expressions and reactions are awesome and I know mine would be the same in the same situations! So incredibly awesome! Again, thanks for letting me live vicariously through you.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for the comment...much appreciated!!

[@johnschlaefflin2100]

OK, one of your best films ever. Dude is a character to say the least. Your sound guy deserves a raise, started listening to this and a little boom speaker, switched up to the old hi-fi with an amp, preamp and big old speakers to hear the back pressure, too good. Had the pleasure to see maybe 10 15, maybe 20 Gullwings on some sort of a rally in southern Utah. Ran hard with one fella through the canyons in my GTi For some reason seemed just about right. Pulled over at the hotel they were all staying at to talk to a few, but they were all older, maybe they needed to get to the buffet, or the bathroom so small talk was not in their best interest. Still a great thing to see so many beauties out on the road.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much. We're glad you enjoyed watching! Nice comment!!!

[@Skiridr22]

I enjoy these build especially when it comes with a deep family connection, his dad definitely would be proud

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for your comment...very nice!! It was actually Robert's mother's father who owned this in the 70s. Her sister, Robert's aunt, is who he purchased it from. I met her when we filmed this and she's very proud of his accomplishments!

[@petrolfever]

Another great one! Robert has to be one of the chillest dudes I've ever seen letting someone drive his car.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes...he's super chill!!! Thanks for watching!!!

[@billrbca]

amazing the tube header right but right under the intake manifold, makes me appreciate my cross flow head on my M104 '90 300SL

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks for the comment!

[@awk166]

Lucky and privileged to see this car in WA last summer. Amazing to hear it. Thanks for sharing the most interesting Gullwing in the world.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!!