Vintage convertibles and ski holidays rarely go together, but Mercedes-Benz’s Classic division hopes to alter that. It re-released a metal ski rack created for the W198-generation 300SL, based on the renowned Gullwing coupe and produced from 1957 to 1963.
Unveiled at the annual Retromobile event in Paris, the ski rack looks remarkably identical to what you’d buy if you could travel back in time to, say, 1960. It comprises two parts: a large, arch-shaped frame that rests on the quarter panels and attaches to the rear wheel arches and a much smaller frame that fits on the rear bumper.
The ski rack’s price has yet to be announced. However, it will most likely be offered through participating Mercedes-Benz dealers worldwide. This is a factory-designed part, not aftermarket equipment, and the German manufacturer has traditionally done a great job of assisting enthusiasts in keeping its classic vehicles on the road.
These SLs have become highly sought after by collectors, fetching seven-figure prices; in 2023, RM Sotheby’s sold a 1957 model dressed in a one-year-only color dubbed Strawberry Red Metallic for $1,215,000, and a 1961 example with factory-fitted disc brakes for $1,462,500. In this light, the case for leaving the SL at home and bringing the G63 to the slopes is simple.
