Legendary european classics meet japanese custom cars
February 10, 2025
Exploring The Engineering Might Of Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz has earned its position as one of the world’s premier automakers over more than a century, a fact particularly evident at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. As the inventor of the motor car, the company’s influence on automotive history is unmatched.
The museum houses an extraordinary collection of vehicles, from early pickup trucks to legendary SLs and the Sauber C9 race car. It showcases the evolution of Germany’s racing colors from white to the iconic “Silver Arrows” and displays unusual pairings like a 6.9-liter V8 SEL alongside an Argentine bus.
Mercedes-Benz’s strategic decisions have shaped the industry, including the acquisition of AMG, which led to an impressive in-house performance division and Formula 1 success. The company also revived Maybach, transforming it into a successful luxury sub-brand after initial setbacks.
The pre-war Mercedes models are particularly captivating in person, rivaling prestigious marques like Bugatti and Duesenberg. Despite the company’s diverse modern portfolio of vans, trucks, and compact cars, these early vehicles exude an imposing presence and exceptional quality.
The brand’s legendary engineering excellence extends to even the smallest details, exemplified by the robust construction of their air vents. This meticulous attention to quality and durability has been a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz throughout its history, from its earliest models to modern vehicles.
Evolution Ray: Kaoru Koshimizu’s Reimagined C1 Corvette
The Evolution Ray stands as a testament to Japanese hot rodder Kaoru Koshimizu’s creative vision - a heavily modified C1 Chevrolet Corvette that blends classic American muscle with innovative engineering. Operating both a bar and taiyaki shop in Yokohama, Koshimizu houses his automotive projects in two garages, including an aircraft hangar-style structure he built himself.
The Evolution Ray features several striking modifications, including a hydraulically-operated clamshell front end and an electrically-actuated boot. Under the hood sits a 383ci big block Chevy V8 with twin Demon 650cfm carbs, producing 500hp through a Richmond 5-speed transmission.
Koshimizu completely redesigned the suspension, replacing the original rear leaf springs and solid axle with a custom pushrod system. The front end incorporates a C3 chassis frame with bespoke control arms, Koni shocks, and Swift springs. A hidden roll bar connects the front and rear suspension components.
The build joins Koshimizu’s impressive collection, which includes an original-condition C2 Stingray and a modified 1969 C3 Corvette - his first car purchased at age 20. The C3 sports a widened body kit, 13-inch Halibrand wheels, and a 427ci big block V8 with four Weber carbs.
While the Evolution Ray may not excel on an autocross course, it delivers raw, visceral energy that embodies the spirit of hot rodding - living on the edge with every oil-soaked minute.
Farm to fable - this Horch 853 Spezialroadster was saved from a life of agriculture
A rare Horch 853 Spezialroadster with Erdmann & Rossi coachwork has emerged from an extraordinary restoration journey. Originally a pinnacle of pre-war automotive luxury, the vehicle suffered a dramatic fate during World War II when its body was lost and its chassis repurposed as a farm vehicle in Ukraine.
The car’s origins trace back to August Horch, a former Benz employee who founded both Horch and later Audi, which eventually became part of Auto Union alongside DKW and Wanderer. The 853 Spezialroadster represented the height of automotive craftsmanship, with exclusive bodywork by the renowned coachbuilders Erdmann & Rossi.
Chassis number 853177’s restoration was undertaken by Horch-Classic in collaboration with Erdmann & Rossi Berlin. The process involved creating a three-dimensional body buck based on historical photographs and templates, followed by meticulous metalwork and painting. The engine underwent complete restoration, and an upgraded five-speed gearbox replaced the original four-speed transmission. Final touches included 24-carat gold plating on the radiator and boot lid logos.
The vehicle now stands as the world’s only fully licensed Erdmann & Rossi Horch Spezialroadster, exemplifying pre-war automotive excellence and is available through Goberson Holding B.V.
An Heirloom Like No Other
A deep-rooted passion for cars runs through Aidan de Cadenet’s veins, inherited from his father, racing driver and presenter Alain de Cadenet. Among his cherished automobiles is a 1965 Porsche 356 SC, acquired through friend and mechanic Richard Dick two decades ago.
The car, though matching numbers, has been modified for extra power and remains a permanent fixture in California. Aidan views himself as a custodian of his father’s legacy, caring for the vehicles until the next generation takes over.
Countless memories with the 356 trace along California’s iconic roads. Father and son regularly drove it to Pebble Beach car week, taking the scenic Highway 1 through Big Sur to Carmel. They explored secret back routes that reminded Alain of the Targa Florio races. Angeles Crest Highway and Mulholland Drive became their playground, with Aidan mastering every corner and curve of these challenging routes.
Despite common misconceptions about the 356’s performance compared to the 911, Aidan celebrates the unique thrill of driving a slower car at its limits. He embraces every stone chip and scar on the vehicle, viewing them as chapters in its ongoing story rather than imperfections to avoid. For him, driving is about joy and connection – the car becomes an extension of oneself, meant to be driven without fear or hesitation.
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
A unique 1978 creation combines the unassuming body of a Volkswagen Golf Mk1 with the heart and soul of a Porsche 928. Built by Guenter Artz, owner of a VW/Audi dealership in Hanover, this hybrid machine features a widened Golf body stretched over a 928 chassis, complete with its 260hp V8 engine and transmission.
The custom build required extensive modifications, including a 21cm width increase and custom glass, grille, and body panels. Only the doors remained from the original Golf, while the interior was transplanted directly from the donor 928.
Only two ARTZ Golf 928s were ever produced. This particular example holds special significance for current owner Dino Pannhorst, whose father and uncle purchased it from Artz in 1980. After cherishing memories of the car from his childhood, Dino tracked it down in northern Germany in 2014 and bought it back into the family.
The car’s sleeper status adds to its appeal - while most passersby ignore what appears to be a standard Golf, the distinctive V8 rumble quickly turns heads as people search for the source of the unmistakable sound.