116 Chassis in the Era of the Super-Custom - update from Richard's post

Started by John Hubertz, 10 February 2006, 03:57 PM

John Hubertz

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!



John Hubertz
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
(Hunter S. Thompson) 

1977 450SEL (Max Headroom)
[img width=68 height=73][url="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/fullhappyfish/max.jpg"]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/fullhappyfish/max.jpg[/url][/img]

Mforcer

I have often wondered the same things especially with the many car modification television shows currently showing. I often think of things that I would do to my car if I could do the work myself and also if I could afford replacement body panels with trial and error. Perhaps we could encourage some of the PhotoChop experts to have some fun :)

What would you like to change on your car?

Referring to Mr William's car:
QuoteThe idea of watching that big roof fold neatly into the trunk gives me shivers...

If I remember correctly, the soft-top cover is cosmetic only and does not provide storage for a roof.
Michael
1977 450SE [Brilliant Red]
2006 B200

oscar

Not what I'd do but check this custom 450se Ute for sale in Oz.

http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/MERCEDES-BENZ/450/South%20Australia/1520284.aspx

I'd paste the pic in this message but I haven't figured out how to with the updated forum.  Somone else might like to pinch it for me and place it in this thread.

Last year there was a 280 on ebay Oz for sale that had a 116 body placed on a hilux 4wd chassis.  No pics sorry, forgot to save the page.  Looked like a mini monster truck.

I would think Ferdi' would have had use for these mods.  The 450sel super-stretch for town and work, 450se utility for the ranch and the 280 monster-truck as a go anywhere-and-hide in the jungle.
1973 350SE, my first & fave

Denis

Hi fellows

I really think that the only W116 "that never existed but should have been built by the factory" is also the descendant of the W109 "that never existed but should have been built by the factory". In retrospect, Daimler-benz really erred by not producing a limited set of these as they would be the most collectible Mercedes-Benz cars of the 60-70s :

An S-class two door convertible with an M-100 and a 5-speed ZF. A 300SEC 6.3 and a 450SEC 6.9

Honestly guys, everything else is fun but not really significant.

Denis

Paris, France



John Hubertz

Quote from: mb350 on 11 February 2006, 01:53 AM
Not what I'd do but check this custom 450se Ute for sale in Oz.

http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/MERCEDES-BENZ/450/South%20Australia/1520284.aspx

I'd paste the pic in this message but I haven't figured out how to with the updated forum.  Somone else might like to pinch it for me and place it in this thread.



John Hubertz
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
(Hunter S. Thompson) 

1977 450SEL (Max Headroom)
[img width=68 height=73][url="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/fullhappyfish/max.jpg"]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/fullhappyfish/max.jpg[/url][/img]

oscar

1973 350SE, my first & fave

oscar

sorry,accidental post, can't delete.
1973 350SE, my first & fave