It’s hard to understand why, but there is seemingly a segment of Mercedes-Benz owners who wish to convert their stately sedans into pickup trucks. There is some logic to it, of course, most of it tied to the durability of these vehicles. Mercedes’ drivetrains are notoriously overbuilt and could be up to the task of hauling small loads of household wares. Of course, it could also be that the general lower values of some of the overbuilt cars from the malaise era simply aren’t worth a strong price but are also too good to scrap, which is a perfect receipt for a home-brew conversion. Check out this 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL that’s been converted to an El Camino lookalike here on Hemmings.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Curvette for the find. The W116 sedan is one of the more commonly spotted examples of an older Mercedes model that hasn’t yet been rendered totally extinct. You may not seem them on the road with commuter traffic, but they represent an entry-level hobby car for the budget-minded, and certainly an easy choice for a Mercedes enthusiast who just wants a taste of yesteryear. The build quality was tremendous, and in the dark days of the malaise era, the W116 was still quite a car. Obviously, the range-topper was the 6.9L-equipped super sedans, which was capable of acceleration not often seen in a production four-door.
The seller’s car doesn’t have the monster motor but is equipped with the standard engine, a 4.5L V8 that made around 180 horsepower. The Mercedes may have been comparable to Cadillacs of the same era in terms of performance, but the Benz held the advantage in build quality and perceived quality, which led to higher resale prices. The interiors were also quite durable, as this example shows, with leather seating surfaces that could withstand loads of abuse. The dashboard and wood trim were far more fragile, but they appear to be in decent shape here. The seller’s conversion has rendered this into a true two-seater.
The marketability of a truly custom vehicle is one of the major downsides to attempting a build like this. You have to hope to find someone who likes your vision as much as you do, and that’s not exactly easy to do when we’re talking about luxury sedans converted into a German El Camino. The Mercedes would present much, much better with a set of European headlights, a modest lowering kit, and some more understated wheels – perhaps a set of 16-inch AMG monoblocks as opposed to the aftermarket chromies this car wears. The asking price is $16,995, which will indeed require a special buyer who loves the concept as much as the builder.
Interrrrresting…nice write up on a Teutonic Freakazoid, more like a Raunchero than a LocoMino. But at least it’s not a terrible ask.
Maybe call it Die Straße?
The proportions of the side view doesn’t look right, plus the wheels, tires and overall stance leaves more than a little to be desired. With an asking price of $16,995 I’d rather have an El Camino.
Steve R
This is similar to my response. Interesting idea, appears to be well-executed. But the resulting proportions just seem “off”.
It practically screams, “aftermarket truck conversion from a car”. If you like conversions like this, the Cadillac conversions from the mid 60s look right, like the factory could have built it.
I agree. The (now) long 1/4 panels are not the correct height. The “bed portion” of the Ute appear to be too slender. They need to grow an inch or so taller. Other than that, I like it!
Fest in front, Arbeit in back.
Oh my, can it sit any higher? But i do give kudos to BF’s for posting something that is on another site.
Why not! I can see me now with a $10 a cup Frapachino while making the Saturday dump run!
Ahoi,
this car appears to have been a sedan in its first life. But most pickup conversions based on Mercedes Benz were originally hearses (sometimes ambulances). Nobody (except Gothics) wants to drive a hearse and that’s why these vehicles are comparatively cheap. Well, and some people build a pickup truck out of it…
By the way, this is the European point of view….
You will be the one getting the most unexpected or unique award at a car show with this. The build looks great. I love el caminos and Mercedes so this is my kind of Frankenstein.
Well Travis McGee had a Rolls pickup so us slightly lesser mortals can get by with a Benz.
IMHO, 17 Grand seems to be a fair price.
Just being pedantic, I wouldn’t call it a pickup. There is no tailgate, and it has more of a trunklid than a tonneau. Broadly, you have a 2 seat coupe with a huge trunk;
Call it an S-class Business Coupe.
My thought exactly. A throwback to the business coupes of the ’40’s and ’50’s, with a one bench seat passenger compartment and a disproportionately long trunk. At least most of them had a trunk lid that reached down to the level of the trunk floor, unlike the high liftover on this one. Not my up of tea.
Looks like a Subaru Brat
Where does the hay bale go?
To the farm.
I turned down a low mileage 1986 560SL a family member was selling (cheap) because I needed a vehicle that could carry a few sheets of plywood.
Should have used a 123 diesel.
This is what happens when you combine a 4 day weekend and a lot of alcohol.
I have always heard that the Mercedes are made with very weak Metal when they get into a wreck the Mercedes, Benz.
I know bad joke, but I couldn’t help it.
As Flip Wilson used to say,
“the devil made me do it”.