The time period “restomod” for gearboxes around the globe may cause quite a lot of division within the automobile neighborhood. Model lovers usually oppose the concept of switching. classic carsThe thought of retaining iconic automobiles “in inventory” makes at this time’s fashionable tuners shake their heads in disgust.
Often, nonetheless, a construction emerges that unites the 2 disparate sides in a harmonious stability.
At this time, American Top Gear YouTube correspondent Rob Dahm and his final contact offers this bridge in two classical varieties. mercedes-benz Each are automobiles with at this time’s AMG V8 engines.
Having had the chance to drive these automobiles on the observe on a moist Detroit afternoon, Rob, an avid American muscle automobile fanatic, discovers why pre-merger Benz gives a number of the finest practices for a restomod.
Outdated Physique, Younger Coronary heart with This Traditional Modified Mercedes 280SE
First, we’ve a seemingly regular 1970 280SE, from the pale child blue paint to the worn creamy leather-based seats within the cabin. However the whole lot modifications when Rob reaches for the hood latch.
As a result of sometimes the place Mercedes’ iconic inline-six engine resides, inside it classic mercedes now lies the huge 5.5L V8 engine from the 2001 S55 AMG.
matched with 2004 Chrysler Crossfire six-speed gearbox and sporty double wishbone suspension – this Benz shortly turned from the atypical Sunday driver into an excellent sedan that refuses to lose because it exits the road at site visitors lights.
Traditional Engine Swaps: Double the V8, Double the Drawback
Persevering with to carry a great deal of smiles per gallon to builder Alex, he determined to take his ardour for restomods a step additional and make a proficient track-day model of one other traditional MB – this time within the type of a 1978 280CE.
Possessing maybe the one all-steel widebody equipment on the earth, Alex takes the blueprints from its unique construct and successfully turns the temp to eleven on this mannequin. retro engine swap project.
As a result of, regardless of having the identical era 5.5L V8, Alex took that construct ten steps additional and fitted a supercharger to the huge eight-cylinder engine, leaving this cherry purple C123 with round 450-500 hp.
Just like the 280SE, leaving no stone unturned, Alex wore this restoration project higher tires, a whole overhaul of the suspension system, and a limited-slip differential – make this a scrumptious tracked automobile when taking corners.
