DeLorean Competitor: The Spy Hunter Car

Mercedes’ almost re-entry into the gullwing sports car market, and direct competitor to the DeLorean DMC-12. The 1978 Mercedes-Benz CW311 is a high-performance concept car designed by Eberhard Schulz in collaboration with styling firm B+B Auto, featuring gull-wing doors, a fiberglass body, and an AMG-tuned 6.9L V8. Although wearing a Mercedes star, it was not an official factory project but was later produced by Schulz’s company as the Isdera Imperator 108i with only 30 examples built. The name CW311 stands for cW (drag coefficient) of 0.311. It was designed as a modern successor to the 300SL Gullwing, achieving a top speed of roughly 198 mph and 0–62 mph in 4.9 seconds. Engine: The prototype used a 6.9-liter AMG-tuned V8 engine mated to a ZF five-speed transmission. Although developed independently by Schulz and Rainer Buchmann, Mercedes-Benz allowed the use of their badge on the car, making it a unique exception. Because Mercedes did not put it into production, Schulz founded his own company, Isdera, to build the car. Between 1984 and 1993, approximately 30 units were produced, known as the Isdera Imperator 108i. The CW311 was featured in the 1980 movie Car-napping. It was also used as the basis for the car in the hit 80s video arcade game Spy Hunter. The car featured a tubular steel spaceframe and a unique periscope-style rearview mirror mounted on the roof. Pretty wild. #delorean #dmc12 #mersedes_benz #mercedesbenz #backtothefuture #carlover #gullwingdoors #gullwing #mercedes #mercedesbenzamg #amg #imperator #deloreanmotorcars #80s

Added 18 May 2026