Source: AMS via Autoblog.com
Vilner’s exterior modifications are rather subtle being limited to the new custom made headlamps housing LED lights and the replacement of all chrome plated elements with new black chrome parts, including the alloy wheels.
More attention was paid to the interior with the dashboard, the upper and lower parts of the door panels, seat bases, roof and even the rear-view mirror being dressed in Alcantara. The same material can also be found on the central parts of the seats that are trimmed in high-quality leather. Vilner also replaced the standard mahogany decorations with silver carbon and re-trimmed the steering wheel and instrument panel surround.
Moreover, the new gauge meters are handmade while Vilner finished the tune with an ambient illumination on the doors.
The ebay seller assures us the work was carried out by professionals (isn’t it always?) and -as usual- the vehicle is going for a lot less than its original asking price. The car is said to be built by a Mr. Bates who provided the chassis to UK “repli-car” kit manufacturer Hawk Cars. Perhaps coincidently, Hawk Cars also makes a Lancia Stratos replica kit.
The previous owner and seller retrofitted this particular example with a Ferrari V8 sourced from a – get this – Lancia Thema 8.32. Remember the Thema 8.32? I certainly do. Frankly I’m glad they kept the engine and through away that hideous, boxy body. It’s also got the seats and steering wheel from a genuine Stratos to sweeten up the deal.
Unlike some of the cars we’ve featured on the site, this one is actually roadworthy and registered. It still has the usual sold-on-eBay niggles you’d expect like some worn synchromesh on second and an interior that’s in dire need of a little TLC. Still, for the low price of £25,000 (US$40,535) you get the car, a spare 8.32 V8 and transmission and a few little knickknacks including a 1:18 scale model and an original sales brochure. Choice!
As always, you can check out our full gallery and leave a slanderous comment below if you wish.
By Tristan Hankins
Link: eBay
The iPad2 controls the on-board entertainment system and allows the rear passengers to access all functions of the S-Class' Comand system, with the iBusiness 2.0 also being capable of video conferences, thanks to the integrated cameras.
Brabus engineers devised a way to integrate one or two tablet computers by creating a custom-tailored table that can be folded into the backrest of the front seat. The iPad 2 is connected via a WiFi network to a Mini Mac located in the car's trunk that serves as the central computer.
Tablet computers aside, the Brabus iBusiness 2.0 is fitted with a 15.2-inch TFT display, fixed on the ceiling between the front seats, as well as with two screens mounted in the back of the front seats. The screens can be used for watching TV or other program sources. The car also gets a 64GB Apple iPod touch that can store more than 14,000 songs. The interior is decorated with Brabus Yachting wood-trim and two-tone leather all around for a luxurious atmosphere.
The iBusiness 2.0 multimedia package can be installed in any S-Class model, from the S 350 to the S 65 AMG. The latter and the S 600 can also be upgraded to Brabus 800 V12 Biturbo spec, with the engine developing 800 horsepower and 1,420 Nm of torque (1,047 lb-ft). These figures allow for a 350 km/h (217 mph) top speed and a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of just 3.9 seconds.
By Dan Mihalascu
