S-Klub LA, a private Coach design studio in southern California, builds and designs artistic automobiles. They’re individually unique and one-of-a-kind, and S-Klub decided that it was time to take their retro touch and put it on a Tesla Model 3.
Tesla rebuilds – using the motors and batteries – are extremely popular with retro car modders. It’s an easy way to have a highly performant vehicle – without needing to hunt down or hand-produce old parts for vehicles that aren’t made anymore. Additionally – this leaves them with a lot more space on the inside and less maintenance to perform. Some modders even go as far as including a speaker to emulate engine noises.
But this rebuild is a bit more unique… Let’s get into it.
Mercedes 300SL or Model 3?
The base body is actually a Mercedes 300SL, with some modifications made to fit the battery, motors, and computers of a Model 3. Interestingly, this isn’t actually a real Mercedes 300SL body, but rather a fiberglass replica. The car was previously displayed at Specialty Equipment Market Association (of the automotive aftermarket) – or SEMA SHOW 2023 in Las Vegas.
The Tiffany 300 SL, as it’s named by S-Klub LA, took some extensive work to build, with many of the parts hand-made and hand-designed to build a convincing classic Gullwing body.
The Tiffany moniker comes from the fashion brand Tiffany Co – it’s their brand Tiffany Green and Blue that decorates this car inside out. The car drives and is fully functional, which is definitely a testament to the team’s engineering skills.
The interior, in Tiffany colours, replete with Tesla steering wheel and central screen.
Not a Tesla App
Mercedes With FSD?
The folks at S-Klub LA did go through the work of re-installing the Autopilot Cameras and re-using the main Tesla infotainment and Autopilot computers – something that very few retro EV-modders do. This vehicle is definitely more Model 3 than Mercedes – the steering wheel and steering rack, as well as the entire central infotainment system are still intact.
According to the listing information – because yes, you could buy this thing if you wanted – since all the cameras and sensors are intact, it is possible to enable Autopilot on this vehicle. We’re not sure exactly how well that would work – considering the positions of the cameras are likely no longer the same as the original Model 3, the wheelbase has been changed, and the car is an entirely different shape.
We definitely would not recommend trying this vehicle with Autopilot - especially given how long it takes Tesla to simply get AP working on a new vehicle chassis like the Cybertruck - which won’t get FSD or AP until V12.5.
Another shot of the
Not a Tesla App
Definitely Retro
It’s absolutely an original vehicle – that we can say for sure. The Gullwing 300SL is quite a popular vehicle – a 1955 300SL recently sold in 2022 for $6.8 million at RM Sotheby’s auction – but that was an intact, original vehicle, not a replica hull built over a Model 3.
S-Klub LA doesn’t actually list any prices for their one-of-a-kind vehicles, but if for some reason you love Tifanny colors and the idea of a 1955 Gullwing with semi-functional Tesla Autopilot, you can check out their store page.
Build Process
You can check out a video recap of their build process here.
Tesla’s latest FSD update, version 2024.27.5 brings some improvements when parking your vehicle. This is another undocumented, but one we’re happy to see.
Most recently, the Cybertruck received the undocumented change for the Hands-Free Frunk opening (video below). The Cybertruck also recently received Vision Park Assist, which included steering wheel guides in the visualization showing the direction the front and rear wheels were turned. However, it turns out this isn’t just for the Cybertruck.
Update: We’ve updated this article to mention that this feature isn’t included in update 2024.32 yet.
Quick video on the auto frunk. It's literally 🧍♂️📐
Due to the Cybertruck’s unique rear-wheel steering and steer-by-wire design, Park Assist in the Cybertruck displayed the path of the front wheels, and how they would swing while reversing.
This enhancement is also coming to every Tesla vehicle in FSD 12.5.2 and later. It’s also expected to be available in a future update for non-FSD vehicles. However, it’s unclear whether it will be a later revision of update 2024.32 or the next major Tesla update. This is a neat little update, as it helps drivers better understand and predict the path their vehicle will take during a turn.
Brandon, going by @teslaflexx on X, originally spotted the new visuals recently on an AMD-based Model Y running 2024.27.5 and FSD V12.5.2.
Any vehicles who are on update 2024.27.5 or 2024.27.20 should have access to this new feature.
Looks like Cybertruck wasn’t the only vehicle to get the new guide visuals with park assist. Much better than the lines! pic.twitter.com/tF9ZsWCcWy
Tesla’s Cybertruck has been used as an awesome off-road vehicle so far, with some great videos from both Tesla themselves, as well as many owners who have been challenging difficult off-road obstacles.
One frequently requested feature, however, is additional armor for the Cybertruck to improve its off-road capabilities. Wes Morril, Program Manager for the Cybertruck, has confirmed that Tesla will be introducing Battery Armor and Rock Sliders as retrofit “options” by the end of 2024.
Battery Armor
The Cybertruck’s underbody plate, while not completely unarmoured, isn’t exactly super thick, and can leave the battery exposed if the weight of the truck is left on a high-center point or a sharp rock. This upcoming battery armor will be similar to the armored undersides offered by other companies specifically for off-roading.
Rivian, for example, sells armor as a single package for $3,950 USD, or $5,800 CAD, along with a 20” wheel upgrade, full-size spare, and a utility panel including an air compressor and enough hose to let you reach any of the tires when airing up or down your tires for off-road. Tesla’s upcoming Battery Armor will be a retrofit option, unlike Rivian’s – which can only be added when purchasing the vehicle.
Rock Sliders
The Cybertruck has a simple and clean bottom corner – but that also means that it exposes the plastic trim directly. Rock sliders go on the bottom edge of off-road vehicles between the wheels to protect the vehicle's body. Rock sliders are a pretty common modification, and some companies have already begun to offer them for the Cybertruck – but a first-party OEM option is always best.
This is especially true since most third-party options use the lift points of the vehicle to attach rock sliders, which can make replacing wheels or lifting the vehicle difficult without removing the third-party additions. This adds considerable time to what should be a quick job.
Release Date
We’re looking forward to Tesla bringing these options to the Tesla store in the coming months. Wes said they’d be available as retrofits before the end of 2024, along with the upcoming Winter Tire Package, which is arriving next month. The Winter Tire Package is already available to order for Cybertruck owners.
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Although we share official Tesla release notes, we are not affiliated with Tesla Motors. We are Tesla fans and supporters.
