More safety high-tech for classic cars

By Felix Rehwald Dec 13, 2006, 6:36 GMT

Hanover, Germany - Classic cars stand out with their unique design and plentiful use of chrome, wood finishing and leather but have a major disadvantage in terms of safety compared to modern cars.

Several companies, however, have specialised in fitting classic cars with all the items that drivers of a modern car consider a must such as anti-locking brakes (ABS), power steering and airbags.

The high-tech restorers do a lot more than simply bringing the car back to its original state.

Mechatronik, a firm in the southwestern German town of Pleidelsheim, has specialised in restoring the Mercedes 250 and 280 SL 'pagoda' series from the 1960s.

The Mercedes is fitted with a V6 engine that complies with the Euro 3 emission standards, has direct fuel injection and an output of 164 kW/224 hp. A new automatic transmission, new chassis and better brakes are also fitted on demand.

Such a renovated 'pagoda' sells for as much as 120,000 euros (157,000 dollars).

However, there are limits to such restoration. Roadworthy testing organisations take a close look at such cars. In Germany, where the technical testing authority (TUeV) is responsible, the car is still defined as classic, if modifications are limited to the engine, brakes and suspension components.

'If only the bodywork is original, we define it as a new car and it has to be registered as such,' according to Bert Korporal of the TUeV in the northern German city of Hanover.

Apart from the pagoda, the specialists at Mechatronik also restore models from the Mercedes W111 and 300 SL series from the 1950s, boosting them with modern high-tech.

The Mercedes-Benz official tuner AMG recently virtually transformed a 1954 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing into a modern sports car for a client.

AMG spokesman Pietro Zollino confirmed that the legendary classic was fitted with an AMG V8 motor with an output of 280/381 hp stemming from the current SL convertible series. In addition, axle parts, brakes, power steering and airbag were fitted.

'Classic conversions of these dimensions can be done by AMG but are the absolute exception,' according to Zollino.

Another company, Memminger in Bavaria, has specialised in converting the VW Beetle convertible. Original doors and fenders which had a problem with rust are replaced by zinc parts.

TUeV expert Korporal warns that in order to drive faster with such a converted classic adaptations are necessary. There could also be problems with the aerodynamics as these cars were never constructed for high speeds.

'It makes sense to fit classics with modern brakes or ABS,' he says but warns that modern safety gadgets do not necessarily offer maximum protection in a crash.

'The steering rod of a classic car generally points at the breastbone of the driver and it will thrust through him, even if an airbag is fitted,' Korporal added.