So back in 2009 I visited the idea of building a Black Series Widebody Project for the SEMA show. After trying to work for months to source actual factory Mercedes Factory SL65 Black Series parts all I was left with was dead ends and no way to complete the project short of purchasing a real SL65 Black Series. This was my first failure to build a project vehicle for SEMA since 2003 and I was quite depressed. Luckily for me I was able to collaborate with some great builders such as Mark Abate, Brian Fox, and Neil Tjin and together we built some great creations in 2009.

Fast forward to May 2010 and I was surprised to recieve a phone call from my good buddy Misha D. of Misha Designs. I have worked with Misha D. at Misha Wings on my last two Porsche projects. He makes some of the best aftermarket body panels on the market. I had discussed my interest to him about building a SL65 Black Series clone the previous year and he remembered these conversions. He told me about his plan to come out with his own widebody kit that would rival the Mercedes Black Series and sent me a few pictures of the rendering. I was immediately blown away with his concept and told him to put me down for a kit when he goes to production.

Misha Designs Widebody Kit Rendering Images



My previous plan had called upon building a 1000HP SL65. After reviewing my options I decided on purchasing a 2004 SL55 because of the high number of great deals and low mileage version available. I drove the car a few weeks completely stock as the Range Rover project was in the body shop and I was surprised on how easy the car was to drive. After making a few calls to my industry contacts I was able to strike a deal with a few sponsors to help with the expenses of this build.

Every Misha Designs Widebody SL is hand built to order. My kit was available for pickup on Monday. I immediately drove down to LA to pick up the parts and dropped it off at DTM Autobody to start the tear down process. I then called my good buddy Brian Fox of Fox Marketing and arranged for BASF to send some special paint for this project. I won’t revel yet what color we choose until later in the build, but the color will blow you guys away. Ivan at DCT Motorsports is providing me a custom SL65 carbon fiber steering wheel and a full carbon fiber interior trim to complement the carbon fiber accents on the Misha Designs Widebody Kit.

So thats it for now. I will be providing more updates periodically until the revealing at SEMA 2010 in the Wheels & Tire Section located in the South Hall.

 

Very nice. What's the pricing like on those kits?

 

That is going to look sweet. I am assuming you are updating the front and rear to look like the newer model look as well to accept the new body parts?

 

Jim,
Yes new headlights, front grille, side mirrors, and rear tail lights as well.

Car is currently at DTM Autobody in El Monte California getting the Misha Designs Widebody Kit installed. I will be heading over there tomorrow to take the final measurements so I can start building the custom wheels.

 

 

Wow, that is looking nice.

 

nice!

 

Awesome build! What wheels will you be dressing that sexy with?

 

Another sick project Vince! I cant wait to see how this turns out. I have wanted to build one myself for a while as you know...

Congrats on the new ride and marriage

 

Today I went to DTM Autobody to get the final measurements for the new concave wheels that we will be debuting at SEMA. I am so shocked on how fast they installed the body panels. The rear quarters and the rear bumper are now on the car. A few more days of prepping and sanding to make sure all the lines and gaps are nice and the car will be ready for primer.

 

thanks bro

 

BASF Glasurit paint supplies have arrived at DTM Autobody. BASF sent over their primer, base coat, clear and hardeners. I have been using BASF paint since 2005 with the first widebody Porsche project and have never used another supplier. I am a big fan of their quality products. I am keeping the actual paint color under wraps until later this month. The color will definitely blow you guys away.

The headlights, front grill, new led taillights have arrived from the Mercedes parts dept. Anyone looking for the best prices on OEM Mercedes parts you guys need to contact parts.com. I was able to get 40% off retail for the factory parts. DTM Autobody has started aligning all the body panels. By the end of this week, they will have the rear quarters cut and molded and start molding on the rear wing to the trunk. 4 weeks to the big show and so much left to do.

 

Great project!!! I was thinking of the black series for my clk too actually

 

Sent my headlights up to https://lightwurkz.com in San Francisco. They are taking apart the headlights painting the inside matte black and putting leds around each projector. They will be shipping it back overnight on Thursday so I will have them on Friday. I know we are working on some really tight deadlines.

Here is a photoshop of what it will look like when done.

 

Ok guys the headlight housings are apart.

Here is a picture of the internals wet sanded and ready for primer



Second picture the pieces are now primered and ready for LED treatment and painting.