Paul Russell and Company

Conventional wisdom would have it that a business dedicated solely to the preservation of 300 SLs and other Mercedes-Benz of the 1950s could not survive. Certainly, when I opened for business in 1978 under the name of Gullwing Service Company, Inc., I did not have a grand plan for the future. I did have a commitment to quality workmanship, and hoped that enough customers would desire that level of service to support a dedicated crew.

Our modest three bay workshop soon proved inadequate as our reputation for craftsmanship grew. As our clients developed their collections, they requested we equip ourselves to accommodate the great prewar coach-built European cars. Valuing the relationships that had been forged with our clients more than the narrow focus of our original marque specialty, I was pleased to expand our services to meet their needs. Now we operate out of a 30,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility staffed with highly experienced mechanical, upholstery, body and coach building craftsmen, a machinist, parts and materials specialists, and one very busy automobile sales and brokerage manager.

I believe that what has allowed us this growth and longevity is our straightforward commitment to serve the evolving needs of our clientele, to reconstruct the workmanship, and to replicate the authentic details of the original builders, whether we are performing a complete restoration or servicing a well preserved original. Many of these vehicles have long since ceased to be merely transportation appliances. They deserve the quality, thoroughness, and expert craftsmanship that we take pride in delivering.

We consider ourselves to be caretakers of automotive history, and, as such, we take the time and do the research to determine the exact materials and construction techniques appropriate for each individual car. The great older classics were assembled by hand and our attention to detail in their rebuilding is your assurance that our work will pass the test, whether you judge by concours standards, by the endurance of a driving tour, or simply by the passage of years.

“It is a wondrous place that turns old cars into brand new cars. Inside, it feels like equal parts modern hospital, university library and automotive museum. What it does not feel like is a garage. Twelve or fourteen of the world's most desirable cars are being worked upon - from bare body shells and bare chassis to completed masterpieces returned for tweaking.”

David E. Davis, Jr.
“Rebuilt to Last”
Forbes FYI