If ever a car deserved to be called Fit for a King, it’s this Mercedes-Benz 280 SE. Hailing from an era when Mercedes-Benz built their cars like tanks, finding one in this condition is a rare feat. But Bastien Fischer managed to track down this gem and has spent years transforming it into the automotive masterpiece you see here.
First spotted earlier this year at Ultrace, this W126 caught my eye again at the Essen Motor Show. With a production history dating back to 1979, the 280 SE is a symbol of German engineering excellence. But what makes this car truly stand out is the vintage Kamei body kit, introduced in 1982 under the name X1. Back then, X1 was the tuning division of Kamei.
Today, sourcing an X1 body kit for a W126 is no small task, but it’s the kind of touch that completes a build like this. Combined with an air ride suspension system, the car’s stance becomes an eye-catching blend of old-school sophistication and modern-day cool.
Speaking of cool, the wheels are an absolute showstopper. The car sits on a set of 17-inch OZ Racing wheels, now reimagined as three-piece units with striking blue hardware. It’s a small detail, but one that has an outsized impact on the car’s visual appeal, adding a pop of color that perfectly complements the two-tone bodywork.
While the exterior commands attention, the interior keeps things understated, staying largely true to its original design. However, a wooden steering wheel adds a touch of vintage charm, and the carefully chosen accessories in the rear cabin subtly hint at the owner’s eye for detail.
This W126 is more than a car—it’s a time capsule that’s been lovingly restored and tastefully upgraded for the modern age. Bastien Fischer has taken a classic and given it a fresh lease on life, proving that sometimes, royalty doesn’t come from a palace but from a garage filled with passion and creativity.
If you’re at the Essen Motor Show, don’t miss your chance to admire this masterpiece. It’s a shining example of how to preserve automotive heritage while making it fit for today’s roads—and for a king.
Owner; Bastien Fischer