The proud owner and his Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing: A painted masterpiece by Peter Engels. A window to the past.

When Peter Engels unveiled his grand painting of Sophia Loren beside her 1955 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing at the prestigious Goodwood Art Gallery in Antwerp, Belgium, it marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey. The artwork, crafted with Petere Engels’ signature palette knife technique and steeped in warm sepia tones, was acquired by Daniel Iseli, the Swiss collector who owns Sophia Loren’s original 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing. Captivated by the painting’s textured elegance and nostalgic charm, Daniel Iseli commissioned a second piece: a portrait of himself alongside one of his other 300 SL Gullwings from his renowned automotive Iseli Collection.

This bespoke artwork showcases the owner in harmony with his prized black Mercedes Gullwing, its sleek lines and timeless design immortalized through Peter Engels’ bold palette knife strokes. Peter Engels collaborated closely with Iseli, ensuring every detail (from the Gullwing’s chrome to Iseli’s stance) reflected the collector’s passion and vision. For Iseli, this painting is more than art. It is a tribute to a lifetime devoted to Mercedes excellence. The sepia palette evokes the golden era of motoring, reflecting Iseli’s deep passion for automotive history. Following the commission, Iseli invited Engels to Italy to deliver both paintings and tour the construction of his visionary Iselia Collection, his auto museum that is a true testament to his dedication to preserving and celebrating classic cars.

In this large portrait painting Peter Engels’ palette knife technique brings the Gullwing curves and its owner’s presence to life with striking depth. The sepia tones (a hallmark of Engels’ style) lend the painting a vintage allure, connecting it to the legacy of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing and the collector’s reverence for its history. Inspired by the intersection of human passion and mechanical beauty, Engels crafts works that resonate with car enthusiasts and art lovers alike.

The Iseli Collection, prominent in the world of classic cars, is best known for acquiring Sophia Loren’s 1955 Mercedes Gullwing in 2019. Preserved by HK Engineering, this iconic vehicle is a jewel in the Iseli Collection, a private Swiss-based trove of Mercedes-Benz masterpieces. The commission of Engels’ portrait underscores Iseli’s personal connection to his cars, transforming his passion into a visual legacy. While details of his forthcoming auto museum remain private, it promises to be a space where automotive artistry like Engels’ paintings find a fitting home.

Nestled in Antwerp’s historic Jacob Jordaenshuis, the Goodwood Art Gallery spans 500m² and is a haven for automotive-inspired art. Peter Engels’ solo exhibitions, including the Daniel Iseli portrait, highlight the gallery’s commitment to blending fine art with motoring heritage.

Commission your own timeless portrait painting with your car?

Inspired by Daniel Iseli’s story? Peter Engels offers bespoke commissions, using his palette knife technique and sepia hues to immortalize your passions (be it a classic car or a personal milestone). Contact the artist to create a one-of-a-kind painted masterpiece tailored to your vision.