Ironworks Mercedes 450 SEL Hides a Corvette LT4 Beneath Its Understated Bodywork
Liam Campbell
2 minutes read
Ironworks Mercedes 450 SEL is the sleeper that stopped the SEMA crowd cold. Rodger Lee and his team in Bakersfield, California, transformed a 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL into something that looks like a factory car, only nicer. Our staff agreed unanimously that it deserved HOT ROD’s Best Engineered Award.
Inside the Ironworks Mercedes 450 SEL Build
Ironworks did not simply restore this sedan. The team fabricated almost every visible component, from the interior and dashboard to the engine cover and bumpers. Billet aluminum, 3D-printed parts and carbon fiber were brushed, plated or painted to mimic woodgrain, textured plastic and chrome. Even the taillights are custom, yet they respect the original shape. Still, the real flex is the restraint. Nothing screams for attention, and that is precisely the point.
Underneath, the engineering gets serious. An Mercedes-Benz body now carries an LT4 V8, a 10-speed automatic, a front end borrowed from the C7 Corvette and an Art Morrison independent rear. Reminiscent of the supercharged Mercedes hot hatch that predated the CLA45, this is a bold marriage of German bodywork and American muscle. Ironworks also carved a custom transmission tunnel and rear wheel tubs to clear 20-inch HRE wheels and massive Wilwood brakes.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8 |
| 🐎Power Output | 650 HP (est.) |
| ⚡Peak Torque | 650 lb-ft (est.) |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 0-60 mph in 4.0s (est.) |
| 🚀Top Speed | Not disclosed |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | 10-Speed Automatic / RWD |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | Not disclosed |
Ironworks Mercedes 450 SEL Business Case
On paper, a fully bespoke Corvette-powered W116 is a niche proposition. Each billet panel and 3D-printed trim piece represents hours of labor that no buyer will ever fully recoup. In reality, this is a showcase of Ironworks capability, not a production blueprint. Ultimately, the build proves that a small shop can rival major fabricators when engineering discipline stays sharp. For more context on the broader shop, visit Auto News Magazine.
Looking ahead, I expect the Ironworks Mercedes 450 SEL to become a collector’s benchmark for high-end restomods. Enthusiasts who appreciate the W116 will recognize the craftsmanship, and that scarcity should keep it relevant for years. Keep an eye on Rodger’s YouTube channel, which documents the construction in detail.
Liam Campbell
Industry Intelligence & News Editor at Auto News Magazine. Tracking prototype spy shots, Nürburgring development mules, automaker corporate moves, and breaking global automotive scoops.
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