(June 16, 2011) MONTVALE, N.J. (PRNewswire) — The Gull Wing Group has reached  its golden anniversary and marked the 50-year milestone with Mercedes-Benz by recreating one of the group's most famous photos taken in 1961 at Fort Point Park under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

In honor of the Gull Wing Group's milestone, Mercedes-Benz USA is donating 125 scholarships to provide children with the opportunity to participate in the  San Francisco Recreation and Park Department's summer educational programs designed to accentuate personal responsibility and initiative, and encourage children to pursue preservation in the future of America's national parks.

"The Gull Wing vehicle represents Mercedes-Benz leadership in style, design and performance, and this anniversary allows us a moment to celebrate the history of that legacy created over 50 years ago," said Steve Cannon, Vice President of Marketing, Mercedes-Benz USA. "As we look back, we also have to look to the future and that was our intention with the donation to provide San Francisco kids with the opportunity to attend summer camp through the Recreation and Parks Department program."

Founded in San Francisco on June 16, 1961, The Gull Wing Group, led by Ernie Spitzer, was comprised of 18 300 SL Coupe owners. Currently over 600 driving enthusiasts dedicated to sharing their knowledge and enjoyment of the 300 SL belong to the Group. 

On June 10 — almost 50 years after an original photo was taken to mark the beginning of the Gull Wing Group's existence — close to 100 members comprised of 24 Gull Wings and 14 Roadsters, recreated the image by revisiting the very same spot in Fort Point Park, a National Historic Site run by the U.S. National Park Service.

With only 1,400 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gull Wings" produced from 1954-1957, it is one of the most sought after collectible vehicles around the world.  Known for its iconic "Gull Wing" doors and fascinating design, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was technologically years ahead of its time with components such as a direction injection system.  In 2011, Mercedes-Benz introduced the SLS AMG, a car inspired by the 1954 300 SL and in the same vein as the original, ushered in a new era of supercar leadership. 

Editor's Note: Fort Point was built by U.S. Army Engineers during the peak of the Gold Rush between 1853 and 1861, as a defense system to protect San Francisco against naval attack.  The fort stands at the base of the 4,200 foot long Golden Gate Bridge, towering 746 feet high.  Though Fort Point never faced battle, the structure signifies close to 150 years of military history and architecture.