FitMob Featured Cars: 1980 240D "Low Benzo"

JD is one of a kind. Authentic as they come, this guy’s car is an extension of his identity. It’s is as unique as it’s driver and also serves a family wagon. His love affair with cars started way back when with hot wheels. His interest grew as he began helping out friends with mechanic work. His first car was a ’69 302 Boss ‘stang. You could say he had a strong start in the race.

JD bought the Benz from a friend, in great shape, with a turbo kit… for 1K.
As it stood, it’s originality, coupled with such a screaming deal made the purchase a no brainer.
He bought it with no intention to modify it with the exception of cutting the springs but.. his creative impulse took hold and the car took on a life of it’s own. At first glance, the most stand-out feature of the Benz is it’s custom hood mounted smoke stack exhaust. Other people might argue that it’s the paint job (or lack thereof) that pulls you in. He achieved this signature look with paint stripper, hydrogen peroxide and other household acidic compounds.

DIY all the way.

As far as the future of this car, he is planning on a doing a top secret motor swap and bagging the car. (Stay tuned…Updates to come.)

Mods and parts list:

W123 body style

Rusted entire car

Wire tuck

Seats from german spec 300 td

Custom fabbed "frenched" bumpers

External gas tank conversion

Removed trim

Battery relocation

Custom exhaust

When asked what he would do with an unlimited budget, he emphatically stated that he would buy a 300TD wagon.

With a taste for heritage german engineering, realistically, he thinks his next car will be a 70’s era BMW 2002. To JD, the most important part of car culture is identity. Standing apart as an individual while simultaneously being united by the same passion. The ability to roll down a street and have someone definitively recognize your car. To be able to express your originality with mods and muscle and metal.

JD also wanted to mention that none of this would have happened without the help of his wife! She has been his support, his cheerleader, and partner in crime. She will continue to be by his side through this build, as she wants to see it in its final transformation!