Restomod: Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC with a Toyota 2JZ engine swap

The successful Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC Convertible (R 107) series launched at the 1971 Paris Motor Show and never left production until 1989, attracting tens of thousands of fans worldwide. That said, its coupe version (C 107) was by no means less amazing, with its longer wheelbase and full-fledged second seat row. Takahiro Higuchi bought just such a car for restoration.

Throughout its entire production life, the 450 SLC invariably shipped with the 4.5-liter, 8-cylinder M 117 engine rated at 225 hp (168 kW). Back in its time, the unit delivered excellent performance, but you could call it lacking by modern standards.

Realizing this, Takahiro decided to swap it out for a superior Mercedes engine, but couldn’t find suitable options nearby. In the end, he settled on the legendary 3.0-liter turbo-six Toyota 2JZ-GTE mill hooked onto a Toyota Aristo automatic transmission. After some ECU tuning and the addition of a sports-spec air filter, the output rose to respectable 450 hp (336 kW).

On the outside, the fresh paintjob and 17-inch HWA Asteroid Wheels are the only things indicating that the model is not stock.