We were talking about modifications in another post, and my perspective is always retain stock configuration or try to imagine the engineering protocols if the car was reengineered. I think Mr. William's 6.9 (Cabrio?, Landau?) is our best-in-class example of a 116 custom. I am told the car has a removeable hardtop - I'll try to get a few more pictures, the craftsmanship is phenomenal.
(Williams 450SEL 6.9, Long Beach, California)
I keep imagining a 1980 "600 SEL", With the late-model V12 turbo engine neatly tucked in, and while someone is at it they take Mr. William's idea and reengineer the SL folding hardtop system into a stretch wheelbase version of his design with the landaulet folding steel top over the rear passenger compartment. The idea of watching that big roof fold neatly into the trunk gives me shivers.... Certainly enough room in an early style front and rear pair of consoles for the requisite nav/dvd display.... And lets not forget those cupholders!
Modern tires are easy to find for your 450 if you carve 20" billet bundt cake wheels....
Here are some thought starters:
(Presidential 450SEL? belonging to President Ferdinand Marcos of the Phillipines)
(This is definetly a modified US market 6.9 - note the bumpers)
(proof that one must be careful during the design phase)
(the ultimate demonstration of "Garbage In, Garbage Out")
(This custom is a bit more true to the BMW heritage....)
(tee hee)
With the incredible diversity of chop/cut/rebuild going on around the world and the phenomenal advances in custom cars that incorporate spectacular OEM-quality engineering, I'm hoping it is just a matter of time before someone reaches out and creates a whole new level of restoration/customization of a 116 chassis Mercedes.
John
UPDATE - Thanks to Richard for raising the bar on modifications, look at this beauty!
