Topless Transformation: Mercedes-Benz CL loses its head
Mercedes-Benz CL-Class AMG Convertible conversion – Click above for image gallery
With every passing year, there seems to be more convertibles on the market. But if you live in a sunny clime like California's, enough sunshine is never enough. That's where convertible chop-shops like Newport Convertible Engineering step in. The folks at NCE will take just about any automobile and turn it into a custom cabrio to a buyer's specifications. The company's portfolio includes recent conversions of a Dodge Challenger, Toyota Prius, Cadillac CTS, Hummer H2, Toyota FJ Cruiser, and this Mercedes-Benz CL AMG. Unfortunately, from the photos seen here, the soft top doesn't seem to collapse quite flush with the rear deck, leaving something to be desired in terms of aesthetics – to say nothing of rearward visibility. Here's hoping there's a snug-fitting cover lurking in whatever trunkspace remains.
[Source: NCE via CarScoop]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
aj121489 5:36PM (6/09/2009)
Wait it doesn't go down flat? No thanks...
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geo.stewart 6:24PM (6/09/2009)
its like a bad commercial
Quantumphysics 10:02PM (6/09/2009)
CL class never made sense to me.
The CL 550 costs around $15,000 more than the $95,000 S-class (depending on options) and its interior isn't as spacious because they try to make it coupelike despite its gargantuan size.
I'm 6'7 and bought the S550. I couldn't fit in the CL550.
I barely fit in the CLS550 - they shoulda made that car but bigger.
And a top that doesn't fold flat sucks.
Gearite 5:46PM (6/09/2009)
Seems like they need a body shop over @ NCE. The top up on the CL looks good, and with some small nips and tucks, it looks like they could engineer it right into the trunk. As it is, though, it looks like en elegant bug net. I don't know why anyone would pay some one to half-convert my new Mercedes into a convertible. I can only imagine that NCE is going to have to put together some metalwork engineers to stay in business.
www.gearite.com
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elprogramer 5:44PM (6/09/2009)
Hideous.
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alej469 5:47PM (6/09/2009)
Dodge Challenger Convertible?
More like, shoddy photoshop job: http://www.newportconvertible.com/product.jhtm?id=333&cid=
Anyway, how safe are these things? Removing the roof surely compromises structural rigitidy significantly?
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pmalik 5:57PM (6/09/2009)
Wow so when you drive with the top down, you're basically dragging a parachute...
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larry raines 6:14PM (6/09/2009)
is that top down? this is really unlike MB - I doubt this is for real. THey are so buttoned up, this has got to be a mistake by the photographer.
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sparrk 6:15PM (6/09/2009)
omg , i got a boner. make the top go all the way down and i would sell my soul for this car... did i just say that ?
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larry raines 6:17PM (6/09/2009)
ok, just read the actual article, this is some hacks hacking up a MB. no wonder it doesnt go down all the way. and look at the photos of the real - all wrinkley.....what a waste.
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pirate 6:38PM (6/09/2009)
Minus the parachute, a CL convertible actually looks pretty good!
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Tool 6:46PM (6/09/2009)
Not sure why anyone would want to ruin one of the most beautiful cars on the road with this cheap conversion. Looks like it was done in Tijuana.
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Protzenegger 8:01PM (6/09/2009)
I think we all agree that some things should just NOT be made into convertibles.
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Protzenegger 8:04PM (6/09/2009)
Half-assedly, that is.
macdoc 8:55PM (6/09/2009)
Wheel designers these days must be blind. Those are some of the Fugliest wheels I have seen yet and that's not saying much when you see what is passing for after-market wheels these days. Long live the Crager SS.
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mr.green 9:27PM (6/09/2009)
Most convertibles look better with the top down. This looks better with the top up!
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CBXweb 9:37PM (6/09/2009)
Looks like a drug dealer's wet dream of a car. I seen some 560SEC's with AMG kits and convertible, which I'm willing to bet was formally owned by Nicky Barnes.
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stevE71 9:42PM (6/09/2009)
she looks good with her top off... MB, please make a hardtop cab CL
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HotRodzNKustoms 11:15PM (6/09/2009)
I've been talking about how I've been wanting to do this since the new CL came out. Get that top to tuck flush under a cover of some sort and you'd have a winner. I even almost bought a 560 SEC with the top chopped off last year. I think that car was finished better than this.
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alexworld0990 3:01AM (6/10/2009)
Cool ..Benz ...
more details pls click http://www.ledscreenchina.com
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