The First Gullwing... [PIC]

The 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was the first of the gullwing sports cars due to the very high sill resulting from the chassis (W194) design. The SL, or Super Light, body was made from "Elektron". a magnesium alloy. Its light weight and aerodynamic shape allowed it to compete with higher horse powered adversaries. The following year, the engine would be fuel injected for more competitive power (240 HP). Underpowered or not, this '52 SL was a double winner in the grueling Mexican Panamericana endurance race in both class and overall. Other wins that year included Le Mans and the Nurburgring. Fun  fact: The 8 bars affixed over the windscreen was added mid race in Mexico, when a vulture crashed through the windscreen and almost killed the navigator.

The model by CMC was one of its first 1/24 and although a bit crude by today's standards, was quite the sensation way back when. It came with a reproduction of the German medal it received for its successes.