ICON Mercedes 6.2 Derelict 

Back in 1994 a 6.3 was next to me at a stop light. There wasn't a car lane there. He looked at me and grinned. My car was faster than an old Mercedes of that body style so I figured I'd blow him off at the signal change. I knew a little about that brand. Everything you need to know is on the deck lid. Light changed and that trunk was all I saw.

I can't remember the last time I saw more than one guest riding in anything with Jay. What a sweet ride!

Jonathan Ward is like some weird freaky genius. Seems like he is on a whole another plane and I love him for it. His work is art.

Those two guys, plus Jay, really know their stuff, which is refreshing. Keep it resto-derelict - incredibly cool

These three men talking is very easy to listen to and I don't often find that with car people. The owner Mr. Rulewicz has exquisite taste and very well spoken. Very memorable episode.

Would've been nice to put it up on the lift to see the full frame conversion.

Jonathan does it again. Wonderful Car.

Love Jonathan’s work! My favorite guest! Keep the car the way it is!

the sound of the doors closing when they go for a ride just shows the quality. well done

Perfect as is. No paint necessary.

Jonathan Ward is one of my favorite characters in the automotive world today. He’s as charismatic as they come and doesn’t seem like your typical narcissistic rich dude.

I love the 6.3 ever since I rode in my grandparents back in the 70's. It was so fast for the day. I like the ICON Mercedes the way as it sits now.

Jonathan Ward is my favorite builder, I love his vision. Id like to have seen aa AMG 6.2 natural aspirated with 550-600 hp on this build.

What a beauty. I was a little hesitant at first about the GM powertrain, but Mr. Ward always knows best. Also it's a treat to see the owner show his knowledge and enthusiasm for his vehicle. Personally, I wouldn't paint it but the rest is so pretty it wouldn't look out of place if they did.

Keep the patina, honor the builder that embraces reliable modern performance. Drive it, I'm sure he has an updated descriptive parts manual, when maintenance is required for the new drivetrain/chassis mods. Immense respect for Jonathan and Jay combining the positive in automotive designs both old and new. Thank you to all the owners, enabling it to all happen. P.S., would love to see a video of it flexing that new Art Morrison chassis/GM powertrain at the track.

When Jonathan gets going with the details it’s hysterical. He’s simply THE BEST.

Yet again Jonathon and the team have delivered . Definitely no paint as it would just be another resto mod ..love the head scratch it creates

Worked in automotive trimshop my whole life. Have seen and driven one of these with really low mileage. By far one of the greatest cars ever. Would've loved to see them use the original motor. Nice job.

This car looks fine as is. It isn't too derelict looking. A nice paint job in blue would look really nice though. Back in the '70's one of my friend's family cars was an SEL from that era, I think it was a 4.5. That car was so impressive, I remember it to this day. It was blue. The engineering put into this restomod was so impressive.

Jonathan is amazing! His attention to detail is second to none. All his builds are true works of art!

This is my Absolute Favorite ICON car. I love the patina and the rims, don’t change a thing!

Jay, I too worked at a M-B, BMW, Volvo dealer in High School..circa 1984. Our owner was a German motorhead, he referred to the fan switch when said hood was raised as the "shvantz" button.

Owner is a class act, would love to have a second take with him and Jay only. Glad Jay was able to ensure Steven is also engaged and part of the story telling, please invite them back.

Jonathan does it again. Wonderful Car. NO NEW PAINT!

Another awesome history lesson Mr. Leno, I love when you have the derelict guy on your show, the chemistry is excellent, between you two and it seems like he knows the question before you ask it. They do an awesome job and keep the cars looking stealth on the outside, while having an art Morrison chassis and a large LS motor underneath, with large brakes and wheels to accommodate the brakes. I forgot to mention, don’t paint it.🙏🏽

Wishing Jay a speedy recovery! 🙏

Do not dare to touch that paint, it's so gorgeous just the way it is

I just love Jonathan's work... if I ever hit the lottery, I would be getting in touch with him! I remember back when I was a teenager I had a 1965 Pontiac Catalina 4-dr hardtop with the 389 and TH400. Beautiful car, and I thought it was pretty fast until one day I was on the freeway and came up behind a Mercedes sedan. I noticed it had an "MD" badge on the back license plate, and a "6.3" badge on it. At the next light I ended up beside the Benz, and when the light changed I left the doctor's car behind me! The next thing I knew, that silver sedan was passing me like I was sitting still! I tried to keep up until I was going way over 100mph, and he was steadily leaving me further behind. It was a few days later when I was talking to a mechanic friend of mine and was relating this story to him that I found out just what that "6.3" meant... I'll bet that doctor enjoying telling his friends about the kid that tried to race him!

I love the Icon Derelict line. This is a great car and fits in just right. I'd leave just like it is. No paint. I love the sound when you stomp on it.

Eric Clapton is as good at car mod creations as he is at blues guitar, what a man. Great episode.

Hi, glad to see your up and around, hope your feeling better. older you get the more it hurts and takes longer to heal..

I enjoy how the videos link from one to another. I just finished watching the MB 6.3 episode where Jay talks about getting arrested and having to go before judge in the middle of the night. Thanks guys. Keep them coming.

An amazing conversion. I love the original 6.3. I have owned 3 and something people don't realise is all 6.3s are not the same. The block and transmission in the last is different and stronger. And more powerful my last 1972 was much faster. But getting parts for a 6. 3 now is much more difficult than it used to be. Some things are unobtainable so to get parts will be really expensive. Like way more than a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. 2 head gaskets cost me $1600 Aud. Rebuilding an engine will cost a fortune in gasket e.g. the injection system. My car ran like a Swiss watch. Utterly superb. But rationally this gives you a car you can reliably go anywhere and get fixed pretty much anywhere.

Loved the story Jay told on the Tonight Show with Carson about choosing the engine for his dad's first new car! Very funny

Don't paint that Mercedes! Fantastic work Jonathan! Thank you for sharing this Jay!

Absolutely brilliant as it is! Prefer quiet exhausts though, quiet speed is less conspicuous.

"Except for the power, I'd think I was driving a six three..." I think the NASCAR exhaust note - especially when you step on it - might give it away also. I would have insisted on cast iron manifolds and quiet mufflers for as quiet an exhaust as possible. Screw maximum horsepower - it needs to sound refined.

Perfect car to make as a Derelict model! It was quite the cream-puff to begin with; I'm sure there are some Teutonic purists out there freaking out about this car!😂 I really like this ride. It's the true definition of a "Gentleman's Hot Rod"! As Jay would say, "Very nice, very nice..."! Oh, yeah...Don't paint it!! Thank you Jay, Johnathan, and Steven, as well as the Crew, for another great episode! ✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦

The 3 boys out having some fun with their toys. They couldn't hide their smiles. Great stuff.

I can not say whether to paint it or leave it alone , 500 + HP to the rollers is wicked First class build right here

Brilliant workmanship. Jonathan is a true craftsman, fantastic engineer and automotive artist!! DON’T PAINT IT 😊

I could never paint this car.....the way it is....marvelous......what a gem!

Jay, thank you very much for sharing your passion with us! It would´ve been great to see this back to back with your original car and even if you´d let Steve drive your car for comparison... All the best from Argentina! Stay safe and well!

My dad had one of these and he loved it. Years later, I bought a 600SL V12 and I loved that. My only problem is the patina. I like a finish so deep that it looks like a mirror. Very nice and well presented!

I became a fan of Jonathan Ward from this Jay's garage. The guy builds great cars. I really enjoyed this episode

Denim forever!

This is a man admiring his work. I love how he talks about work. fantastic work!

This was my first car! I was in the Army, stationed in Germany, and I bought a 1973 from another guy in my unit (circa. 1986). So I have the distinction of saying my first car was a Mercedes 300 SEL! Of course I sold it to another soldier before I left (converting the German cars to American standards was very expensive). Mine was a beautiful midnight blue. It could do 250 kph (something like 155 mph) with barely a sound. It was a great car for the Autobahn.

Restomod on a luxury car seems ideal to me. Another lovely Icon. Well done Jonathan.

The owners voice is amazing he should be a voice actor

One last comment, the 300 SEL 3.5 and 4.5 from the same era had everything the 6.3 did cosmetically with the air suspension, big difference being the motor. Can pick those up much cheaper than 6.3s if doing restomod.

Beautiful car! Keep the paint. The combination is just pure class.

Two top guys in the retro/original/dreamer car world, and their crews. They create to my taste, almost every time. Thx guys

Very interesting review, pity they didn't go back to "the Garage" and swap into Jay's 300SEL6.3 and drive that round the same route. Thank you Mr Leno.

Absolutely a Piece of Rolling Art 🎨 👌 Bravo Icon as Usual .

That was fun! Thanks, Jay, Steve, and Jonathan for sharing. NO to painting,

There's only one thing that would impress me more than this "Q"car and that's Jays complete and speedy recovery ..and, yes , it does warrant a repaint...l wonder if Jay took him for a spin in his 6.3 . Thank you Jay .

Beautiful car. Love the roll and stance. Sounds great, a symphony when you romped on it.

Pleased to see Jay engaged as always on someone else's project. Lovely car, subtle, stealthy and sturdy.

I'm in love with this! Do not paint and Jay should do an episode or 2 at Icon. Would love to see that.

and Jonathan gets geeky, Jay find the accelerator...gotta love it...and Steve is taking this all in. Wonder if he's gotten to drive a real 6.3 now?

Surprised Jay didn't mention the stance of the car, he always likes it when a car sits just right. Also, not sure you can say 'it drives like a Mercedes' when there's nothing about it that is other than the body... Great video.

Nice to see Jay Leno having some worthy adversaries for once

🖐🔥😎No paint! Looks beautiful inside and out as it is. The original paint adds to the stealth cool of this classic. Nice work !!

Love the look and the vision behind Derelict cars. Proper sleepers.

If it had a newer Mercedes engine, I'd approve. I hate it when people stuff LS engines in beautiful european cars like this.

Another awesome build from Icon. I don’t even mind the GM power plant. No paint needed, Jay.

Love the sound when he gets on the pedal

I hope Jay is recovering well

The sound of those doors closing… pure bank vault!

Keep the paint as is, this is a true “sleeper “ ❤

I’m actually one of these purist you talk about. But this is an exception to the rule. Really beautifully done. Chapeau! Oh, and don’t paint her.

Excellent restomod! 👍

I absolutely love the derelect / restomod type builds. Just the ultimate sleeper

I can smell the interior through the computer...and no paint. Absolutely beautiful Mercedes as is!

I rode in a marsadies once and told the driver to slow down for the railroad tracks because they were rough as hell going slow even . The driver grinned and speeded up even I felt nothing ! This was my introduction to this brand .

Agree, needs paint/wrap to "wake it up" and make it the best it could be

Always a pleasure to see another Derelict on the channel!

Fabulous car Jay, Jonathan is a master of refining classic cars. have great memories of working and riding in a customers 6.3, I fell in love with them too. Leave it as it is! Definitely NO paint; The first scratch on a perfect car is heartbreaking.

I saw a 6.3 in real life about a year ago. I chased it down and took some pics. Good job Jay, you've redeemed yourself after the last video with the pickup. Next video: 6.9. UPDATE.... Why the fixation on whether to paint it though? Totally agree to leave it.

Love that car. That company does exceptional work.

Jay continues to bring the best to CarTube.

The discussion about paint I like that Jonathan pushed back on the principle of what a derelict is.

Yes, paint it. Other derelict creations need to stay original, but this one is different. I agree with Jay, something will always seem 'off' until it's painted. Nice car.

Ah, a couple old dudes LS swap an old Mercedes for a lot of money. Got it. As much as I may enjoy the power & reliability of the LS, that exhaust note and drone in the cabin is not M-B at all. To each his own, though, and I hope the owner will still have some time left to put some miles on the car.

Geez Jay, Hear you took a heck of a spill on one of your bikes, Love the show- and you are one cool dude, hope you are healing up well, and not completely broken, sounds bad though, hang in there, get well, and looking forward to the next show, however, you can do it!👍

I actually thought this was your 6.3 at first Jay. All I could think was he finally did it and that AMG was wedged under there

6.3 & 6.9 ... loved them and loved how they drive 😉👍

Another great video. Love the channel. Have been watching for years. If I ever get the money ... I'm going to approach Icon or someone just like them (if such a "someone" exists).

*GASP!* Another week w/o the Duesenberg horn at the end of the video! Can't believe you guys have killed that. It's a must-have part of JLG. Please bring it back...please!

If Jay told me to paint it, I probably would. Reminds me of the time my uncle put a 911 engine in a VW Bug and ran it in some street drag races in Bakersfield. No reg, nothing legal, just an old guy doing something fun.

I prefer a "real" 6.3. Not much fun to work on but fun to drive and quirky.

Love Jay! Wow does this 6.2 sound fantastic

When the old barn needs painting, paint it. Doesn't need to be a $50,000 job but just good enough to keep it respectable and well preserved without making it highly attractive to vandals or miscreants. People use to kick my Dad's 69 Sedan Deville calling it a Gas Hog etc when in fact it got better mileage than a Buick Skylark and many other much smaller cars despite the curb weight and 472 V8 under the hood. We did work hard balancing out the QuadraJet with a gas analyzer to get 20+ mpg out of it without damaging the motor however modifying the transmission valve body and modulation to eliminate the fuel wasting soft and lengthy shift duration's along with changing to a non-stock torque converter also helped as did putting in the experimental at the time prototype electronic ignition system that we were fortunate enough to be offered by the manufacturer to put to a real world test. In Florida patina like that turns overnight (or at least it seems to happen that quickly) to pitted rust and a really big problem to deal with leaving you with water leaks and a pinholed sunroof you really weren't planning on. Goal to me is to make it look like a well used but cared for old car. On the LS motor I'd like to see others since at times you find yourself thinking, Oh just another LS Crate Motor Conversion. Some might be inclined to see what Holly has available for that original 6.3 or could be adapted to it giving it modern fully functional fuel injection that works well with super charging. Best!

What a machine! Oh man, Icon does some great work

We sure enjoy watching your show! We of course enjoy your wealth of information! Wonderful show!

Jay is a total badass...burnt,broken bones,accidents and still kicks it..plus has gorgeous cars

This car is quirky and great. I met Mr. Leno decades ago at Bob's Big Boy in Toluca Lake on car night.

What an awesome car. The owner is very fortunate to have found such a pristine (no rust) Mercedes to rebuild. That being said it would be sacrilege to paint the exterior! It has just enough “shine” left in the original paint to make it a complete SLEEPER when sitting at a traffic light. So to answer Jay’s question……..HELL NO ON PAINTING!

Love these Icon cars.