A restomod keeps the classic look of the R107 while improving how it drives and how comfortable it is. Done well, it gives you a car you can use every day. Done badly, it ruins a good car and its value. Here is how I think about it.
Popular restomods
- Suspension: quality shocks, refreshed bushings and slightly firmer springs. See lowering springs and ball joints.
- Brakes: upgraded pads, braided hoses and in some cases larger brakes from later Mercedes models.
- Wheels and tires: modern tires in original sizes, or slightly larger period-style wheels.
- Lighting: European headlights or modern bulbs. See Euro headlights.
- Cooling: an aluminum radiator and an electric auxiliary fan for hot climates.
- Audio: a modern radio hidden behind a period-look faceplate, or a period-style unit with Bluetooth.
- Climate: modern A/C components and conversion to R134a.
- Ignition: electronic ignition upgrades on older cars.
Reversible vs not
Reversible: wheels, shocks, springs, bolt-on lighting, radios using existing openings, interior covers, ignition modules. Keep the original parts.
Not easily reversible: cutting the dash or door panels for speakers, welding, drilling the body, removing original wiring, engine swaps that change mounts, and repainting in a non-original color. These lower value for most buyers.
Drivetrain swaps
Popular ideas include swapping a later Mercedes V8 and five-speed automatic, or a modern engine with electronic injection. These are big projects: they need custom mounts, a different driveshaft, wiring and engine management. For most owners, rebuilding and tuning the original engine and injection gives a better result for the money. See M116 vs M117.
Interior tech
Modern conveniences such as Bluetooth audio, USB charging and phone mounts can be added without cutting the dash. Hidden installs keep the classic look. Modern seats or digital gauges usually change the character too much for most R107 buyers.
Value effect
The R107 market strongly favors originality. Tasteful, reversible upgrades that improve drivability are usually accepted. Irreversible changes and major swaps usually reduce value, except for professionally built, documented restomods that appeal to a specific buyer. If you might sell the car, keep it reversible.
Quick answers
- What is the best first upgrade? A full service and fresh suspension bushings and shocks.
- Does a modern radio hurt value? Not if it is reversible and the original is kept.
- Is an engine swap worth it? Rarely, financially.
- Can I convert to a manual? It has been done, but it is a major project; see manual transmission.
