Three chequered upholsteries with the code numbers L1 (blue-grey), L2 (red-green) and L3 (green-beige) for seat cushions and seat backrests were available ex-factory for the legendary 300 SL “Gullwing”. They were combined, for example, on the seat side bolsters and seat backs, with MB-Tex in blue, beige and green. Leather upholstery was available as an alternative for an additional charge of DM 600.
This reproduction of the chequered 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. 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. When it came to determining the exact colours and patterns, Mercedes-Benz Classic worked closely with the Design department in Sindelfingen – which is also historically authentic.
All three original standard equipment variants L1, L2 and L3 can be ordered from any Mercedes-Benz sales partner by the metre with the following part numbers:
Blue-grey chequered design (L1): A 000 983 44 86 / 5000
Red-green chequered design (L2): A 000 983 44 86 / 3000
Green-beige chequered design (L3): A 000 983 44 86 / 6000
The price per metre with a useful width of 1,400 millimetres is EUR 184.45.
Variant L1 was delivered in nearly 80 percent of the 300 SL models with a fabric interior produced from 1954 to 1957. This made the blue-grey chequered gabardine fabric the most popular interior design of all in the 300 SL “Gullwing” – even coming in ahead of the leather variant ordered most frequently. The second most popular fabric pattern was variant L2 at nearly 14 percent, whilst variant L3 was only ordered with a frequency of about 6 percent.
Sheep’s wool not only corresponds to the original specification, it also has numerous functional advantages. The fibre is breathable, offers natural moisture management and thus creates a pleasant seat climate, especially on long journeys. For wool can absorb up to a third of its own weight in moisture and always remains odour-neutral.
The combed yarn consists mainly of longer, and mostly fine fibres which are aligned consistently and in parallel. A fabric made from it is therefore of high quality. The German original supplier has again produced the new upholsteries for the 300 SL in four-ply double-weave twill, creating a very robust material. The fabrics meet the supply specifications of the then Daimler-Benz AG with regard to wear- and scuff-resistance, lightfastness and flammability.
