The Icon4x4 Derelict Mercedes 300 SEL is what happens when you reimagine the iconic "Rote Sau" 300 SEC as a road-going, luxury Muscle car

The Mercedes W109 has its own place in history as one of the most significant luxury cars ever made and the basis for the first-ever AMG – the “Rote Sau” (Red Pig). Los Angeles-based company, Icon 4x4, has developed an exquisite, handcrafted masterpiece that combines the philosophy of hot-rodding and modern-day tuning with a road-going version of the "Rote Sau," creating one of the most unique models to ever wear the Tri-Star. And it's no slouch on the road, either.

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The 1971 Mercedes 300 SEL that serves as the basis of Icon 4X4's creation looks like a concourse-level restoration. However, things are completely different once you look underneath. The specialists have chosen to install not some AMG V-8, which would seem apropos, but rather a Chevrolet LS9 engine. The 6.2-liter, supercharged, pushrod V-8 churns out 638 horsepower (476 kilowatts) and 604 pound-feet (819 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the rear through a GM 4L85E four-speed automatic. Initial tests have shown a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) of around 5.5 seconds, which is certainly respectable given the car’s size and weight.

According to Jonathan Ward – founder and owner of Icon and TLC – the decision to use a GM engine is purely practical. The Mercedes is part of the company’s “Derelict” series and is built mainly for the North American market. “If you have a mechanical issue in the middle of nowhere, I’d like you to be able to roll into a competent, local shop and be able to figure it out and source whatever you need”, Ward said. Purists may be upset by the fact, especially when Mercedes-AMG does not want to give up on the V-8 engine, but a German V-8 lacks the simplicity and expertise that comes with having locally sourced (for North America) hardware like the LS9 and the 4L85E transmission.

As with any re-imagined classic, Icon started with the most well-preserved car available. This particular 300 SEL is a California car, which usually means no rust. A lot of custom fabrication has been done to get the Derelict to where it is, and it’s all been handcrafted. The exterior retains the classic W109 looks with the chrome trim and Icon custom billet wheels, mimicking the design of the original pieces. Despite the modernity and sleek looks of the Derelict Benz, the SoCal shop wanted the classic sedan to look like time has left a mark on it. Because of this, some of the original patina has been left as is.

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The interior is a perfect representation of the original, with the new upholstery mimicking the original pattern. The large steering wheel has been refurbished and now works with a more aggressive steering rack. The V-8 soundtrack has also been enhanced, courtesy of a custom stainless steel exhaust. Other than that, the car features subtly-integrated modern tech like LED lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, and much more. The 1971 Derelict Benz by Icon 4x4 can be seen at the 2022 SEMA show. As for the price, Icon 4x4’s builds start from $450,000. A small fortune, yes, but well worth it for something that can easily stand beside other automotive masterpieces like the Singer Turbo, Gunterwerks 993 GT2 RS "Tornado", or the ultra-exclusive Kimera EVO37.

Dim’s fascination with cars began when he was just six. Born into a family of car enthusiasts and racing drivers, he started learning basic mechanics and driving from an early age. While he loves writing for any car, Dim is most interested in exploring obscure and forgotten cars as well as finding the best deals on the enthusiast car market. His passion took him to car restoration in the Malta Classic Car Museum, where he briefly worked on a 1964 Jaguar E-Type and an Alfa Romeo Junior. In Malta, he also graduated Media and Communications, which further improved his skills as an automotive journalist. Dim is always ready to get behind the wheel of any car and tell you all about it later.