FYI: At the 2024 Club de Ultrace event in Wroclaw, Poland, Martin Szombierski’s 1969 Mercedes-Benz W108 was awarded the special Speedhunters’ Choice award for its stunning build.
The Speedhunters’ Choice Award
This summer, our team from Automotive.fyi attended the illustrious Club de Ultrace 2024 in Wroclaw, Poland. For the first time, we collaborated with the event organizers to present a custom Speedhunters’ Choice trophy. After careful deliberation, the award went to Martin Szombierski’s impeccable 1969 Mercedes-Benz W108.
A Tribute to Mercedes-Benz Legacy
From the moment we laid eyes on Martin’s W108, it was clear this was no ordinary build. Skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail were the hallmarks of his project. The car channels the essence of the legendary 1971 300 SEL 6.8 AMG race car, known in car circles as the "Red Pig."
The Legendary Rote Sau
Back in 1971, the AMG-tuned 300 SEL, affectionately nicknamed "Rote Sau" (Red Pig), clinched a class win and second overall at the Spa 24 Hours, despite initial skepticism. Although its original version faded into history after being sold and converted into a road test vehicle, its legend lived on, prompting Mercedes-Benz to build a replica in the mid-2000s. This history served as a pivotal inspiration for Martin’s W108.
OEM+ Excellence
The build’s OEM+ details captivated us: wide arches added 200mm to the car’s width, stunning Mercedes-Benz "China Blue" paint, and polished chrome, all contributing to a flawless finish. Custom three-piece wheels by BBS, styled after Mercedes-Benz Designo, were upsized from 17 to 19 inches and paired with Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 tires.
An Overhaul Beneath the Hood
The car’s true secret lies under the hood. Martin’s W108 isn’t just a ’69 classic—it’s been rebuilt on the underpinnings of a 2003 W211 E500. Its heart is a potent 5.0-liter M113 V8 engine, delivering 306 horsepower—a massive step up from the original.
Air Suspension Mastery
One standout feature of this build is its air suspension, a system custom-made by Martin and his father. Utilizing D2 shocks and custom airbags, this setup greatly enhances the car’s stance and ride quality.
Interior: Classic Meets Modern
Inside, the W108 takes a minimalist yet luxurious approach. Black leather, suede detailing, and modern conveniences like digital displays behind smoked glass make this interior stand out. Unique elements such as low-back bucket seats, a Momo Prototipo steering wheel, and W212 E-Class Coupe air vents blend seamlessly with the classic layout.
A Father-Son Project
"This car was completely built by me and my dad in our garage at home," Martin proudly states. The duo meticulously handled everything—from bodywork to the custom air suspension. Inspired by their love for old Mercedes models and the historical significance of the Red Pig, they turned the W108 into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
The Winning Edge
The dedication and skill evident in this build gave it the edge for our Speedhunters’ Choice award. The cleverly integrated modern technology, paired with a deep respect for classic design, left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
"We built the Mercedes because we love tinkering with cars, especially old ones, and we wanted to do something out of the ordinary," Martin explained. "What I love about this car is that I did all the work with my dad."
Conclusion
Our time at the Ultrace 2024 was unforgettable, and Martin Szombierski’s 1969 Mercedes-Benz W108 exemplified the passion and craftsmanship that automotive projects can achieve. We extend special thanks to those who helped create the Speedhunters Choice trophy. Stay tuned for more incredible automotive stories and insights from events around the globe.
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
