1959 Mercedes 190SL Restomod

What happens when you combine the timeless elegance of a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL with the heart of a modern Corvette? The result is this extraordinary restomod, featuring a powerful Corvette LT-4 V8 and a complete ground-up transformation by Jellybean AutoCrafters.

Owned by Bill Planko, this beautiful 190SL has undergone a remarkable transformation that combines classic Mercedes styling with modern American V8 performance. Bill acquired the car in the early 2000s and initially brought it to Jellybean AutoCrafters for what was expected to be a relatively straightforward restoration. But once the team started taking the car apart, they quickly discovered that the project was going to be far more involved than anyone anticipated.

The car had already been fitted with a 289 Ford V8, but there was a major problem—the engine simply didn’t belong in the tiny 190SL engine bay. There wasn’t even enough room to properly accommodate an air cleaner. After exploring the possibilities, Jellybean determined that a GM small-block was the answer, and an LT-1 was installed. Eventually, that engine was upgraded to a LT-4, giving this elegant Mercedes the kind of modern performance that its original designers could never have imagined.

But the engine was only the beginning.

Jellybean AutoCrafters completely reimagined the car, upgrading virtually every aspect while retaining the character and timeless styling of the original 190SL. The suspension and braking systems were upgraded, the interior was transformed, and the body was finished in a stunning silver metallic paint that gives the car an unmistakable presence.

Even the audio system received special attention, with a custom installation that delivers modern sound while complementing the classic interior.

The result is a truly unique Mercedes; a car that looks like a beautifully restored 1959 190SL but delivers the performance, drivability, and technology of a much more modern machine.

The finished 190SL has gone on to win numerous awards and earn recognition in automotive magazines, proving that a thoughtful restomod can preserve the soul of a classic while pushing its capabilities into an entirely new era.

Join us on Center Lane as we take a closer look at this incredible Mercedes 190SL, the challenges involved in its transformation, and the craftsmanship that turned an ambitious restoration into a spectacular one-of-a-kind automobile.