When we think of cars that seemed destined to become greats in the world of autocross, certain models spring to mind: Honda CRX, Mini Cooper, Fiat X 1/9, Lotus Super 7 and even the new Dodge Neon. These cars, in the hands of countless enthusiasts, have proven themselves week in and week out, earning scores of victories and titles along …
Patrick E. Evans’ 1981 ESP Mercedes-Benz 280SE
In most parts of the country, E Street Prepared is a contest between the Camaro and Mustang–a true pony car shootout between two models that have duelling for more than a quarter of a century. But things are a bit different in the Atalnta Region of the SCCA, where Patrick E. Evans and his Mercedes-Benz 280SE are a regular sight on the ESP grid.
Patrick acquired his Benz a year and a half ago with a blown engine for only $975. Patrick, a shop foreman with a local Benz dealer, replaced the bad powerplant with a fresh 2.8-liter inline DOHC six-cylinder. Only a 0.5mm overbore and K&N air filter separate the end engine from the old one. To help the car breathe a bit better, the stock exhaust manifolds now lead to a 2.5-inch exhaust pipe that terminates in a Dynomax muffler. Patrick estimates the Benz now produces 165 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 155 lb.-ft. of torque at 5400 rpm. In the interests of legality and driveability, he retained the stock four-speed gearbox and original 3.58:1 final drive.
To help get the car closer to the pavement, Patrick installed a set of Jamex springs while replacing the stock shocks with heavy-duty Bilstein units. A set of late-model Mercedes-Benz 15×7-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 225/50-15 Yokohama autocross tires are also part of the handling package, and a set of Carbon Metallic brake pads help the car slow down.
Like the running gear, the interior is mostly stock, with just a hint of race added. A Corbeau one-piece bucket seat (recovered in tweed) resides in the middle of one of Europe’s most stately interiors. A late-model Benz steering wheel (salvaged after its airbag deployed) replaces the original schoolbus-sized item.
Patrick said that about $4000 and six months of labor have gone into his Benz. So what does he have to show for his efforts? After four events, he was leading the Atlanta Region ESP, and he also has a car that serves him as a daily driver, covering sixty to seventy miles per day.
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