For those less familiar with the term, a "retromod" refers to a modern car redesigned to evoke the aesthetics of a classic model, as opposed to a "restomod," which takes an original classic vehicle and modernises it. The Saoutchik 300 GTC firmly falls into the retromod category, taking a first-generation Mercedes-AMG GT platform, keeping the powertrain and chassis, but completely altering the bodywork.

The concept is only a render for now, and, as harsh as it sounds, I really hope that this render stays on the screen. According to Top Gear, this might be the case, as Saoutchik has not confirmed whether they’ll produce the 300 GTC.

While there’s no denying that the front end has been designed perfectly, I can’t say the same for the rest of the car. The rear three-quarter angle, with the roof up, does not do the 300 GTC any favours at all. The proportions do not seem to match the classiness of the front. I’m fairly sure it’s written in stone somewhere that convertible versions of cars don’t look anywhere near as good as their coupé counterparts. With the 300 GTC, this point is really driven home.

Saoutchik 300 GTC
Saoutchik 300 GTC

Upon further inspection, from the front three-quarters, the proportions are off for me again. It looks too long, as if they weren’t able to stop stretching the body. If they’d just kept the proportions of the original GT, the overall result would have been much better.

There are cues from modern Mercedes-Benz models. Most notable are the Maybach-style wheels, which I quite like, especially given how Saoutchik has put its own spin on them.

This take of a modern car with a classic body for me, should be a winning formula. The RML short wheelbase uses the base of a Ferrari 550 Maranello for its creation. They got the right balance Saoutchik hasn’t quite achieved this time around.

This formula allows us to preserve the originals without gutting them for parts. The same argument could be made for modern cars, but in the case of the AMG GT, no one will miss a few of these in the future, thanks to their higher production numbers. We can thank modern sports car manufacturing for that.

The theory behind retromods is solid - combining modern engineering with the nostalgia of classic design. However, the execution of the Saoutchik 300 GTC doesn’t quite live up to its potential. While it showcases the promise of retromods, it also demonstrates the challenges of translating retro elegance into modern proportions. For an example of how to do it properly, look no further than the Morgan Midsummer by Pininfarina.

Saoutchik 300 GTC
Saoutchik 300 GTC
Saoutchik 300 GTC
Saoutchik 300 GTC