SEMA Show 2022 is in full swing as Las Vegas is overrun by one of the largest car meets in the world. Among the motley crew of custom, collectible, and desirable vehicles is ICON 4×4’s latest restomod, the Mercedes 300 SEL Derelict. This 1971 Mercedes Benz sedan wears its patina proudly and flexes a supercharged American V8 under the hood.
The theme of this “derelict” restomod is to create a vehicle that looks like it has survived decades worth of time without being restored. However, that is merely the sheep’s clothing hiding the wolf’s razor-sharp teeth under the bodywork. In this case, it’s a 6.2-liter LS9 V8 breathing through a supercharger and sending its power to the rear wheels via a custom 4L85E automatic transmission.
Purists may scoff at mating a Yankee-doodle V8 with their stoic German saloon, but the combination seems to be the best of both worlds. You get the easy-to-tune accessibility of a V8 with the beautifully well-engineered comfort of a vintage Mercedes 300 SEL.
ICON 4×4 lowered the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL Derelict and fitted EVOD 18-inch billet aluminum wheels with wide-performance tires. Modern upgrades include LED lighting, a new HVAC system, and reupholstering of the car’s original interior. In addition, the vehicle received heated front seats and a Focal two-way speaker with dual subwoofer and amplifier to listen to your favorite podcast over the rumble of eight cylinders firing.
Performance upgrades to aid the LS9 engine includes coil-over suspension, Brembo disc brakes, and a modern rack and pinion steering system. However, its most significant upgrade is its custom chassis. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL left the factory in 1971 as a unibody-constructed sedan. Now, a complete steel chassis was designed by Art Morrison for the sedan.
This extensive attention to detail results in a vehicle that tries to be everything in one car. A vehicle that looks and feels vintage while offering more power and performance without affecting its nostalgia. It’s restomodding at its highest form. As a result, if you want ICON 4×4 to restore your old Merc into a “Derelict,” commissions start at $450,000.
In other automotive news, see DNG Motors Model JZD.