The 1980s were a unique era for automotive customization, especially in Germany. While some tuners pushed the boundaries of extravagance with brands like Porsche, others focused on refining Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Among these Mercedes specialists were AMG and Lorinser, each offering distinct styles ranging from subtle enhancements to bold statements, limited only by the client’s budget and taste. The Mercedes-Benz W126 platform, and particularly its sleek coupe variant, became a favorite canvas for these tuning houses.
Lorinser carved out a niche for themselves by specializing in sophisticated cosmetic and luxury upgrades. Their approach centered around tasteful body kits, premium wheels, striking paint finishes, and opulent interior enhancements. This contrasted with the more extreme modifications like gullwing doors or multiple turbocharger setups favored by some contemporaries. Lorinser’s modifications were about enhancing the existing elegance of the Mercedes, not overshadowing it.
This brings us to the Tamiya 500 SEC kit, specifically the rare Lorinser edition. First released in 1982, this kit captures the essence of 80s Mercedes tuning. Acquired at a swap meet, this particular kit, although missing instructions, is complete with all the unique Lorinser components. These include the “early style” Lorinser body kit, a beautiful set of BBS “Mahle” wheels, and interior upgrades featuring iconic Recaro mesh-headrest seats and a period-correct Telefunken Autorad car phone.
The vision for this model build is to strike a balance between refined taste and the inherent flamboyance of the era. Tamiya Mica Red paint, applied over a pink primer, was chosen for the exterior. The pink primer base surprisingly enhances the vibrancy of the red, adding an extra layer of depth to the color. The paint finish was smooth enough to proceed directly to polishing with Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound and Polish, skipping the wet sanding stage. The grille will remain body-colored, and chrome trim will be added to accentuate the beltline and window moldings, staying true to the Lorinser aesthetic.
For the interior, a light tan color scheme is planned, complemented by Mr. Model upholstery decals for the door and seat inserts. The chosen pattern, a multicolored Mexican blanket design, might seem unconventional, but it effectively captures the spirit of the bold and sometimes eclectic fabric choices popular in custom car interiors of the 80s.
The bodywork is typically the starting point for this builder, providing the initial motivation for the rest of the project. Despite being a Tamiya kit, its age means it required considerable preparation. This involved block sanding, panel line rescribing, and refining trim and other details to achieve a pristine surface for priming. The effort invested in these initial steps is evident in the final finish. The rear lip spoiler and side skirts, integral parts of the Lorinser kit, were added to the body before painting.
