For automotive shops, the spectrum of work ranges from routine maintenance to passion projects that truly define their capabilities. Mike Ngo of Eurowise in North Carolina understands this duality perfectly. While oil changes and standard repairs are the bread and butter, it’s the extraordinary builds that fuel the soul of a shop. When the opportunity arose to transform a 1969 Mercedes W108 into a show-stopping masterpiece, Mike and his team at Eurowise, leveraging a decade of expertise, eagerly accepted the challenge.
Mike’s long-standing appreciation for the Mercedes W108 chassis is no secret. Its timeless design embodies the essence of classic Mercedes-Benz, representing the zenith of 1960s German luxury cruising. However, “cruising” is the operative word, as the original 280S engine of a 1969 W108 was more about leisurely drives than exhilarating performance. Recognizing this, when a discerning client with a penchant for unique automobiles approached Eurowise for another custom project, Mike proposed the W108 as the foundation, but with a radical reimagining in mind. The vision was to fuse the iconic German elegance with the raw power and innovation of American hot-rodding. Thus began the quest to find the ideal 1969 Mercedes W108 to serve as the canvas for this ambitious endeavor.
Sourcing a suitable W108 for such an extensive modification proved to be a challenge. With the youngest models being over half a century old, finding one free from significant rust or previous damage is increasingly difficult. As the collectibility of these classic Mercedes cars rises, the search for a pristine example became even more crucial. After weeks of searching, Mike located a promising 1969 Mercedes W108 in Pennsylvania, owned since new by an elderly gentleman. The car, described as being in museum-quality condition and garage-kept on a private estate, seemed too good to be true. Carefully concealing the transformative plans for this vintage gem, Mike negotiated a deal. The 1969 Mercedes W108 was driven back to North Carolina, arriving in impeccable condition and without a single issue, ready for its radical metamorphosis.
Embarking on the project, Mike aimed to push the boundaries of Eurowise’s capabilities. While the shop had typically focused on more conventional builds, this 1969 Mercedes W108 project was an opportunity to showcase their full potential. Mike meticulously planned his vision for the ultimate W108, committing to an all-encompassing transformation.
Mike’s initial concept was to enhance the already striking aesthetics of a bagged and lowered W108, going beyond mere stance. Drawing inspiration from classic American custom car culture, he envisioned a series of bold modifications. First on the agenda was chopping the roof. Acquiring a donor W108 for its roof panels, the Eurowise team carefully sectioned four inches from the A, B, and C pillars of the 1969 Mercedes W108 sedan. While the team confidently reattached the roof, anticipating the major hurdle to be the chop itself, the finer details proved to be unexpectedly challenging. Achieving a factory-like finish on the chopped top required painstaking effort, including four attempts and windshield replacements to perfect the front glass fitment.
Adding to the custom “wow factor” without resorting to overtly aggressive modifications, the team implemented suicide doors. Echoing the iconic Lincoln Continental, the rear doors of the 1969 Mercedes W108 were converted to open rearward. This intricate modification demanded custom hinges at the rear of the doors and relocation of the latch mechanisms to the front. The door handles were repositioned, and the internal mechanisms were redesigned to ensure seamless operation. The resulting suicide doors amplified the car’s already low and sleek profile.
Further refining the exterior, subtle yet impactful modifications were executed. The side markers and bumpers were shaved for a cleaner aesthetic, along with the rear emblems and other trim pieces. Modern quad projector headlights were skillfully integrated into the original stacked-light bezels of the W108, providing contemporary illumination while maintaining a vintage appearance. A particularly noteworthy detail is the reworked E38 BMW Alpina lip spoiler. The BMW lip was meticulously split into six sections and lengthened to perfectly match the width of the 1969 Mercedes W108. Mike added speed holes through the center of the lip, functionally directing air to a substantial oil cooler concealed behind it. Of course, the most prominent exterior modification is the large intercooler, boldly positioned where the traditional grille shell would reside, hinting at the performance upgrades within.
Moving beyond aesthetics, the performance of the 1969 Mercedes W108 was thoroughly addressed. Acknowledging the original 280S engine’s limitations in modern driving conditions, Eurowise opted for a substantial power upgrade. A .30-bored-over 5.3 LS engine with forged internals now resides at the heart of this build. The engine boasts a custom camshaft and fully built heads, supporting a sizable Borg Warner S366 turbocharger. This turbocharger is mounted atop tubular forward-facing manifolds, feeding into a full 3″ ceramic coated exhaust system. A Fitech standalone system manages the engine’s operation, and power is delivered through a robust 6-speed T56 transmission equipped with an S1 sequential shifter. This powertrain combination delivers high-tech, race-inspired performance in a vehicle built for the street.
To complement the enhanced power, the 1969 Mercedes W108 received a comprehensive overhaul of its running gear. A custom air suspension system was engineered, incorporating dual management systems. An Air Lift Performance 3P system, utilizing 1/4″ lines, offers user-friendly, everyday driving comfort and smooth control. For those seeking the classic lowrider “hop,” a secondary system was integrated, running in parallel with the Air Lift components. This system features a 7-switch manual box with 1/2″ air lines, enabling rapid lift and drop on demand.
The braking system was also significantly upgraded with Wilwood master cylinders and remote reservoirs, paired with substantial 380mm 8-piston Brembo calipers at the front and 4-piston Brembo calipers at the rear. A Wilwood hydraulic e-brake was incorporated, and a robust, splined Nascar-style sway bar was fitted to manage the car’s substantial front-end weight. Completing the chassis modifications are custom, one-off 2-piece Formula wheels, sized 18×8 inches at the front and 18×9 inches at the rear, perfectly complementing the overall style of the build.
While the original interior of the 1969 Mercedes W108 was in pristine condition, Mike and his client envisioned a more modern and luxurious cabin. Black suede and leather were chosen, meticulously stitched in a hexagon pattern that extends throughout the interior. Carbon fiber dash accents and a gear position indicator introduce contemporary touches. A modern C63 AMG steering wheel provides a current driving feel and enhanced feedback, minimizing the presence of 1960s technology within the car. Eurowise also integrated power windows, power door locks, Bluetooth connectivity, and a suite of other modern amenities.
While retaining the undeniable allure of a vintage car, the Eurowise team aimed to elevate the driving experience of the 1969 Mercedes W108 to 21st-century standards. With the goal of providing all the features and refinements of a contemporary Mercedes-Benz, very little of the original W108, beyond its iconic form, remains untouched. Eurowise ventured beyond their typical projects to undertake this comprehensive build, and the results are undeniable. They have crafted a truly exceptional and unique vintage Mercedes, one that stands as a testament to their skill and vision.
