2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG built to look like 190E

US-based outfit Piper Motorsport has just finished up a five-year project to turn a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG into a mid-1980s Mercedes-Benz 190E. It might be best if they explain the original plan.

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“To make a long story short we're installing a mid-‘80s 190E body on a late model C63 AMG,” Piper Motorsport said back in 2013 when the project began.

“The 190E will feature the engine, transmission, entire driveline, suspension, brakes, fire wall, dash, electronics and even the floor pan from the C63 AMG. The exterior will resemble the old school EVO style 190.”

For this to work, a plethora of modifications had to be made, including to the C63’s chassis which was shortened by four inches.

“Many of the structural components of the chassis had to be modified or removed in order to fit the 190E body.”

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In addition, an integrated roll cage was built into the 190E’s body and hidden by interior components to ensure strength and safety without compromising its design.

By mid-2014, the mechanicals had begun to be pieced together, and the body and chassis had been properly introduced and married.

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Shortly after, the body started to take shape with its more extreme features. The wing and ‘Evo’ kit started to be tested and fitted, and the areas that needed custom fabrication (wheel wells, for example) became the focus.

Fast-forward to early 2016 and the 190E/C63’s running gear is almost sorted, with the wiring and interior, as well as the final aesthetic components, the biggest jobs left.

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It had its first road test in late-2016, and then the project took a little surprising but welcome turn – a supercharger was installed while the body was away being painted. A custom fuel cell and water cooler joined the car.

It’s only in the last couple of months that the project has reached its end, but with more than 160 photos documenting the build on its Facebook page, Piper Motorsport has shown what it actually takes to do something like this. Hats off to them.

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