An utterly unique Mercedes

There may be other W123 CE Coupes that have been chopped, Crayford did some, among other coach builders but none are like this one.

In 1988 a Swedish stockbroker had a hankering for a 4/5 seat Mercedes convertible with power hood, no such car existed of course, the only car MB built was the SL which failed on two out of three counts.

So the gentleman approached a certain Mr Leif Mellberg, "Who?" I hear you ask..Among other things Mellberg built the EV-1 SAAB concept car of 1985 and in 1984 the SAAB Speedster-a heavily restyled 900 with convertible top,

Speedster - www.saabclub.gr/history/modelhistory/modelspeedsterimages...

EV-1 - hooniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/ev1.jpg

So, who better to talk to?

Mellberg was supplied the 1980 Merc 280 CE Coupe, and took it apart, chopped the roof off and fitted a bespoke power hood. It didn't stop there though, he also fitted electric windows, full leather seating-all heated, wood trim, bespoke interior lighting, cruise control and a new stereo. The chrome bolt on wires were added at the same time along with the extra chrome, the whole lot was topped off with a new coat of metallic blue, a lovely shade I think. the stockbroker was then handed a bill for £21000, nearly double the price of the original car.

The car was put away just two years later after problems in the stock market led to financial trouble for the owner and it didn't surface again until 1995. To date the car has covered just 30000 miles.

I think you'll agree, it's simply stunning.

Done