Johnny Mayday

One of my dream swaps is a Jag XJ6 Series I or II with an LS1, and that's actually fairly common. But this Lexus-powered 190SL could very well be the only one of its kind... The owner likely did a number on the resale when he performed the swap, but hey, it probably sees a lot more time on the road thanks to the transplant. More pics and info here.

LeX2K

Extremely well done swap, he even covered up the Lexus badge on the intake. This is going to anger the purists no doubt but it must completely transform the car. Not sure why the drum brakes were kept.

Lexmex

phenomenal work of art

Johnny Mayday

Good point about the brakes... I'd want some more stopping power with 300hp!

Aron9000

BOOO!!!!! I say keep the original engine in the car, its an inherent part of its character. Especially on something this rare and special, Mercedes didn't make a ton of 1962 SL convertibles. Its not like a 1962 Impala or Biscayne, where they made several hundred thousand of them, and swapping in a more modern or bigger displacement V8 doesn't really change the character of the car.

I'd be maybe a bit less hostile if it was swapped to a newer Benz straight six or maybe a Benz V8. At least keep it all Benz.

Johnny Mayday

I can understand the purist perspective, for sure. That said, my favorite car I've ever owned was a jag XJ6 with a SBC swap. Granted, those cars aren't nearly as rare, but the guy who converted it said swapping out the engine made it a way better car. I'd still have it if rust didn't take it, I'd still have that baby.