Check out a 1971 Mercedes-Benz propelled by a Corvette V8 TT

Off-road specialist Icon 4x4 has unveiled a Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL with a thoroughly restored exterior and cabin and a Chevrolet Corvette heart transplant under the hood.

The car runs on non-standard 18-inch wheels shod in wider tires, although a cursory glance might leave you thinking the wheels are stock. The chrome parts have all been refurbished, but the exterior paint was allowed to keep some of its age marks.

Inside, the audio system is modern and some trim bits were made from scratch, but you need to know where to look to spot the difference. The seat stuffing has been replaced for comfort, too.

Everything is new in the suspension department, which is now independent on both axles. The brakes use six pistons at the front end and four at the rear.

Power originated in a 6.2-liter turbocharged LS9 V8 mill by General Motors. In its restomod implementation, the engine makes 472 PS (466 hp / 347 kW) and 678 Nm (500 lb-ft) of torque when measured at the wheels. The four-speed auto transmission was borrowed from a GM-badged commercial vehicle.

Due to the sheer scope of the modifications, the buyer of the car will be getting a memory card containing detailed maintenance and repair instructions. According to the reporter who tested the car, it was easy to handle and predictable. The selling price is not open to public, but we know that Icon 4x4 puts around 3,000 kilometers (1,860 miles) on each SUV it produces to ensure everything is running as intended.