Mercedes-Benz Classic and the original supplier of the checkered-pattern upholstery material used in the famed 300 SL “Gullwing” coupes are bringing back that original fabric in the classic 1954-57 pattern and colors.
Mercedes-Benz Classic said the cloth may be ordered from any Mercedes-Benz “sales partner.”
The sales codes are L1 for blue-grey, L2 for red-green and L3 for green-beige combinations.
“This reproduction of the checkered upholsteries is Mercedes-Benz Classic’s response to the popular request from owners of the legendary sports car for the original specification of the interior material,” the company said in its news release.
“As was the case at the premiere of the ‘Gullwing’ model in 1954, the three fabrics correspond to the original delivery specification of the then Daimler-Benz AG, and are therefore made from 100-percent high-quality wool yarn.”
M-B Classic said it worked with the Mercedes design department to assure historical accuracy and authenticity.
“All three original standard equipment variants L1, L2 and L3 can be ordered from any Mercedes-Benz sales partner by the meter with the following part numbers:
• Blue-grey checkered design (L1): A 000 983 44 86 / 5000
• Red-green checkered design (L2): A 000 983 44 86 / 3000
• Green-beige checkered design (L3): A 000 983 44 86 / 6000
The price per meter with a useful width of 1,400 millimeters is €184.45 ($230) including VAT.
Mercedes-Benz Classic note that the L1 style was ordered in nearly 80 percent of the 300 SL cars produced from 1954-57.
It added that it is having the original German supplier make the new upholstery material, which uses the same four-ply double-weave twill with longer, mostly fine sheep’s-wool fibers aligned “consistently and in parallel.” The fabric meets the same Daimler-Benz AG supply specifications in place in the mid-1950s regarding flammability, wear- and scuff-resistance, and resistance to fading.
“The fiber is breathable, offers natural moisture management and thus creates a pleasant seat climate, especially on long journeys,” M-B Classic said. “For wool can absorb up to a third of its own weight in moisture and always remains odor-neutral.”
Those are tartans not checkered.