Driver in Bien Hoa restores 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190E: Transforms ‘prized possession’ into one-of-a-kind custom build to pay tribute to idol.

Lê Phúc, a car enthusiast from Biên Hoà, has a passion for restoring vintage BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars. Initially, restoring these beautiful cars didn’t require much time and effort, as the main focus was repainting, redoing the interior, and upgrading the rims.

Among the vintage cars, Phúc has a special love for the 198x Mercedes-Benz models. He considers them a bridge between the classic and modern eras, as they possess all the modern technologies, such as ABS and Cruise Control.

Phúc’s infatuation with Mercedes began with its solid and elegant design. But as he started driving, he realized that Mercedes also offered a solid driving experience. With confidence, he can navigate corners, thanks to its well-built steering wheel. Additionally, Mercedes cars are known for their durability if properly maintained.

As Phúc delved further into vintage Mercedes-Benz cars, he discovered that the W201 series, particularly the Mercedes-Benz 190E W201, grabbed his attention. This model, associated with his idol, F1 racer Ayrton Senna, fueled his passion. Senna used this series in his first racing competition, establishing his name.

Despite the availability of numerous 190Es in Vietnam, finding a good one posed a challenge as most had already been sold. Eventually, Phúc found one in Cần Thơ, but it was in a wrecked condition. This led him to trade his first love, a Lada Niva 1600, for the wrecked Mercedes-Benz 190E.

The initial condition of the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190E, with the code name W201, was distressing, specifically concerning its electrical system and interior. The power windows and control panel were made of paper, leading to dampness and mold. Repairing these elements proved to be one of the most expensive tasks in the classic car market, requiring a complete overhaul.

Fortunately, the engine remained in good condition. Phúc took this opportunity to fine-tune several aspects. He replaced the transmission, restored the engine mounts and shock absorbers, and verified that the suspension remained solid due to the German car technology and the car’s low mileage. Following the restoration, Phúc experienced a tight steering response and no wobbling during high-speed turns. The car houses a 4-cylinder, 2.3-liter engine with the M102 code, generating an output of approximately 90 horsepower.

The entire body and interior underwent disassembly. The body received a new paint job, and the interior was revamped. The leather seats were redone, and a leather floor mat was added. Details such as plastic parts and lights were restored to their original condition. Moreover, the car now boasts a new Evo-style body kit and BBS multi-spoke wheels.

Restoring the car took Phúc about a year, with the most time-consuming aspect being the fabrication and fitting of the body kit, as well as rebuilding the engine.

Throughout the restoration journey, Phúc encountered struggles and learned valuable lessons as a non-professional restorer. One notable memory was the process of creating the body kit. Initially, the craftsmen used composite materials and plasterboard, resulting in uneven hardness and excessive weight. Eventually, Phúc realized the mistake and decided to construct the body kit from lightweight and durable steel. Learning from this experience, he resolved to approach car modifications with more professionalism.

Overall, Phúc’s 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190E has been restored to its full glory and is now fully operational. In the future, Phúc plans to restore another Japanese car, a new project that he has been dreaming of. The car is ready for execution, and Phúc is excited to embark on this next adventure.

Photo: Lê Phúc