Been in jail, you wouldn't like it ......
Photography by David S. Wallens
Yes, we admit to having a thing for tube-frame race cars topped with unconventional bodywork. Buick Somerset? Bring it. Chrome-bumper Lincoln? Totally. Vintage Ford Falcon? Already written about it.
How about a one-of-one R107-chassis Mercedes-Benz 450SL built for the SCCA Trans-Am series?
After hearing the internet chatter, we saw the creation on the floor at Mecum's Kissimmee sale. It will cross the block on Friday, January 14.
Here’s the backstory on this one:
A bonafide Trans-Am Race Car driven in period by Loren St. Lawrence, this 1982 Mercedes-Benz was commissioned by Neat DeAtley—then an owner of a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Lewiston, Idaho—who wanted to promote the performance image of the brand through visibility in motorsports.
The car might have been born in an American race shop, but it does contain some legit Benz hardware: engine block, cylinder heads, duplex camshaft chain-drive and taillight lenses.
The car’s best finish was sixth at Road America.
After seeing it in the flesh/fiberglass, we can report that there’s a lot to love here:
Box flares.
Tube-frame construction.
V8 power.
Two–count them–four-barrel Holleys.
Lots of Dzus fasteners.
Gold BBS wheels.
SCCA logbook.
Hand-lettered graphics.
Full documentation.
Did we mention those box flares?
Mecum estimates that it’s worth $450,000 to $475,000, but what’s your guess?
And what do you do with it? Radwood? Autocross? Track days? Put it on track with HSR or another historic group? Slap a plate on it and just roll around?
Been in jail, you wouldn't like it ......
I remember this car from the SCCA magazine back in the day. To me it represents the zenith of the re-imagined Trans Am. The series had gone from the funny cars of the late 70’s (Porsche 935 et al) to non turbo cars similar in concept to a tube frame Stock Car. The possibilities were endless, but they allowed the turbo funny cars back in and Trams Am has never recovered to anything approaching it’s heydays in the 60s and early 70s.
In reply to Rons :
You're right, it really is a period piece. It looked good in real life. There's just something about hand-painted graphics....
I think I saw this car racing, back in the old days.
I saw that car race at Brainerd. 
I was crewing that weekend for my cousin who was there with his GT-1 Corvette.
Calling LanEvo.... could possibly run with the Classic group at VARAC....
Gordon
I want to know more about the intake manifold. Is that the only Mercedes engine with dual quad Holleys?
Gold Mesh Wheels!
The look is fire
What did it sell for? It is seriously cool.
I could cause a lot of trouble becuase if the estimate is correct I'd have to sell the house and live in the RV to afford that.
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