Brabus ditches super saloons for classics at Techno Classica
If horsepower-heavy modern Mercs aren’t your thing, Brabus has the answer with a glut of beautifully restored vintage cars
Brabus is best known for its high-performance tuned versions of Mercedes, Smart and Maybach cars but for Techno Classica in Essen last week, the company showcased something totally different – restored classics. Brabus bought along seven beautifully presented Mercedes models, ranging from a 280 SL Padoga convertible right up to a stunning 600 Pullman limousine.
Although this part of Brabus doesn’t get as much publicity as the tuning arm, the company has long had a successful sideline in restoring old Mercs. The ground-up restoration process can take up to 4,000 man-hours, depending on the car, and the end result is as close to factory-fresh as it’s possible to get.
The process starts with a complete tear down of the original car, with every part being checked and catalogued. Worn parts are thrown away and replaced, ensuring that only the best remains.
Paint is stripped off and the bare shell of the car is given extra rust protection, before a top-class repaint in the original factory colour. Engines aren’t spared, either – they are completely stripped down and refurbished to bring them back up to factory spec. In the interests of safety, though, suspension and brakes are replaced with modern units.
It’s a similar story inside, as the interior is fully refurbished. Leathers are reconditioned or replaced where necessary and wooden inlays are reworked, with everything being finished in original factory colours.The results are absolutely stunning – and supplied with a two year warranty.
Brabus bought seven of these restored vintage Mercs to Techno Classica in Essen last week, alongside over 1,200 other exhibits.
Which of these classic Brabus-restored Mercs would you take? Let us know in the comments below...
Find a car with the experts
