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Nobody has ever done one of these, and I think it makes a really great looking race car; it’s different from all of the Mustangs and Camaros out there.
“The car was built with the intention of racing, and if we can attract the attention of some sponsors here this week, we’ll be out racing next season,” says Lefever.
Making this incredible Mercedes all the more impressive is the fact that Lefever built virtually the entire car himself, spending his life savings and six long years producing this creation where no expensive was spared and no stone was left unturned.
Weighing in at just 1,830 pounds, Lefever’s machine is a combination of lightweight carbon fiber and titanium from front to rear. Nearly every removable components is titanium; from the pedals and shifter rods to the rear end housing, parachute mounts, dash, and a laundry list of other components. Lefever used an original 500SL with a host of aerodynamic modifications to create the carbon fiber body mold, resulting in a complete body that tips the scales at just 28 pounds. As well, the interior, the unique RacePak dashboard, and the massive air inlet at the front of the car are all custom, one-off carbon fiber pieces created by Lefever.
The estimated 3,000 horsepower for this wicked Mercedes SL500 comes froma quad-turbocharged (yes, quad) 526 cubic inch Keith Black aluminum Big Block Chevrolet.
Residing under the hood of Lefevers’ Mercedes is a 526 cubic inch, quad turbocharged (yes, you read that right) Keith Black aluminum Big Block Chevrolet-based powerplant, with four Garrett 88mm turbochargers, a complete Crane Cams valvetrain system, a custom intake manifold with 16 injectors and 4 throttle bodies, CFE-ported Oldsmobile spread-port cylinder heads, and MSD crank trigger ignition. A BigStuff 3 engine management system and RacePak data acquisition system put the power at Lefever’s fingertips.
Virtually every removable component on Lefever's creation is fabricated from titanium, including the pedals, dash, parachute mounts, and even the rear end housing.
Transferring the power to the titanium housing and on to the Weld Racing wheels is a three-speed Liberty transmission with an EastWest Engineering clutch. The front and rear suspension feature Lamb components, with their struts and brakes up front and shocks out back, connected to the custom four-link crafted by Lefever. Inside, the driver pedals are designed to operate on roller bearings, providing a smooth operation not seen in most race cars.
In all, the car utilizes K&N filters in six different locations, including the turbocharger air inlet, breathers, fuel system vent, driver fresh air system, and the water overflow tank.
Lefever himself crafted the molds for the custom carbon fiber air inlet and RacePak dashboard, along with the complete carbon interior.
Lefever is no stranger to the drag racing world as a competitor or a craftsman, and actually worked for the chassis builder who constructed Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins’ “Grumpy’s Toy” machines from 1971-1982. Today, Lefever restores vintage WWII aircraft the likes of the fabled P-51 in Chino, California. There, the Mercedes rests in a hangar under a cover, awaiting its first crack at the quarter-mile.
So, of all vehicles, why a Mercedes SL500? “Nobody has ever done one of these, and I think it makes a really great looking race car; it’s different from all of the Mustangs and Camaros out there,” says Lefever.
If there’s a best of show here at SEMA, our vote is cast right here. Ours, and the thousands of passers-by who couldn’t walk by without stopping to snap a photo of this immaculately stunning machine. Check out more images after the break.
