What do folks think about this retro mod?

[Merc_Girl]

Hi fellow enthusiasts!
So, I’m not associated with the seller at all, just happened to be searching for some images to help me with a something I’ve discovered on my car.

Anyway, what do people think of this as a resto mod of a 230sl?
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1964-mercedes-benz-230sl-jacksonville-fl-2677005

[neelyrc]

Not my taste at all but I must admit the color (or colour) is striking.  Pretty seedy looking soft top for an otherwise finely finished mod.

[Tx246]

Unless this was a basket case car that was saved, I don’t understand why.

[mdsalemi]

It’s a Mechatronic, and if I am not mistaken, they pretty much do custom builds for people with very deep pockets, who want a completely modern car with an old body.

I am a little flabbergasted at the ratty looking soft top! If I’m going to spend $400,000 or anywhere near that vicinity on a completely rebuilt car that soft top better look considerably better than it ever came from the factory.

[Cees Klumper]

Nice paint and horrendous looking wheels (and, yes, tatty soft top). Very high asking price for a 'non-matching numbers' car.

[Benz280]

Performance yes, tasteful... could have been done better .. buts that's me. 

[franjo_66]

If you swapped out the wheels, put in a black or white original steering wheel, address the soft top then I think the car would be 1000% better
I like retromods, but the cosmetics here let it down

[lreppond]

We could argue all day over the choice of color…it’s just too subjective.   So color choices aside I think it’s a wonderful restomod.  The outside is pure Pagoda except for the alloys. The trunk is wonderful!  The interior is nicely done with modifications reflective of an R107.  The softtop is a mystery as are the door cards with those round button outlining where window cranks would have been. Why?  The center console could have shown a little more thought.  It’s really under the hood and trunk that are radical departures.  I bet the car drives beautifully. 

[teahead]

I like it, but no mention if it's still got the stock suspension.

For that money, I'd want modern rack/pinion steering, real full IRS in the rear, AMG brakes, etc.

[Jonny B]

"Interesting" car - the wheels are just god-awful. The engine compartment looks pretty slick however.

Not even close to my cup of tea, but is was to someone, and that someone is hoping to find the next person.

[John Betsch - "SADIE"]

Well the starting point would have to be that you like Red, and red everywhere.  Not my thing but looks interesting but a question: with that long sleek look, why have those over-riders?  Kills the whole image.

jb

[mdsalemi]

"Interesting" car...engine compartment...pretty slick...Not even close to my cup of tea, but is was to someone...

I agree, JonnyB--and WE both have RED cars!

[rwmastel]

Not a fan of resto-mods.  People have some amazing talent and do some incredible things, but it's just not my thing.

[Davek1]

I like red Pagodas but not that much red, would also scrap the wheel

[zak]

Not my cup of tea either but the work looks top class.

jz

[Rahul]

Paint the rockers correctly, change the wheels, and swap out the steering wheel, and I could live with what must be a fun car to drive!

[Merc_Girl]

I think you have all captured my thoughts, so good to see we are all of the same mindset 🙄

Personally I have no probs with resto mods, indeed we have a family friend who does this to older Ferraris https://www.mototechnique.com/

No idea what they were thinking of with those wheels 🤮

[john.mancini]

No, no, no............................Hate it. Mega-bucks resto mods are the rage with many trust fund "kids". Pagodas are beautiful in their stock form.

[Rahul]

Putting views on aesthetics aside (some of which are easily corrected), what then do you make of the 6.3L V8 that they attempted in the 60's?

I agree its not for everyone, but I see the modern restomods (of any marque) in the same spirit... albeit could be done more tastefully

[rwmastel]

... what then do you make of the 6.3L V8 that they attempted in the 60's?

For those unfamiliar with it, it is mentioned here (among other places on the internet):  https://www.theslshop.com/journal/2022/10/04/the-6-3-litre-v8-powered-pagoda/

[mdsalemi]

Putting views on aesthetics aside (some of which are easily corrected), what then do you make of the 6.3L V8 that they attempted in the 60's?

I agree its not for everyone, but I see the modern restomods (of any marque) in the same spirit... albeit could be done more tastefully

And of course in Bermuda where you live, such an engine size is kind of silly. Are there any speed limits above 35 on the island?

[Rahul]

Bermuda as an island stretching 21 miles long and 1 mile wide, with its rust-friendly climate, is arguably a silly place to drive ANY car, let alone a restomodded classic... My own pagoda is in SoCal!

The speed limit is 35 KM/h... classics are permitted on the island but only if there were brought here originally and have remained here ever since (a few MGs about). You can import cars, but only if they are <6 mths old. And of course there is the matter of the 'up to 150%' import duty on motor vehicles.

 I'll stick to my overpriced Mazda and moped.