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Sep
22
Some of you might remember the Bischoffberger camper conversion or the SAAB Toppola campers from the 1980’s . Brilliant ideas, but all of them somehow lacking style, because they are cursed with odd proportions. I thought it must be possible to create such an integrated camper based on a passenger car chassis, but with more pleasing and elegant proportions. Many tries and many fails later I came up with this rather luxurious camper conversion. It is based on the Mercedes-Benz W116, has a pop-up roof and may be built in various configurations. The standard version features a semi-integrated camper body which ties nicely into the overall design with matching chrome trim. Access to storage compartments left and right is possible via the converted rear doors, which now open like suicide doors and feature central locking.
The roof raises by the push of a button and once fully extended provides ample headroom in the living quarters. A second set of windows appears and floods the interior with daylight. All windows are equipped with chrome plated sliding blinds. Not visible in the pictures are the glass windows in the roof. They open by operating regular Mercedes-Benz sunroof switches.
For customers who wish to drive on roads less traveled or off-road, the vehicle could be converted to four wheel drive. In this case, a Mercedes-Benz G Geländewagen donates the frame, running gear and axles. Full 4×4 capability with three differential locks and a snorkel for fording rivers should take you to the most remote campsites. Or all around the world, should you fancy an extended getaway.
People with children, or a general need for more space to carry their gear, might want to consider a long wheelbase (LWB) version or an extended version with three axles.
Sep
02
This might not suit the 100% factory stock aficionados. No apologies here, however – as this could and probably should be done with a real vehicle. There are still plenty of these wonderful Bruno Sacco designed vehicles around, many of them in a rather sorry shape with plenty of rust. Saving one from the scrapyard and modifying it shouldn’t be considered a huge sin? The recipe is neither complicated nor excessively expensive: A custom suspension set-up suitable for drift duty with massive steering angles, a set of Corvette C3 wheels with modified hubcaps, a home-made bodykit and a couple of stickers. And for good measure, add a fender mounted rear-view mirror, because the first owner couldn’t afford to order the passenger side mirror. Now weld up a nice bumper bar to protect the bodywork when hanging out the tail and you’re good to go… either with the factory V8 or an engine swap of your choice. Have fun! 🙂
Aug
30
Bruno Sacco created his masterpiece for Mercedes-Benz: the C126 S-Class Coupé. One shouldn’t really mess with such an iconic design. Hence, I only changed very subtle things. The vehicle has been lowered over a set of multi-piece wheels with central locks*. The window trim has been color coded to match the body. The fenders have been widened ever so slightly and the door handles have been shaved. It still has an OE feel to it – but the appearance and attitude changed dramatically.
Apr
17
The Mercedes-Benz W116 S-Class 450SEL 6.9 is a classic car with genuine 70’s styling, lots of chrome and an engine with 6.9 liters of displacement! A top chop, lowering, even more chrome on the grille and chromed deep dish steel wheels have been added.
