The fact that he created a "Hot Rod" 300SL Gullwing (that is worth over a 1 million dollars MINIMUM) and had 2 or 3 more in the shop speaks volumes! Some are worth less, but they are ALL worth 1M at auction, unless its a basket case, which makes it worth 500k. Love that he treats it like a CAR, drives it, and that it stayed in his family! Such a raw and basic build probably makes it worth more, and I hope he keeps it and passes it down 👍
My dream car. Period The engineer who created the original on a tube frame, Rudolf Uhlenhaut drove his 300SL 0001 to work every day, or to Norway to participate in a race, won it and drove the trophy in his car back home. And he became deaf on his left ear because his car had sidepipes wo mufflers. Couldn’t stop him from driving it till he died. Legend
@@dudley7540 You people are from a different world really without respect for cultural values, importance of originality, especially in the automotive field. In Europe one does not alter significant cultural objects; those MB gullwings are rare, you bring them back to the exact original state, you preserve, you restore, you don't fit leds or whatever modern b*llsh*t., This is NOT restoring, it is raping.
@@3pan1 I would agree, but the car was a bitsa before the restoration - hardly any part belonged to any other, even if all were original to a 300SL. A faithful restoration would not have changed any of those drawbacks, so why not give it a different slant? After all, he could have fitted Wilwood discs, flared arches, a Tremec five-speed, and all of the other restomod hacks. The car still responds, sounds, and handles as the original did - just a bit more so!
Robert is one of the most laidback people I’ve ever seen. His attitude towards cars is exemplary. Do what you want and drive it. Nichole, find more guys like him.
The content she produces is first class and she has great chemistry with people Film work, sound, editing - all spot on I vote for Nicole and Jason Camissa to be hired for a Top Gear reboot
I think what makes Nicole great is that she knows cars and she knows car people and understands what she is doing. At around the 24:00 mark he says "for Me, it checks all the boxes, " and then Nicole immediately asks, "what are those boxes?" I've seen waaaaaaaaay too many presenters just ignore that HIGHLY important question. It's as much about the owners/builders as it is about the cars. So many lose sight of that.
I definitely got into the wrong line of work. I said people will always need a phone so I became a phone man. This is the work I would have really loved to do. These are not only cars, they are rolling art.
I was a telephone man too but if I'd had any guidance at school I'd have ended up working for Morgan.I've only been through the factory 6 times.I love that place.
Buddy has a small phone service here in Socal and hes about all closed up. Did nice systems for commerical residential, securtity systems etc . Very few willing to pay for it and even less using those systems.
Robert is too chill...with The King & Elvira in the rafters, snacking on jerky while Nicole is amazed by the Gullwing's virtues. Cool stuff, Mrs. Johnson 😁
In 1962, when I was 6 years old, my great-uncle picked up my parents and little brother in a gullwing (brother and I sat on the shelf in the back, Mom and Dad in the passenger seat). He drove us through Heidelberg Germany on the way to our grandparents house. All these years later and I still recall it clearly. This is NOT my uncle's 300SL! Robert - thanks for sharing your amazing creation with us. Nicole - again - thanks for taking us along for the ride!
just restored my late father's car, a 46 old Peugeot . it took me 4 years . succeeded to bring it back to life, maybe not perfectly but easily drivable and reliable. never replaced anything but its original. no flashy colors or even one mechanical modification. so i understand the joy of driving a vintage unmodified car .
Wonderful story. Robert is a very talented man and deserving custodian of these timeless cars. Thanks for this interview Nichole. Captivating for car lovers.
Nicole is so knowledgeable, and not fake TV knowledge, but a true motorhead that can relate to each person she interviews. I'm excited to see where her channel goes. #1 on my feed!
My History Teacher had a 300SL Gull wing back in the 60's. He had the car shipped to Canada when he moved back in 57. The sound of those engines was so exotic. as was the styling. When he moved back to Germany in 73, the 300 was shipped back with him. I'm so happy I was lucky enough to be able to ride in his 300 a few times.
Very cool visit, and awesome cars ! The Hillside Strangler connection is the cherry on top of the story ! My English instructor ( and boxing coach) in Junior College (CCSF early 1980s) Mr. Moorhouse , owned a 55 300SL ( or 56 ) Couple like this, and he bought it as a basket case, fully restoring on his own in the mid ( to late 70s) 70s IIRC. It was silver with a burgundy interior, and was beautiful. He drove it regularly to school, and was able to securely park it at the staff parking area. It was a sight to behold.
The eyebrows on the sides of the Gullwing were actually added because water splashed up excessively without them during endurance racing and this solution fixed the issue! Greetings from Greece! Loved the episode 😃 Gullwings have the most presence of any car I've seen irl, stunning!
You did it again! Love the way it sounds and I can appreciate the work he did to get it to sound like that. He hit the perfect balance of reverence for the original making it his own. Well done.
In 1956 I was a caddie for the owner of Pirelli tires in Samedan (two towns east from St,Moritz) Switzerland. He played only nine holes that day so we had to drive to the ninth hole in the Mercedes 300SL. As a young kid at that time driving in a 300SL, was one of my biggest adventure I will never forget.Very nice presentation thank you.
I watch a LOT of car channels on youtube but Detour is hands down my favorite, everything else goes down a notch on the watch now list when a Detour video drops. Always enjoyable, well done. And that gull wing, wow. Well done to Robert as well, an amazing car.
Yeah, I've seen a number of these 300SL Gullwings. But, my first recollection of seeing one, was one being restored by a guy who worked part time at the Gilmore Car Museum, back in 1979. He had a shop on Portage Road, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and there was also some sort of a Ferrari on one of his lifts. I had my 1972 Saab Sonnet for sale to raise money to go to Law School, and that guy bought my crazy little Saab Sonnet for his girlfriend to drive. Several years later, as a lawyer, I ended up drafting the contract between the Gilmore Car Museum and the Classic Car Club of America to join forces for showing classic cars at the Gilmore Car Museum, in Hickory Corners, Michigan. I now regularly bring the various Jaguars that my wife and I have owned to show at the annual Mad Dogs and Englishman British Car Show at the Gilmore Car Museum each summer. You ought to attend. It's quite a nice event, and wonderful people in attendance!
I subbed... again. Over time this will be shared with a few friends. Tremendous respect for your background, values, strength and perseverance. This is the top. And, and... your driving and joy of the experience? Well, yes, we felt the experience due to your quality of production.... dang just all of it. I've loved the gull wings since I was a kid and that was 60+ years ago. And, you get this... we are blessed by you sharing the folks and the cars, and you. Thanks... old Sam with the young heart.
It never gets old on how much you enjoy driving, I enjoy watching you enjoy. I don’t know if you find these cars or these cars find you, keep up the great word.
Hey young lady. Another sweet ride. Brings back a few memories as I worked on one about 50 years ago. Absolutely hated getting in and out of it and I'm a little guy.
The story of Sterling Moss in the Milla Miglia running it flat out is a touchable story now that I’ve spent the time to watch this video Thanks for sharing
Gawd, what a car. I've been to multiple car shows and never seen one, so this was all new to me. Watching a video is never full-on visceral, but Nicole's delight in driving and her intent to bring us along is the best I've experienced. And the merch bit at the end was a fun touch.
Have been close to but never driven 3 of them - LONG time ago I'd become friends witht the kid who inherited the local Benz dealership; he managed to snag the display of a pair of 'em in the showroom for a few weeks. Last one I again didn't get to drive but put my butt in was a '57 in a small 'cars and guitars' (honest) shop in Miami maybe 5-6 years ago. It was going out the door the next day to Cal for a million three. Your productions are ALWAYS just so superbly done, this no exception. Was fun to see somebody actually hot rod one of these things. How fun. I was petrified he was trashing an original, but it's obvious he'd created it from multiple sources. Fantastic.
Well, that's one of the coolest things I've ever seen on UA-cam. Thank you, Nicole. I, too, was "built" in 1955. I've always had a thing for these cars. When I was you, about seven, I got to sit in one. It was red with a red interior. I'll never forget it. But I never got the chance to ride in one. So very cool. What a sound! Car music. Car art. Thanks so much!
The first time I ever saw a gullwing was in a 1/25 scale plastic model, and I was completely fascinated. It was so cool, so unreachable. Something you would dream of but would never even see in real life. Thanks for letting us see what it is like to drive a little-
Top content Nicole, as always. I love what Robert's done to improve his SL and make it his own. This car has its own distinct story, history and character. I think Harry Metcalfe of "Harry's Garage" nailed it when he said he's interested in "characterful cars." Robert was delightful - great people and interesting cars - the ideal combination.
I am a German guy of 59 y and I have seen a gullwing driving on the road the last time 40 years ago. It was not part of a historic rallye. Just a normal drive vom A to B. I love your channel and I really appreciate your style.
Dang that sounds SO good, and I definitely felt like part of the experience (and sitting "shotgun" w/Caroll Shelby, wow) swear I'm a bigger fan with every episode, and finding you every bit as sincere and genuine in person was a real gift 🤗 thanks, Nicole... 😊🏁
Thanks again for this experience. I have never seen one of these cars in person and next to a Ferrari Dino, I think that the 300SL Gullwing is perfect. Nicole, you brought us along for the ride and let us hear the engine and its' many tones - perfect. I wish your shows were weekly and I agree that Haggerty should pick you up, let you do your thing, and make you a weekly channel. Robert is a cool guy with perfect taste in cars and friends. - Sno Dawg
Dear arminjehle. 👍👌👏 You're absolutely right, Sir! And when you take away the word cars, it's exactly the right terms describing Nicole Johnson too! 💚 Best regards, luck and health in particular.
verry cool car and the way he built it improving as the period allows and small conviniences that do not take away the specifics of the car ride. ❤❤❤❤❤
Almost everyone interested in cars knows that a 1955 300SL is a coupe with gull wing doors. It seems superfluous to call it a gullwing instead of a coupe. They’re beautiful cars, no matter what you call them.
Another really great episode Nicole. Once again you’ve given us a taste of a very special car, up close and personal, that we’d never have the chance to see otherwise. Fantastic car Robert, and thank you Nicole and your crew for bringing us the best content once again.
She has a knack for finding not only fantastic cars, but good people who own those cars. Best part of the vid, is the sound for sure. Captured it multiple times and it is glorious.
I have never seen a Gullwing to be honest. I assumed most were stored away out of harms way in the “automotive wine cellars” of collectors. It was delighted to see this video. It is really two people who know cars, enjoy the thrill of driving, and make that accessible to the viewer. It is also an owner that loves what he does not for the financial reward but for the shear love of cars and enjoys giving that opportunity to others. Thank you for the experience and thank you for your continued excellent videos that puts us, the viewer, in the driver seat. Keep them coming ....
Hello mario here, What a very cool Mercedes gold wing , and the sound wauw wauw wauw and its the best looking ever ! I like to drive it to nicole. 😅 Bye from mario.
When I was 8 yrs. old living in North Miami, 1963, a regular neighborhood just off 7th ave., a guy down the street from my house had a dark grey/ red interior SL gullwing. 1st time I saw one. Drove a convertible 300 SL in 1976.
I’ve only watched two episodes of this channel, this one and the Ruffian Mustang. I may subscribe. I love this car. I’m doing the interior of my truck in plaid
Great car and first-class review of a legend! I like the way you explain how this kind of car makes you work to achieve your goals; you are part of the driving dynamic not just along long for the ride!
The Gullwing has always been special, so grateful to see/hear and have this exceptional experience! through your work and your team thank you Nicole and Robert.
One of the greatest automotive designs ever. I almost bought one at a classic car dealership at the mouth of the Pasadena Freeway back in the mid-seventies. Silver/blue with all the original factory luggage in the back. They were asking $15,000 for it and my ex-wife even said go for it. I got cold feet an passed, ouch. The oldest son across the street when I grew up had one and that really impressed me, but he was always working on it or had it in the shop. Great episode.
These videos she makes are always representing the cream of the crop in vehicles. What a great job she has. Great cars lots of history. What makes this such a great video series is that it’s always awesome cars all presented by an equal awesome lady.
I’ve been a fan of the outlaw style of cars be it old Porsches, Beetles, Corvettes and now Mercedes. This version rocks! And those roads look fun too. Great show you have here young lady.
Terrific vid. Content and production is awesome but the enthusiasm is tops! In my little local region of the World, its humbling to have come across seven of the 300SL. Two gullwing's and the others, roadsters. One was buried in a building with some precious other rarities (Ferrari Daytona coupe... the real deal), and a stash of rare motorcycles. Fascinating fellow whom purchased them all from new. Hes now long in car heaven and the 300Sl had been acquired from the estate, saved and restored. Another fellow I've long known painstakingly self restored his dark blue roadster-- gorgeous. Then there's the fellow with his roadster thats not afraid to drive it in one of the largest US cities, I last saw him at cycling event we had both entered. He had brought his bike with a rack strapped on the back of his 300SL! Going further back in years, two car dealers I coincidentally worked with, they traded each other cars... one BMW 507 for one 300SL roadster. The talk way back when was valuation to make the deal fair to each other and they came up with $175k per each. Lol. Also, the one whom offed the 507 roadster had an original mint (including paint) 300SL gullwing. He acquired it years earlier when that prior owner traded it in for a Ferrari. (Side note: unnamed dealer told me he dumped the Ferrari dealer franchise back then because he felt the cars were p.o.s. and they clogged the shop!) Karma...? Recalling the day he was moving the gullwing inside the showroom and he scarred it on a building column made of jagged stone. Big ouch. Anyways, thanks for this video and all the others!
Been meaning to check this channel out for the longest, and boy am I glad I did. This is where it's at. I'm aware of your professional driving career (somewhat), but you are a TRUE professional in this form of automotive/human storytelling. You ooze charismatic charm. Being a professional musician myself, the artistic side of car life is important to me and you and your team nail it in all aspects, especially in the department of passion and appreciation. Your honesty truly shines through and I think that is the final ingredient to this stellar show you guys have created. Keep ripping asphalt!!!
absolutely mega, nicole. well-presented and i'm a huge gullwing fan - and i love robert's direction with his. if a car is modified, it should be a reflection of its' owner.
That thing is freakin beautifully😯 Sounds amazing too 👌 I can imagine it four -wheel-drifting around corners on a track with those crossply tyres 🤘 Thanks Nicole 👍
I was in a little town in the netherlands while a tour of these dropped in, like 15 of them. Old german couples, all respectable and clean original cars. None of them as cool as this ofcourse.
What a wonderful blend these two were for this episode. Love this chill Robert who has such elevated nuanced taste in his approach to the seminal SL rodded ode to LA/US period Benze and the gal is unpretentious, enthusiastic, yet relaxed not trying too hard, very refreshing - Great Job All Around!
What, no carbon fibre bonnet? No 22" alloy wheels with spokes like scimitars and 1/2" thick tyres? Jokes aside, a beautiful piece of work, the craftsmanship [and sound] of that exhaust is unsurpassed. And seat belts out of a Me109?, very classy. The engine work is the epitome of 'what will work best' as the abiding principle, all thought out thoroughly. Rudi Uhlenhaut would have approved I reckon. And so good to see a 'young feller' doing it all!! Great work! And nicely driven, Nicole, excellent production and choice of location - New Mexico? Thanks, and please keep them coming, you two!
Great video. Reminds me of everything I loved about about early Petrolicious videos: great subject, story, conversation, stunning videography and amazing audio clips. How can you have less than 200K subs at this time? This channel should have 1M+ because of the content, experience, and production quality. I also enjoys the discussion and kidding: 'that's a V-12. It's crazy'!" Nothing but smiles watching this episode. Bravo, NJ!
@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour I love your content, and not just because you’re beautiful, but it helps. It’s always a treat to watch your shows. They are very well done and you obviously know your stuff. Thank you for showing us these builds. We would never get to experience them if it wasn’t for you. Well done!
OK, one of your best films ever. Dude is a character to say the least. Your sound guy deserves a raise, started listening to this and a little boom speaker, switched up to the old hi-fi with an amp, preamp and big old speakers to hear the back pressure, too good. Had the pleasure to see maybe 10 15, maybe 20 Gullwings on some sort of a rally in southern Utah. Ran hard with one fella through the canyons in my GTi For some reason seemed just about right. Pulled over at the hotel they were all staying at to talk to a few, but they were all older, maybe they needed to get to the buffet, or the bathroom so small talk was not in their best interest. Still a great thing to see so many beauties out on the road.
Your videos are always outstanding. I really enjoy seeing the one-off vehicles and the people behind them. The energy you bring while you are exploring the vehicles is cool, too. Makes me want to be a better creator and maybe someday hand you the keys to my project. Keep up the good work!
Wow! I’m rarely amazed, but a hot rodded Gullwing takes the cake. I love the way this car would make the pearl-clutchers I know gasp. The best video yet, Nicole!
The fact that he created a "Hot Rod" 300SL Gullwing (that is worth over a 1 million dollars MINIMUM) and had 2 or 3 more in the shop speaks volumes! Some are worth less, but they are ALL worth 1M at auction, unless its a basket case, which makes it worth 500k. Love that he treats it like a CAR, drives it, and that it stayed in his family! Such a raw and basic build probably makes it worth more, and I hope he keeps it and passes it down 👍
My dream car. Period
The engineer who created the original on a tube frame, Rudolf Uhlenhaut drove his 300SL 0001 to work every day, or to Norway to participate in a race, won it and drove the trophy in his car back home. And he became deaf on his left ear because his car had sidepipes wo mufflers. Couldn’t stop him from driving it till he died. Legend
Thank you for sharing with us...love it!!
That was the 300SLR , a completely different car and engine.
I love how Robert restored this how he wanted too rather than the established way.
Yes...we totally agree!! Thank you for the comment!!
I'm Dutch and i can't tell you how disgusted i am.
@@3pan1 seriously?
@@dudley7540 You people are from a different world really without respect for cultural values, importance of originality, especially in the automotive field. In Europe one does not alter significant cultural objects; those MB gullwings are rare, you bring them back to the exact original state, you preserve, you restore, you don't fit leds or whatever modern b*llsh*t., This is NOT restoring, it is raping.
@@3pan1 I would agree, but the car was a bitsa before the restoration - hardly any part belonged to any other, even if all were original to a 300SL. A faithful restoration would not have changed any of those drawbacks, so why not give it a different slant? After all, he could have fitted Wilwood discs, flared arches, a Tremec five-speed, and all of the other restomod hacks. The car still responds, sounds, and handles as the original did - just a bit more so!
I swear this could be a Haggerty show, the production is so great!!
This is better then Jason. ❤ I respect him, but the Cyber T nonsence bring his points down.
I'm guessing Nicole wants to stay on UA-cam and work on a schedule she controls. She clearly has the talent to do a Hagerty show.
@riverbluevert7814 Thank you...I appreciate that!!
We appreciate the compliment...thank you for watching !!
This is better. This is the Nicole Johnson Detour show.
Robert is one of the most laidback people I’ve ever seen. His attitude towards cars is exemplary. Do what you want and drive it. Nichole, find more guys like him.
We agree!! Thank you for the comment!!
The content she produces is first class and she has great chemistry with people
Film work, sound, editing - all spot on
I vote for Nicole and Jason Camissa to be hired for a Top Gear reboot
Thank you for the kind words...we sincerely appreciate it!!
I think what makes Nicole great is that she knows cars and she knows car people and understands what she is doing. At around the 24:00 mark he says "for Me, it checks all the boxes, " and then Nicole immediately asks, "what are those boxes?" I've seen waaaaaaaaay too many presenters just ignore that HIGHLY important question. It's as much about the owners/builders as it is about the cars. So many lose sight of that.
@@mindeloman Thank you for that!
Sounds so sweet!
Agreed. It reminded me of an episode from Alain de Cadenet's Victory by Design.
I definitely got into the wrong line of work. I said people will always need a phone so I became a phone man. This is the work I would have really loved to do. These are not only cars, they are rolling art.
They are definitely rolling art!!! Thank you for the comment!!
I love the sound.
That is the kind of car you needn't worry about miles per gallon;
it's about SMILES per gallon... 😊
I was a telephone man too but if I'd had any guidance at school I'd have ended up working for Morgan.I've only been through the factory 6 times.I love that place.
Buddy has a small phone service here in Socal and hes about all closed up.
Did nice systems for commerical residential, securtity systems etc .
Very few willing to pay for it and even less using those systems.
Its never too late to do something new!. If this is your passion, make the plan to shift and do it. All the best to you brother.
Robert is too chill...with The King & Elvira in the rafters, snacking on jerky while Nicole is amazed by the Gullwing's virtues. Cool stuff, Mrs. Johnson 😁
Haha...he was awesome!! Thank you so much for watching!!
I keep thinking about the strangler... (nods) good!
I laughed at that one. chill and a warped sense of humor. I like it.
All of the cars Nicole toured are peace of art. Same as the people that built them. Creative people = creative outcome. ❤
Well said!!! Thank you for the comment!!
In 1962, when I was 6 years old, my great-uncle picked up my parents and little brother in a gullwing (brother and I sat on the shelf in the back, Mom and Dad in the passenger seat). He drove us through Heidelberg Germany on the way to our grandparents house. All these years later and I still recall it clearly. This is NOT my uncle's 300SL!
Robert - thanks for sharing your amazing creation with us. Nicole - again - thanks for taking us along for the ride!
We're so glad you enjoyed riding along with us!! Thank you for the comment...loved it!!
Amazing creation is just the word to look for🙏
That is a very cool car! 👍😊
just restored my late father's car, a 46 old Peugeot . it took me 4 years . succeeded to bring it back to life, maybe not perfectly but easily drivable and reliable. never replaced anything but its original. no flashy colors or even one mechanical modification. so i understand the joy of driving a vintage unmodified car .
That's so cool!! Thank you for sharing with us!!
That inline 6 is a melodious symphony of awesomeness !! 🤘
Yes it is!! We're glad you like it!!
Very well stated!! 👍
Wonderful story. Robert is a very talented man and deserving custodian of these timeless cars.
Thanks for this interview Nichole. Captivating for car lovers.
Our pleasure! We appreciate you watching...glad you enjoyed it!!
Nicole is so knowledgeable, and not fake TV knowledge, but a true motorhead that can relate to each person she interviews. I'm excited to see where her channel goes. #1 on my feed!
My History Teacher had a 300SL Gull wing back in the 60's. He had the car shipped to Canada when he moved back in 57. The sound of those engines was so exotic. as was the styling.
When he moved back to Germany in 73, the 300 was shipped back with him. I'm so happy I was lucky enough to be able to ride in his 300 a few times.
Thank you for sharing with us...we appreciate it!!
Very cool visit, and awesome cars !
The Hillside Strangler connection is the cherry on top of the story !
My English instructor ( and boxing coach) in Junior College (CCSF early 1980s) Mr. Moorhouse , owned a 55 300SL ( or 56 ) Couple like this, and he bought it as a basket case, fully restoring on his own in the mid ( to late 70s) 70s IIRC.
It was silver with a burgundy interior, and was beautiful. He drove it regularly to school, and was able to securely park it at the staff parking area. It was a sight to behold.
The eyebrows on the sides of the Gullwing were actually added because water splashed up excessively without them during endurance racing and this solution fixed the issue! Greetings from Greece! Loved the episode 😃 Gullwings have the most presence of any car I've seen irl, stunning!
Thanks for the info! Greetings to you as well!!
Makes sense seen similar shaped pieces on the front/side of ships
You did it again! Love the way it sounds and I can appreciate the work he did to get it to sound like that. He hit the perfect balance of reverence for the original making it his own. Well done.
We couldn't agree more!! Thank you so much for watching!!
In 1956 I was a caddie for the owner of Pirelli tires in Samedan (two towns east from St,Moritz) Switzerland. He played only nine holes that day so we had to drive to the ninth hole in the Mercedes 300SL. As a young kid at that time driving in a 300SL, was one of my biggest adventure I will never forget.Very nice presentation thank you.
Thanks so much for sharing with us...love it!! We appreciate you watching!!
I watch a LOT of car channels on youtube but Detour is hands down my favorite, everything else goes down a notch on the watch now list when a Detour video drops. Always enjoyable, well done. And that gull wing, wow. Well done to Robert as well, an amazing car.
Wow...that means a lot to all of us here at Detour!!! Thank you so much!! We're glad you enjoyed watching!!
Yeah, I've seen a number of these 300SL Gullwings. But, my first recollection of seeing one, was one being restored by a guy who worked part time at the Gilmore Car Museum, back in 1979. He had a shop on Portage Road, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and there was also some sort of a Ferrari on one of his lifts. I had my 1972 Saab Sonnet for sale to raise money to go to Law School, and that guy bought my crazy little Saab Sonnet for his girlfriend to drive. Several years later, as a lawyer, I ended up drafting the contract between the Gilmore Car Museum and the Classic Car Club of America to join forces for showing classic cars at the Gilmore Car Museum, in Hickory Corners, Michigan. I now regularly bring the various Jaguars that my wife and I have owned to show at the annual Mad Dogs and Englishman British Car Show at the Gilmore Car Museum each summer. You ought to attend. It's quite a nice event, and wonderful people in attendance!
Thank you for sharing with us!! Sounds like a nice Car Show!!
Ok! The Maserati excited me like I was a teenager. That sound! I never would have thought that I would like a hot rodded 300 SL. Nice!
This must be one of the coolest gullwings! A dream for the eyes and ears ! 😎
We're so glad you like it...thanks for watching!!
I subbed... again. Over time this will be shared with a few friends. Tremendous respect for your background, values, strength and perseverance. This is the top. And, and... your driving and joy of the experience? Well, yes, we felt the experience due to your quality of production.... dang just all of it. I've loved the gull wings since I was a kid and that was 60+ years ago. And, you get this... we are blessed by you sharing the folks and the cars, and you. Thanks... old Sam with the young heart.
Thank you so much...all of us here at Detour sincerely appreciate your comment!! We're glad you enjoyed watching!!
It never gets old on how much you enjoy driving, I enjoy watching you enjoy. I don’t know if you find these cars or these cars find you, keep up the great word.
Thank you...I'm so glad you enjoy watching!!
I love how every part of every car in the garage has a story and a reason. Taking a classic car and making it more classic is the best part!
Thank you for the comment!! We appreciate you watching!!
Hey young lady. Another sweet ride. Brings back a few memories as I worked on one about 50 years ago. Absolutely hated getting in and out of it and I'm a little guy.
Thanks for watching...glad you enjoyed it!!
It's just a work of one individual's art and function...Love it a lot.
We're so glad you like it!! Thanks for watching!!
The story of Sterling Moss in the Milla Miglia running it flat out is a touchable story now that I’ve spent the time to watch this video Thanks for sharing
Thank you for watching...glad you enjoyed it!!
Gawd, what a car. I've been to multiple car shows and never seen one, so this was all new to me. Watching a video is never full-on visceral, but Nicole's delight in driving and her intent to bring us along is the best I've experienced. And the merch bit at the end was a fun touch.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!!
a gem. Absolutely gorgeous!!!! fav on the color, curves, and consistent video production quality...whew yeah!!
Wow, thank you! We're so glad you like it!!
Another great video Nicole, thank you. I had a slot car track many years ago and my favorite car was the Mercedes Gullwing.
Thank you....we're glad you enjoyed watching!!
Kudos to the audio engineers! Sounds great with ear buds, that inline 6 is awesome.
Thank you so much...we're glad you enjoyed it!!
Hello my friend Nicole i love the video ❤
Hello!!! Glad you enjoyed watching!!!
Have been close to but never driven 3 of them - LONG time ago I'd become friends witht the kid who inherited the local Benz dealership; he managed to snag the display of a pair of 'em in the showroom for a few weeks. Last one I again didn't get to drive but put my butt in was a '57 in a small 'cars and guitars' (honest) shop in Miami maybe 5-6 years ago. It was going out the door the next day to Cal for a million three. Your productions are ALWAYS just so superbly done, this no exception. Was fun to see somebody actually hot rod one of these things. How fun. I was petrified he was trashing an original, but it's obvious he'd created it from multiple sources. Fantastic.
This car is an original!! He didn't trash it at all, he just put his own touch on it!!
Nice car, nice story, nice video again.
And you're nice too!! Glad you enjoyed!!
Well, that's one of the coolest things I've ever seen on UA-cam. Thank you, Nicole. I, too, was "built" in 1955. I've always had a thing for these cars. When I was you, about seven, I got to sit in one. It was red with a red interior. I'll never forget it. But I never got the chance to ride in one. So very cool. What a sound! Car music. Car art. Thanks so much!
What a nice comment!! We're so glad you enjoyed watching!!
I absolutely love it. Greets from Antwerp Belgium!
Awesome...we appreciate you watching. Greetings to you as well!!
The first time I ever saw a gullwing was in a 1/25 scale plastic model, and I was completely fascinated. It was so cool, so unreachable. Something you would dream of but would never even see in real life. Thanks for letting us see what it is like to drive a little-
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Amazing video Nicole. And what an amazing car. It's one of the cars I want to at least drive once in my life.
We're so glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks for the comment!!
@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour For sure. My pleasure!
Top content Nicole, as always. I love what Robert's done to improve his SL and make it his own. This car has its own distinct story, history and character. I think Harry Metcalfe of "Harry's Garage" nailed it when he said he's interested in "characterful cars." Robert was delightful - great people and interesting cars - the ideal combination.
Thank you for the nice comment...we're glad you enjoyed watching!!
Great looks, great style - just like you in fact Nicole. Best wishes from Great Britain. 😃
Thanks so much! 😊 Best wishes to you as well.
Nicole, I have to admit that this 4 wheeled beauty is one of the best cars ever being built! I envy you!
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Classic one. Thanks from Sweden 🇸🇪
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I am a German guy of 59 y and I have seen a gullwing driving on the road the last time 40 years ago. It was not part of a historic rallye. Just a normal drive vom A to B. I love your channel and I really appreciate your style.
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A friend's dad had a 1962 3000SL roadster with knock off hubs, true spoke wheels. Everything was original and it was in perfect condition.
Thanks for sharing with us!!!
It would have been a 300sl. If it had knock off wheels, they would have been Rudge wheels. The 300sl never had wire wheels.
I personally love the roadster more than the gull wing..
!955 is one of my all time favorite years for cars, and this one is one of the best from that year.
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Dang that sounds SO good, and I definitely felt like part of the experience (and sitting "shotgun" w/Caroll Shelby, wow) swear I'm a bigger fan with every episode, and finding you every bit as sincere and genuine in person was a real gift 🤗 thanks, Nicole... 😊🏁
Thank you...that's so nice!! We're glad you enjoyed watching!!
Nicole, your videos are always intriguing and amazing. The content and production are first rate! You bring nothing but smiles to our hobby!
Wow, thank you! We really appreciate that!!
Fantastic 👏👏👏👏
Everything is Purpose Built for Enjoyment!!! A Driving Adventure 🤔... Enjoy 😊
Happy Motoring ✌️🤠💕
Thank you!! We're so glad you like it!!
Thanks again for this experience. I have never seen one of these cars in person and next to a Ferrari Dino, I think that the 300SL Gullwing is perfect. Nicole, you brought us along for the ride and let us hear the engine and its' many tones - perfect. I wish your shows were weekly and I agree that Haggerty should pick you up, let you do your thing, and make you a weekly channel. Robert is a cool guy with perfect taste in cars and friends. - Sno Dawg
Thank you so much!! We appreciate you sharing your opinion with us...glad you enjoyed it!!
Nice, pretty, famous and just really wonderful cars.
Yes we agree!! Glad you like it!!
Dear arminjehle.
👍👌👏 You're absolutely right, Sir! And when you take away the word cars, it's exactly the right terms describing Nicole Johnson too! 💚
Best regards, luck and health in particular.
Who are you?
@@arminjehle6979
A German, just like you (at least I guess so). Why do you ask?
@@Chr.U.Cas1622 Because your answer was different as the others.
What a gorgeous version of the Gullwing. Thanks Nicole & team.
Our pleasure! Thank you for watching!!
verry cool car and the way he built it improving as the period allows and small conviniences that do not take away the specifics of the car ride. ❤❤❤❤❤
Well said! We agree!! We're so glad you enjoyed watching!!
Absolutly loved the video. loved the look of his version of the SL. Its timeless. Thanks Nicole
Thank you...we're glad you enjoyed watching!!!
Damn I love early Mercedes Benz Engineering...Just to look at is a joy. Remember - 1950 !
Thank you so much for the comment!!!
Very well done 🤘
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Almost everyone interested in cars knows that a 1955 300SL is a coupe with gull wing doors. It seems superfluous to call it a gullwing instead of a coupe. They’re beautiful cars, no matter what you call them.
Yes they are!!!
Another really great episode Nicole. Once again you’ve given us a taste of a very special car, up close and personal, that we’d never have the chance to see otherwise. Fantastic car Robert, and thank you Nicole and your crew for bringing us the best content once again.
We're so glad you enjoyed watching! Thank you for the comment!!
what a freaking cool car owned by a freakin cool guy
"i keep thinking about the strangler" "good"
haha!!!
Yes...he is!! Thank you for watching!!
She has a knack for finding not only fantastic cars, but good people who own those cars. Best part of the vid, is the sound for sure. Captured it multiple times and it is glorious.
We're glad you enjoyed watching!! All of us here at Detour are always on the hunt for our next subject...it's a team effort for sure!!
My dad so weird on camera he was very excited the whole time.
Haha...he was awesome, we had fun shooting this episode!!
Maybe, given the history of the interior, Robert should get the leather tested...?
I have never seen a Gullwing to be honest. I assumed most were stored away out of harms way in the “automotive wine cellars” of collectors. It was delighted to see this video. It is really two people who know cars, enjoy the thrill of driving, and make that accessible to the viewer. It is also an owner that loves what he does not for the financial reward but for the shear love of cars and enjoys giving that opportunity to others. Thank you for the experience and thank you for your continued excellent videos that puts us, the viewer, in the driver seat. Keep them coming ....
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Nice to see guys who own the car, not owned by it.
If you cant drive em whats the use?
Hello mario here,
What a very cool Mercedes gold wing , and the sound wauw wauw wauw and its the best looking ever !
I like to drive it to nicole. 😅
Bye from mario.
Thanks Mario...glad you enjoyed watching!!
When I was 8 yrs. old living in North Miami, 1963, a regular neighborhood just off 7th ave., a guy down the street from my house had a dark grey/ red interior SL gullwing. 1st time I saw one. Drove a convertible 300 SL in 1976.
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This is, without question, the coolest Gullwing I have ever seen!
Awesome...thank you for watching!!
Thanks Nicole, this was probably my favorite episode yet! Great car, great owner, great story.
The upholsterer sounded pretty sketchy though.
Our pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it!!
Yes..very creepy!!
This car was setup just perfectly. Not too much power, just enough to be fun but not obnoxious. Still has comfort. Glad to have it shared with us.
We're glad you enjoyed watching it!! Thank you!!
man, it sounds sick.... good one again Nicole! ( Netherlands here., nope never seen one out in the open.... )
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Always a pleasure to see what Nicole puts out next. Top notch work as always, and the car sounds fantastic. Great job by the owner.
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I’m not sure I have heard a 300 SL that sounds that great! Almost incomparable 🤯👍 Great vid, as ALWAYS!
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I’ve only watched two episodes of this channel, this one and the Ruffian Mustang. I may subscribe. I love this car. I’m doing the interior of my truck in plaid
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Thanks!
You're welcome!!!
Great car and first-class review of a legend! I like the way you explain how this kind of car makes you work to achieve your goals; you are part of the driving dynamic not just along long for the ride!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!!
One of the best episodes, this guy is quite a character!
We're so glad you enjoyed watching...thank you!!
Love owners that believe in a car's soul. Those cars are iconic as they drive, not as a museum piece. Love the car. Long live the owner !!
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The Gullwing has always been special, so grateful to see/hear and have this exceptional experience! through your work and your team thank you Nicole and Robert.
Our pleasure! Thank you for watching!!
One of the greatest automotive designs ever. I almost bought one at a classic car dealership at the mouth of the Pasadena Freeway back in the mid-seventies. Silver/blue with all the original factory luggage in the back. They were asking $15,000 for it and my ex-wife even said go for it. I got cold feet an passed, ouch. The oldest son across the street when I grew up had one and that really impressed me, but he was always working on it or had it in the shop. Great episode.
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Holy smokes. What special group of cars! My neighbour had a gull wing back in the 70’s. Love to know where it is today.
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These videos she makes are always representing the cream of the crop in vehicles. What a great job she has. Great cars lots of history. What makes this such a great video series is that it’s always awesome cars all presented by an equal awesome lady.
Iconic car! Also love the shots with the drone!
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I’ve been a fan of the outlaw style of cars be it old Porsches, Beetles, Corvettes and now Mercedes. This version rocks! And those roads look fun too. Great show you have here young lady.
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Terrific vid. Content and production is awesome but the enthusiasm is tops!
In my little local region of the World, its humbling to have come across seven of the 300SL. Two gullwing's and the others, roadsters. One was buried in a building with some precious other rarities (Ferrari Daytona coupe... the real deal), and a stash of rare motorcycles. Fascinating fellow whom purchased them all from new. Hes now long in car heaven and the 300Sl had been acquired from the estate, saved and restored. Another fellow I've long known painstakingly self restored his dark blue roadster-- gorgeous. Then there's the fellow with his roadster thats not afraid to drive it in one of the largest US cities, I last saw him at cycling event we had both entered. He had brought his bike with a rack strapped on the back of his 300SL! Going further back in years, two car dealers I coincidentally worked with, they traded each other cars... one BMW 507 for one 300SL roadster. The talk way back when was valuation to make the deal fair to each other and they came up with $175k per each. Lol. Also, the one whom offed the 507 roadster had an original mint (including paint) 300SL gullwing. He acquired it years earlier when that prior owner traded it in for a Ferrari. (Side note: unnamed dealer told me he dumped the Ferrari dealer franchise back then because he felt the cars were p.o.s. and they clogged the shop!) Karma...? Recalling the day he was moving the gullwing inside the showroom and he scarred it on a building column made of jagged stone. Big ouch. Anyways, thanks for this video and all the others!
Thank you so much for sharing with us...very interesting!! We also appreciate you watching!!
One of the best car videos on UA-cam. Beautiful car and just plain fun driving experience.
We're so glad you enjoyed watching!!
Been meaning to check this channel out for the longest, and boy am I glad I did. This is where it's at. I'm aware of your professional driving career (somewhat), but you are a TRUE professional in this form of automotive/human storytelling. You ooze charismatic charm.
Being a professional musician myself, the artistic side of car life is important to me and you and your team nail it in all aspects, especially in the department of passion and appreciation. Your honesty truly shines through and I think that is the final ingredient to this stellar show you guys have created. Keep ripping asphalt!!!
Wow...thank you so much. All of us here at Detour sincerely appreciate your kind words. Welcome aboard!!!
The 300's are so amazing, I think it's a tough call to pick a favorite so I'll say all of them❤
Good choice!!!
absolutely mega, nicole. well-presented and i'm a huge gullwing fan - and i love robert's direction with his. if a car is modified, it should be a reflection of its' owner.
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That thing is freakin beautifully😯 Sounds amazing too 👌
I can imagine it four -wheel-drifting around corners on a track with those crossply tyres 🤘
Thanks Nicole 👍
We're glad you like it...thank you for watching!
I was in a little town in the netherlands while a tour of these dropped in, like 15 of them. Old german couples, all respectable and clean original cars. None of them as cool as this ofcourse.
Thank you for sharing with us!!!
What a wonderful blend these two were for this episode. Love this chill Robert who has such elevated nuanced taste in his approach to the seminal SL rodded ode to LA/US period Benze and the gal is unpretentious, enthusiastic, yet relaxed not trying too hard, very refreshing - Great Job All Around!
Thank you so much...we appreciate it!! Glad you enjoyed watching!!
What, no carbon fibre bonnet? No 22" alloy wheels with spokes like scimitars and 1/2" thick tyres?
Jokes aside, a beautiful piece of work, the craftsmanship [and sound] of that exhaust is unsurpassed.
And seat belts out of a Me109?, very classy.
The engine work is the epitome of 'what will work best' as the abiding principle, all thought out thoroughly. Rudi Uhlenhaut would have approved I reckon.
And so good to see a 'young feller' doing it all!! Great work!
And nicely driven, Nicole, excellent production and choice of location - New Mexico?
Thanks, and please keep them coming, you two!
Nice...we're glad you approve!! Thank you for watching!
Lucky and privileged to see this car in WA last summer. Amazing to hear it. Thanks for sharing the most interesting Gullwing in the world.
Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!!
Great video. Reminds me of everything I loved about about early Petrolicious videos: great subject, story, conversation, stunning videography and amazing audio clips. How can you have less than 200K subs at this time? This channel should have 1M+ because of the content, experience, and production quality. I also enjoys the discussion and kidding: 'that's a V-12. It's crazy'!" Nothing but smiles watching this episode. Bravo, NJ!
Thank you so much!! We sincerely appreciate your comment and so glad you appreciate our work...it means a lot to all of us here at Detour!!
That’s absolutely beautiful. So classy… the cars are pretty cool too, but they don’t compare to Nicole. Another great show. Well done Nicole.
Thank you...that's very nice!! We're glad you enjoyed it!!
@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour I love your content, and not just because you’re beautiful, but it helps. It’s always a treat to watch your shows. They are very well done and you obviously know your stuff. Thank you for showing us these builds. We would never get to experience them if it wasn’t for you. Well done!
Looks like you are having blast carving while you’re listening to that intoxicating sound from that exhaust. Love the video and car.
@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour 🤣
OK, one of your best films ever. Dude is a character to say the least. Your sound guy deserves a raise, started listening to this and a little boom speaker, switched up to the old hi-fi with an amp, preamp and big old speakers to hear the back pressure, too good. Had the pleasure to see maybe 10 15, maybe 20 Gullwings on some sort of a rally in southern Utah. Ran hard with one fella through the canyons in my GTi For some reason seemed just about right. Pulled over at the hotel they were all staying at to talk to a few, but they were all older, maybe they needed to get to the buffet, or the bathroom so small talk was not in their best interest. Still a great thing to see so many beauties out on the road.
Thank you so much. We're glad you enjoyed watching! Nice comment!!!
amazing the tube header right but right under the intake manifold, makes me appreciate my cross flow head on my M104 '90 300SL
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Robert is so chill! That gullwing is absolutely wicked, and as always Nicole as a fantastic presenter.
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Your videos are always outstanding. I really enjoy seeing the one-off vehicles and the people behind them. The energy you bring while you are exploring the vehicles is cool, too.
Makes me want to be a better creator and maybe someday hand you the keys to my project.
Keep up the good work!
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Wow! I’m rarely amazed, but a hot rodded Gullwing takes the cake. I love the way this car would make the pearl-clutchers I know gasp. The best video yet, Nicole!
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