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    TURAH Restomods: A New Chapter for Mercedes-Benz Classics - duPont REGISTRY News Skip to content
     
    TURAH Restomods: A New Chapter for Mercedes-Benz Classics

    TURAH Restomods: A New Chapter for Mercedes-Benz Classics

    TURAH was founded to restore and reimagine iconic Mercedes-Benz classics with a focus that goes far beyond surface-level perfection.

    There is a certain kind of silence that only exists around classic cars.

    It’s the moment before the engine turns over, when the light catches the chrome just right and the cabin still carries the faint scent of leather and craftsmanship. It’s also the moment when you realize you’re not simply looking at a vehicle, but at a piece of history that still deserves to be driven.

    For collectors and enthusiasts, that feeling never really disappears. But neither does the challenge that comes with it: bringing a classic back to life without losing the character that made it special in the first place. This is where TURAH has found its purpose.

    Built on more than a decade of hands-on experience, TURAH was founded to restore and reimagine iconic Mercedes-Benz classics with a focus that goes far beyond surface-level perfection. Their work is rooted in craftsmanship and engineering discipline, and in the understanding that true quality comes from the parts you don’t immediately see. In a world where the term “restomod” is often used loosely, TURAH approaches the concept with the structure and mindset of a manufacturer rather than a tuner.

    At the center of TURAH’s operation is its own manufactory, where a dedicated team of over 30 specialists work under one roof. It’s a place where vehicles are approached with patience and structure. For enthusiasts who have spent time around high-end builds, that distinction matters. The difference between a “good-looking classic” and a truly cohesive restoration is often hidden beneath the surface, in the way the car is assembled, how it behaves at speed, and how it feels after the first thousand miles.

    All TURAH projects begin with a full frame-off restoration, a process that requires the vehicle to be completely disassembled down to its core. This is not a partial refresh or a cosmetic overhaul. It is a full reset. Every component is examined, measured, and restored or rebuilt with a long-term view in mind. It’s a process that demands not only time, but a level of technical confidence that few operations can consistently deliver.

    To enthusiasts, “frame-off” is more than a buzzword. It is the difference between owning a classic that looks correct and owning a classic that drives like it has been properly brought back from the brink. At TURAH, frame-off restoration means going far beyond cosmetics, including corrosion protection through KTL (cathodic dipping of the body), along with suspension geometry, wiring systems, fuel delivery, and countless other areas that often go untouched in more superficial builds. It also means creating a foundation where modern upgrades can be integrated thoughtfully rather than added as an afterthought.

    This approach is extensive, but it also reflects the type of clients TURAH attracts. The collectors interested in high-end restorations and restomods are rarely looking for something quick. They are looking for something done properly. Many of them already understand what makes these cars desirable in the first place: the timeless proportions, the unmistakable Mercedes-Benz design language, and the mechanical character that modern vehicles often lack.

    What they want, however, is a classic that can actually fit into modern life. And that is where the TURAH Restomod Vehicles begin to stand out.

    Inside the manufactory, classic Mercedes-Benz models such as the W113 Pagoda, the W111 Coupé, the 190SL, and the legendary G-Class platform are brought back with remarkable attention. Some builds remain close to original specifications, maintaining the factory character of the car with a careful restoration that respects its era. Others evolve into full restomod projects, where modern refinement and drivability become part of the vehicle’s identity.

    The W113 Pagoda is a perfect example of why this market exists at all. Few cars carry such a unique combination of elegance and presence. It is unmistakably a classic, yet still looks relevant in any setting, whether parked outside a contemporary hotel or cruising down a coastal highway. But as charming as the Pagoda is, any owner who has driven an original example knows the compromises that come with it: the steering feel, the braking confidence, the heat management, and the general “old car” behavior that makes the experience more romantic than practical.

    Restomod work, when done correctly, addresses these weaknesses without erasing the character of the vehicle. The goal is not to turn a classic into something unrecognizable, but to refine what was already special.

    The same philosophy applies to the W111, a model that embodies the era of Mercedes-Benz grand touring luxury. A properly built W111 Coupe is one of the most elegant silhouettes the brand ever produced. It has the kind of presence that feels effortless, and yet its driving dynamics were designed for a different time. In the hands of a modern restomod builder, that platform becomes a compelling canvas: it can remain visually timeless while gaining the road manners, confidence, and usability expected by today’s collectors.

    The 190SL, meanwhile, represents a different kind of appeal. It is lighter, more playful, and carries a certain European charm that makes it as much a lifestyle object as it is a vehicle. But it is also a car that requires careful engineering discipline to modernize correctly, particularly if the goal is to preserve its balanced feel. Enthusiasts understand that the best restomod projects are the ones that do not overbuild the car. The trick is always restraint.

    And then there is the G-Class platform, a name that has become synonymous with status, capability, and durability. The G-Class occupies a unique place in automotive culture: it is a utilitarian machine that has evolved into a luxury icon. For TURAH, the platform offers the opportunity to create restomod vehicles that are both rugged and refined, vehicles that feel at home in modern traffic while still carrying the unmistakable character that made the original G-Wagen legendary.

    What remains consistent across every project is the way the finished car is meant to feel. A TURAH build is never intended to become a museum piece. Whether it’s a restoration or a restomod, the end result is a vehicle that looks period-correct at first glance, yet feels far more confident on the road than its original counterpart.

    This is where many restomod builders either succeed or fail. Plenty of shops can build a car that looks impressive under bright showroom lights. Far fewer can deliver a vehicle that feels cohesive at speed, on uneven pavement, in real traffic, or after hours of driving. The difference is often found in the unseen details: suspension tuning, brake feel, the calibration of throttle response, and the subtle integration of modern comfort features. The best restomod vehicles do not feel “modified.” They feel resolved.

    Customization is another defining part of the TURAH process. Each TURAH Restomod Vehicle can be tailored to the owner’s vision, from paint finishes and interior materials to subtle design choices and technical upgrades. It’s the kind of flexibility that appeals to collectors who know exactly what they want — and who want their car to reflect it.

    In the world of high-end classics, customization is not simply about personal taste. It is often about building a car that fits the owner’s lifestyle. Some clients prioritize comfort and long-distance usability, opting for subtle refinements that make the vehicle more enjoyable on extended drives. Others lean toward performance and road presence, focusing on driving dynamics, stance, and more aggressive specification choices. Many want a balance of both.

    What makes customization interesting in this space is that it must remain believable. A restomod should still feel like it belongs within the Mercedes-Benz universe. The best builds are the ones where the modifications feel like they could have been developed by the manufacturer itself, had they chosen to revisit the model decades later with modern tools and knowledge.

    That philosophy appears to shape the TURAH approach. Their builds are not designed to chase trends or internet attention. They are built with longevity in mind — cars that will still feel relevant years from now, rather than dated by a temporary style. For enthusiasts, that restraint is often the clearest indicator of taste.

    The result is a rare balance: the charm of a true classic paired with the craftsmanship and usability expected in a modern, bespoke build. It is also the reason why restomods have become such an important segment in the collector world. Many enthusiasts have reached a point where originality alone is no longer the goal. The goal is ownership that feels effortless, without losing the emotional connection that only a classic can offer.

    After more than a decade of refining its processes, TURAH appears to be entering its next phase. The manufactory continues to expand, capabilities are growing, and new developments are already underway. For a company that has spent years building its reputation through execution rather than noise, it is an interesting moment to watch.

    In a market where some builders focus heavily on branding and hype, TURAH’s appeal seems to lie in the opposite direction. The brand has built its name through the fundamentals: workmanship, structure, and a disciplined approach to restoration and restomod engineering. That kind of reputation travels quickly among serious collectors, particularly those who understand that the true value of a build often reveals itself only after time.

    For those who value authenticity but also appreciate thoughtful progress, TURAH represents something increasingly uncommon in the automotive world: a long-term commitment to doing things properly, with the patience and precision that these cars demand.
    And perhaps that is what makes the brand so compelling. TURAH doesn’t treat these vehicles as objects to be preserved behind glass. Instead, it treats them as icons that can be rebuilt, improved, and enjoyed again, without losing the identity that made them worth saving in the first place.

    In the end, the appeal of a TURAH Restomod Vehicle is not about chasing modernity. It’s about preserving a feeling. The kind of feeling that only a classic Mercedes-Benz can deliver — the view over a long hood, the sense of mechanical honesty, and the unmistakable presence that comes with a design created in an era when cars were built to last.

    TURAH simply ensures that the experience matches the promise.

    Visit Turah.com

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