This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D went from non-operational to a top-notch off-roading construct worthy of getting its personal Sizzling Wheels scale mannequin.
Legends Tour Finalist
Sizzling Wheels has introduced the inclusion of a personalized 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D within the ultimate spherical of the 2023 Legends Tour. This modified sedan, powered by a turbodiesel engine, is among the many choose group of custom-built automobiles vying for a chance to be featured in Sizzling Wheels’ scale mannequin catalog later this yr.
Humble Beginnings
The spectacular journey of this 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D started when David Almanzan, an automotive expertise instructor at Dekaney Excessive Faculty in Houston, Texas, stumbled upon the uncared for automobile on his neighbor’s garden. Regardless of being motionless for eight years, the automobile’s resilient 3.0-liter turbodiesel five-cylinder engine, often called OM617 internally, had stood the take a look at of time.
Faculty Challenge
Almanzan bought the 300D and introduced it to the varsity’s store, the place he concerned his college students within the restoration, restore, and modification course of. Over the course of the challenge, roughly 260 college students contributed their efforts to rework the sedan. Along with a considerable elevate package that gives the 300D with added floor clearance, the in depth listing of modifications encompasses mud-terrain tires, LED mild bars, and wheel arch flares.
Lengthy Listing of Mods
Contained in the automobile, quite a few mods have been integrated. The driving force now enjoys a racing seat and advantages from a wider rear-view mirror, whereas Almanzan selected to retain the unique Becker Grand Prix cassette participant. Underneath the hood, additional enhancements have been made, together with the addition of engine help bars, an oil catch can, and a hood-routed exhaust system harking back to these discovered on semi-trucks. The influence of those modifications on the automobile’s efficiency stays undisclosed.
Tootsie For the Win
Dubbed “Tootsie” by its proprietor, Almanzan’s 300D has superior to one of many two semifinal rounds scheduled for November 2023. To safe victory, it should outshine different heavily-modified one-off automobiles, together with a 1981 Chevrolet Camaro and a 1989 Volkswagen Rabbit Cabriolet. The final word winner will earn a coveted spot in Sizzling Wheels’ 1/64-scale automobile catalog, with distribution by way of retailers worldwide.
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