Armand Mariano’s journey into the world of automotive mechanics is a classic tale of childhood fascination turned lifelong career. Like many enthusiasts, Armand’s passion ignited with the simple act of disassembling and rebuilding Matchbox cars. This early tinkering paved the way for a dedicated pursuit of automotive knowledge, leading him to fill his high school years with shop classes, eager to master the craft he was already so drawn to. His initial experiences behind the wheel involved a variety of Japanese marques – Toyotas, a Lexus, and Hondas – but it wasn’t long before he discovered his true automotive love: Mercedes Benz. This passion has been unwavering for 23 years, during which he has honed his expertise as a technician for the brand, initially at an independent Mercedes specialist shop and currently at Mercedes Benz USA.
Given his deep-rooted enthusiasm, it’s no surprise that Armand possesses a collection of impressive Mercedes Benz vehicles. When the time came to arrange a photoshoot, the question wasn’t if but which Mercedes he would bring. Options ranged from a bagged vintage 1972 W114 250 sedan to a W201 190E 16v Cosworth, a historically significant vehicle being the first of its kind imported to the US and used by Car & Driver for its original road test. Even his daily driver Benzes were contenders. However, for this feature, Armand chose his breathtaking 1995 Mercedes Benz S124 E320 wagon. While a difficult decision given his stable of cars, the S124 proved to be an exceptionally worthy subject.
Armand acquired this Mercedes Benz S124 approximately three years prior, initially intending it to serve as a practical daily driver for commuting and errands. However, the allure of customization, a common affliction among car enthusiasts, soon took hold. Before long, his functional wagon began its transformation into a meticulously crafted project car. Armand’s rationale is easily understood: the rarity of the S124 wagons makes them a standout sight on the road. After a year of daily use, Armand embarked on a journey to elevate his Mercedes Benz S124 beyond the ordinary.
The transformation began decisively with a complete respray, a foundational step to bring the car’s aesthetic condition up to par with Armand’s vision. Michael’s Body and Paint undertook this task, expertly refinishing the Mercedes Benz S124 in its original and rare factory color, paint code 199 – Black Pearl Metallic. This particular hue is notably associated with the high-performance AMG Hammer models, adding a subtle nod to Mercedes Benz’s performance heritage.
While the Mercedes Benz S124 was undergoing its repaint, Armand collaborated with CommonWealth Motoring in Canada to engineer a suite of custom suspension components. Knowing he wanted to achieve an aggressive, low stance with air suspension, the factory setup was insufficient. The custom fabricated parts included rear control arms, front and rear bracketry, and specialized front and rear bag cups designed to accommodate the new air springs. Silver Project adjustable rear camber arms were also integrated, creating a comprehensive system that allows the wagon to achieve its desired slammed ride height. For managing the air suspension, Armand chose Air Lift Performance’s 3P system. The 3P management system provides an ideal blend of user-friendliness, system simplicity, and dependable performance, giving Armand effortless control over the car’s ride height and quality directly from the driver’s seat.
Armand noted the inherent challenges in implementing air suspension on the Mercedes Benz S124. The absence of readily available bolt-on kits meant that the process required significant custom fabrication and problem-solving. However, the effort was undeniably worthwhile. The air suspension not only enhanced the wagon’s visual appeal but also improved its practicality and usability. To finalize the aesthetic enhancements, Armand commissioned Jason Mendieta to craft a bespoke set of BBS RS wheels. Sized at 17×8.5 inches in the front and 17×9.5 inches in the rear, these wheels perfectly fill the Mercedes Benz S124‘s wheel wells, contributing to the car’s quintessential 90s styling. The final touches, such as the meticulously tuned M104 inline-six engine and the Nardi steering wheel within the cabin, maintain a sense of understated refinement and completeness. This Mercedes Benz S124 wagon is undeniably captivating, and for those who share this sentiment, there’s more to anticipate as we delve into Armand’s other automotive projects in the future.
