Gull Wing Doors

Hi

          Some time ago you mentioned gull-wing doors on cars, and asked exactly what they are. So here are some shots of a Mercedes Benz 300SL, showing this type of door.

The real 300SL dates back to the 1950s. Due to the design of the chassis, the car could not be given normal, full depth doors. Instead it had short doors, which included part of the roof section. 

When the doors opened upwards, they took part of the roof with them, allowing enough space to enter or exit - as long as you were careful not to hit your head. The later convertible version of the 300SL did have more normal doors.

This type of door is still found on some modern cars, usually very low Supercars. With the doors open, they resemble the wings of a gull, when seen head-on.

This model is from the German company Siku, although it is Made in China. Siku models are a little larger than Matchbox or Hot Wheels, but not as big as Corgis or Dinkys. 

The model is posed in its packaging with the doors open, a small piece of clear plastic being used to hold them open, and show off this special feature.

White metal body and doors, red plastic interior, and black plastic base. Excellent tampo printing. Length 84 mm.

Paul Adams from New Zealand