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Californian coachbuilder offers Mercedes CL convertible conversion

Californian coachbuilder offers Mercedes CL convertible conversion

Jeremy Weber June 8th, 2009 Jeremy Weber By Jeremy Weber Author June 8th, 2009
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December 31st, 1969 Mercedes Benz has hinted at the development of a convertible version of its CL flagship as far back as 2007 but still today there is no such model in the automaker’s lineup. Customers tired of waiting can still purchase a CL Cabrio thanks to the guys at California’s Newport Convertible Engineering, which offers a customized CL with its steel roof replaced by an automated folding soft-top. Making a convertible out of a hardtop involves much more than chopping off the steel roof and designing a folding mechanism for the cloth top. Removing the steel top robs a car of a tremendous amount of structural rigidity that must be restored before the resulting soft-top can be deemed drivable. Every convertible built by the Californian coachbuilder includes significant structural upgrades to ensure the cars are equal to factory-built convertibles in terms of rigidity and roadworthiness. Admittedly, the custom CL Cabrio looks rather stylish and would no doubt stand out from the crowd in any suburban district. Pricing for standard two-door convertible conversions typically range from $10,000 to $15,000, however, some projects Newport Convertible Engineering has worked on has run up into the six figure sums. Some of the other extreme convertible makeovers offered by Newport Convertible Engineering include a Maybach 57 four-door convertible, and drop-top versions of the Cadillac Escalade and Toyota Prius. Via: Autoblog.nl
Newport Convertible Engineering offers four-door and SUV convertible conversions as well

Newport Convertible Engineering offers four-door and SUV convertible conversions as well

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Mercedes Benz has hinted at the development of a convertible version of its CL flagship as far back as 2007 but still today there is no such model in the automaker’s lineup. Customers tired of waiting can still purchase a CL Cabrio thanks to the guys at California’s Newport Convertible Engineering, which offers a customized CL with its steel roof replaced by an automated folding soft-top.

Making a convertible out of a hardtop involves much more than chopping off the steel roof and designing a folding mechanism for the cloth top. Removing the steel top robs a car of a tremendous amount of structural rigidity that must be restored before the resulting soft-top can be deemed drivable. Every convertible built by the Californian coachbuilder includes significant structural upgrades to ensure the cars are equal to factory-built convertibles in terms of rigidity and roadworthiness.

Admittedly, the custom CL Cabrio looks rather stylish and would no doubt stand out from the crowd in any suburban district. Pricing for standard two-door convertible conversions typically range from $10,000 to $15,000, however, some projects Newport Convertible Engineering has worked on has run up into the six figure sums.

Some of the other extreme convertible makeovers offered by Newport Convertible Engineering include a Maybach 57 four-door convertible, and drop-top versions of the Cadillac Escalade and Toyota Prius.
Via: Autoblog.nl

Tags: California, Modified

Posted in: 2002, Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz, News, Convertible, Cabrio, CL Class


Comments (4 total)

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  1. ma_HECTOR avatar by HECTOR #1, Posted: 6/9/2009

    A folding cloth top on a car like this looks as out of place as a penguin in a Walmart parking lot. This has FAIL written all over it, and TOOL written all over anybody who actually pays to have it done.

    Besides, the interior of this car is so vomit inducing that it's best to keep it under wraps. With dark tinted windows.

  2. ma_danDAN avatar by danDAN #2, Posted: 6/9/2009

    What's wrong with the SL? Same luxury, same engines just no back seat. I wonder if the roof actually hides in the boot or sticks out like a toe nail clipping as in the picture above.

  3. ma_solo84 avatar by solo84 #3, Posted: 6/9/2009

    Besides, the interior of this car is so vomit inducing that it's best to keep it under wraps. With dark tinted windows. -hector

    ahhhh...spoken like someone who has never had the priviledge of sitting in a new CL. kudos.

  4. ma_gus avatar by Gus Chyba #4, Posted: 6/9/2009

    Does the top really sit on top of the back like that?
    Looks good except for that part...

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