Over the last 100 years, Mercedes Benz has been responsible for designing arguably some of the most beautiful cars ever built. Sadly, most of these early examples have faded away or fell victim to the ravages of time; leaving but a handful of road going examples. So what did Hot Rods and Custom Stuff, located in Escondido, California do when a client asked for a fully custom vehicle that featured the design of a 50 year old MB classic with current MB technology? Their interpretation created something truly special.

The creators of the “Mercedes-Bent,” as the project was dubbed, strategically lengthened and widened a 1961 190SL body to fit over the platform and running gear of a 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL600 with a 6.0L twin turbo V-12 power plant. The result is this stunning vehicle which boasted old world charm, with all the new school bells and whistles.

The talented team at Hot Rods and Custom Stuff then came to RENNtech to give their modern classic stunning performance to match it looks. With that, nothing was left on the table and RENNtech provided our full line of performance tuning parts for their build. This included our carbon fiber air boxes and engine cover, ECU tuning upgrade, TCU upgrade, suspension lowering module, upgraded intercooler pump, RENNtech big brake kit 3 with 8 piston front calipers and 4 piston rears, RENNtech camber and toe suspension links and a 100% locking rear differential.

The Mercedes “Bent” proved to be one of the most touted cars to stroll onto the 2010 SEMA floor, winning the Mothers Choice Award for Excellence in Automotive Design.

Check out pictures of the Mercedes “Bent” in our photo gallery.

RENNTECH // MERCEDES // MCLAREN

Also, head over to Hot Rods and Custom Stuff for more project photos:

hotrodscustomstuff.com | Mercedes " Bent" 1961 190 sl

 

I know some people may not approve, but I ****ing love it!!!!!!!!

 

That is amazing not fan of the drop or the wheels, though would love to have something of the same scale on a 280SL pagoda with the SL65 engine and 90's AMG monoblocks.

 

The intent was good. The skinny tires and overly large wheels make it look like a large HotWheels version of a 190. Obviously a lot of man-hours there.

 

Very Cool Project!! I actually like the looks, just not a fan of the wheels...

 

Sick, IF they had kept the exterior stock.

 

Looks like it should be running on train tracks.

Love the car though, just needs more rubber.

 

That thing looks awesome! Love it all, including the wheels. Slightly taller rubber and its perfect!

 

I saw that and fell in love, hands down the best car at SEMA that I've seen pics of. I am utterly in love w/ this car!

 

That car was right near our booth at SEMA and it was incredible. The craftsmanship was stunning, the grill alone started as a solid block of aluminum and crafted to a masterpiece...as were the wheels