Icon modernizes the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL.
The Los Angeles-based icon painstakingly modernizes classic cars. Those cars are called Derelicts, the latest being a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL.
Scheduled to make its public debut at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, this silver sedan may look a bit weathered on the outside, but underneath the faded paint job it is loaded with modern upgrades.
The icon is mounted on a new Art Morrison chassis that includes four-wheel adjustable coilovers and independent rear suspension without modifying the bodyshell. Brakes were upgraded to the latest Brembo hardware and power assist, and Icon installed its own power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering setup.
The original engine was replaced by an LS9 V-8 crate engine supplied by GM. This is the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 found in the C6 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Icon did not list output figures, but we do know that the standard engine produces 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque. This power is sent to the rear wheels via a Mercedes 4L85E four-speed automatic transmission.
Icon tried to hide the fact that this is a modified car, although the larger aluminum wheels are a bit more noticeable; LED lighting is a more subtle exterior upgrade and helps reduce energy consumption, Icon noted.
The interior follows the same theme, looking almost stock but hiding a state-of-the-art audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, four Focal two-way speakers, and dual subwoofers with amplifiers.
Icon did not reveal the price of this particular car, but said the company's Derelict build starts at $450,000 and is available on a commission basis. Unlike Icon's series of restomods for the Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Bronco, and Chevrolet Thriftmaster pickup truck, each Derelict is unique.
Past creations include everything from a 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud to an all-electric 1949 Mercury coupe with Tesla technology.
