This Mercedes 300SL by Saoutchik: The Future of Coachbuilding

Coachbuilding feels like a relic of the past, which is why many famous names like Saoutchik faded away. But after 70 years, they’re making a comeback with the stunning 300 GTC. This car beautifully merges classic and modern design, reviving the art of coachbuilding for today’s world.

If you’re cruising around in a Tesla or a tuned-up RS3, you might not know much about coachbuilding. Back in the day, car manufacturers only provided the chassis and engine. Car owners would then turn to coachbuilders to create custom bodies for their vehicles.

One of the most legendary coachbuilders was Saoutchik, founded in 1906 by Iakov “Jacques” Saoutchik. Based in France, they crafted stunning bodies for high-end brands like Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, Bugatti, and Rolls Royce during the 1920s and 30s—long before names like Ferrari and Porsche took over.

Some of their standout creations include the Rolls Royce Phantom Transformable, the Type 57 Bugatti, and the Cadillac Sixty-Two. Their most famous car, the 1928 Mercedes 680S Saoutchik Torpedo, won Best in Show at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

However, after World War II, the demand for coachbuilding dropped as manufacturers began making their own bodies. This decline led to Saoutchik’s closure in 1955, leaving it a mere footnote in automotive history… until now.

Saoutchik’s comeback is thanks to a partnership with Ugur Sahin Design and Pogea Racing. While Pogea Racing focused on performance, Ugur Sahin crafted the body design. Together, they aimed to revive the spirit of Saoutchik by engineering and building custom, limited-edition cars. The result? A bold statement for the future of coachbuilding!

The stunning 300 GTC is the result of this collaboration, inspired by the iconic 1954 300 SL roadster—one of the most beautiful cars ever made. With its low profile, wide grille, round headlights, and curvy rear, it channels the classic Mercedes vibe beautifully.

But don’t mistake it for a simple resto-mod like those from Singer or Eagle; the 300 GTC is a fresh take that stands out on its own!

The 300 GTC is packed with modern features like 22-inch chromed wheels, an electronic fabric roof, vents behind the front wheels, and a retractable rear spoiler. It beautifully blends classic design with contemporary technology.

Under the skin, it’s a 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL63, complete with the same interior, doors, and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Its powerful 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 churns out 585 horsepower, taking you from 0-62 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 196 mph.

But don’t expect to drive it flat out; only 15 of these exotic cars will be made, each custom-tailored for its owner. It’s designed more for cruising through Saint Tropez than racing on the Autobahn. While the exact price isn’t announced, expect it to start around $850,000!

Saoutchik’s comeback is an exciting moment in the automotive world, proving that classic coachbuilding is very much alive. The 300 GTC beautifully blends the timeless elegance of the “golden age of motoring” with modern style, speed, and comfort.

This car represents a fresh take on coachbuilding, and as Saoutchik reestablishes itself, car enthusiasts are eager to see what’s next—maybe even a revived Gullwing! It’s more than just the return of a brand; it’s a revival of a cherished art form.