A classic Mercedes-Benz coupe from the late 1960s has been transformed into a high-powered restomod that blends vintage elegance with modern performance. North Carolina-based Retro Designs has unveiled a reworked 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE coupe that the company says could be the most powerful example of the model ever built.
Originally equipped with a modest 2.8-liter inline-six engine, the classic coupe now carries a dramatically upgraded powertrain. Retro Designs replaced the factory engine with a 5.4-liter AMG V-8 sourced from a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG. The engine has been further modified, boosting output to more than 600 horsepower. That figure represents a massive leap from the original power levels and reflects nearly double the engine displacement.
The upgraded powerplant is the well-known M113 V-8, an engine once used across several AMG models, including the SLK55, CLK55 and ML55. In the restomod coupe, it is paired with a 722.6 five-speed 5G-Tronic automatic transmission designed to handle the increased performance.
To support the added power, the vehicle’s suspension has been completely reworked. A modern Brembo braking system has also been installed to provide improved stopping performance. The upgraded chassis setup allows the car to sit lower than a stock 280SE, giving the coupe a more aggressive stance while maintaining its classic silhouette.
Retro Designs retained the car’s original styling, choosing a careful restoration rather than a dramatic redesign. The coupe wears rich Irish Green paint and rides on billet wheels from Evod Industries valued at around $20,000. The wheels feature floating hubcaps that preserve the vintage aesthetic despite the modern hardware.
Inside, the cabin maintains a classic appearance with tan leather upholstery, while subtle updates introduce modern convenience. The interior includes cup holders, upgraded audio equipment with an Audison amplifier and Focal speakers, and Dakota Digital gauges.
Retro Designs is known primarily for building customized trucks, including projects based on the Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Ranger Bronco and Chevrolet C10. The Mercedes restomod was created to mark the company’s 15th anniversary and to demonstrate the breadth of its craftsmanship.
The completed 280SE stands as a one-off build and is reported to be among the most expensive restomod projects the company has produced.
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