For automotive shops, some clients are essential for day-to-day operations, while others provide opportunities to truly showcase their expertise and passion. Mike Ngo of Eurowise in North Carolina understands this well. While routine services keep the business running, it’s the extraordinary projects that define a shop’s reputation. When a client approached Eurowise with a vision for an exceptional W108 Benz, Mike and his team knew this was their chance to demonstrate nearly a decade of accumulated skill and creativity.
Mike’s long-standing appreciation for the W108 chassis stems from its iconic Mercedes-Benz design, embodying the luxury and sophistication of 1960s German automobiles. However, the original 1969 280S, while aesthetically pleasing, was not known for its performance. Its leisurely pace to 70mph was a testament to its cruising nature rather than sporty agility. When a client, known for his refined taste and existing collection of unique vehicles, sought another Eurowise masterpiece, Mike proposed transforming a W108. The concept: to fuse classic German elegance with American hot rod power. The quest for the perfect canvas for this ambitious project began.
Finding a suitable W108 was no simple task. With the youngest models being over 45 years old, rust and damage are common issues. Compounding this, their increasing collectibility has driven up prices. After weeks of searching, Mike located a promising example in Pennsylvania, owned from new by an elderly gentleman. The car had been carefully stored in a garage, and its description suggested museum-quality condition. Mindful of the original owner’s potential reaction to their radical plans, Eurowise discreetly finalized the deal. The 1969 Mercedes 280s was driven back to North Carolina, arriving in impeccable condition, ready for its transformation.
This project was an opportunity for Eurowise to push their boundaries. While typically focusing on more conventional builds, Mike saw the potential to showcase the full spectrum of their abilities. He envisioned a W108 that was not just visually striking but also a testament to engineering ingenuity. With a clear vision, Mike meticulously planned the transformation of this classic Mercedes.
Mike recognized that while a bagged and lowered W108 already possesses visual appeal, he wanted to elevate this build far beyond the norm. Drawing inspiration from classic Americana hot rods, he aimed to infuse this German classic with unique custom touches. The first major modification was a chopped top. Sourcing a donor W108 for its roof, the Eurowise team carefully sectioned four inches from the A, B, and C pillars. While the physical roof chop was relatively straightforward, the real challenge lay in the details. Ensuring perfect seals, modifying the glass, and adapting trim proved to be a significant undertaking. The windshield alone required four attempts to achieve a factory-like finish, reflecting Eurowise’s commitment to perfection.
The chopped top provided a subtle yet impactful “wow factor,” negating the need for more overt modifications like widebody kits. Continuing with this understated approach, Eurowise implemented suicide doors – rear doors hinged at the back, reminiscent of the iconic Lincoln Continental. This complex modification involved fabricating custom hinges, relocating latch mechanisms, and redesigning internal door components. The result seamlessly enhanced the car’s sleek, low-slung profile.
Further refining the exterior, the side markers and bumpers were shaved, along with rear emblems and other trim pieces, creating a cleaner aesthetic. Modern quad projector headlights were ingeniously retrofitted into the original stacked headlight bezels, blending contemporary lighting technology with the car’s vintage character. A particularly noteworthy detail is the reworked E38 BMW Alpina lip spoiler. Split into six sections and lengthened to match the W108’s width, it incorporates speed holes to channel air to a substantial oil cooler hidden behind. Of course, the prominent intercooler, taking the place of the traditional grille, immediately signals the performance enhancements within.
The original 280S engine was certainly not designed for modern performance. In true Eurowise fashion, an over-the-top engine swap was inevitable. A .30-bored-over 5.3 LS engine, fortified with forged internals, now resides under the hood. Custom camshaft and fully built heads complement a large Borg Warner S366 turbocharger, mounted on tubular forward-facing manifolds and feeding into a full 3″ ceramic coated exhaust system. A Fitech standalone system manages the engine, and power is delivered through a 6-speed T56 transmission equipped with an S1 sequential shifter. This powertrain delivers race-ready performance in a vehicle built for the street.
The chassis and running gear received a comprehensive upgrade as well. A custom air suspension system was fabricated, incorporating dual management systems. An Air Lift Performance 3P system, with 1/4″ lines, provides everyday drivability and smooth control. For the client’s desire for that classic lowrider “hop,” a secondary system with a 7-switch manual box and 1/2″ air lines was integrated, operating in conjunction with the Air Lift setup.
To enhance braking performance, Wilwood master cylinders and remote reservoirs were installed, paired with 380mm 8-piston Brembo calipers up front and 4-piston Brembos at the rear. A Wilwood hydraulic e-brake was also added. A massive, splined NASCAR-style sway bar was fitted to manage the car’s substantial front end. Custom one-off 2-piece Formula wheels, sized 18×8 and 18×9, complete the exterior transformation, perfectly complementing the build’s overall aesthetic.
While preserving the original interior’s pristine condition might have been an option, Eurowise opted for a bespoke approach. Black suede and leather were meticulously crafted into a hexagon pattern that extends throughout the interior. Carbon fiber dash accents and a gear position indicator introduce subtle modern touches. A contemporary C63 AMG steering wheel provides a modern feel and improved feedback, minimizing the reliance on 1960s technology. Eurowise also seamlessly integrated modern conveniences such as power windows, power door locks, and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring a contemporary driving experience.
While the 1969 Mercedes 280S retains its timeless vintage appeal, Eurowise successfully brought the driving experience into the 21st century. Aiming to provide all the features and performance of a modern Mercedes-Benz, very little remains untouched from the original W108, except for its inherent beauty and iconic silhouette. Eurowise stepped outside their typical projects to undertake this comprehensive build, and the result is undeniable: a truly unique and exceptionally cool vintage Mercedes, unlike anything else on the road.
