Solved - NEH 4050: Clay model of Mercedes-Benz W111 coupé with SL front

[Carnut]

What's this, by whom and based on what - for 1 point?:

Remember - solving puzzles using 'Google Search by Image' is BANNED on AutoPuzzles!

[Carnut]

Experts?

[DHoffmann]

Experts?

As simple as something like a Mercedes-Benz 230SL Coupe proposal, perhaps by Pininfarina? Or is there more of a trick to this one?

[Carnut]

Experts?

As simple as something like a Mercedes-Benz 230SL Coupe proposal, perhaps by Pininfarina? Or is there more of a trick to this one?

No tricks!
It is a Mercedes; so it's just a matter of finding out exactly what..

[DHoffmann]

Experts?

As simple as something like a Mercedes-Benz 230SL Coupe proposal, perhaps by Pininfarina? Or is there more of a trick to this one?

No tricks!
It is a Mercedes; so it's just a matter of finding out exactly what..

It very much gives the impression of a pagoda's nose with a 220SE or similar body. Is it factory or homebuild?

[Carnut]

It was a factory job and I think you've hit the nail on the head, so just give me the model code (W...) and we'll be able to call it solved.

[DHoffmann]

It was a factory job and I think you've hit the nail on the head, so just give me the model code (W...) and we'll be able to call it solved.

Well I'm going through as much material as I can, but seeing as the pagoda is the more modern of the options, an early Mercedes-Benz W113 proposal?

If that's not it, then we''ll jump to W111 of the same. 

[Carnut]

W111 it is.
So they experimented with the idea of fitting their 'sporting' grille to the coupé derivatives of saloon cars about 50 years before they actually got around to doing it!

Here's the unmodified puzzle photo:

[DHoffmann]

W111 it is.
So they experimented with the idea of fitting their 'sporting' grille to the coupé derivatives of saloon cars about 50 years before they actually got around to doing it!

Here's the unmodified puzzle photo:

No kidding, so basically the precursor to the CL! Very cool, any more pictures of this by any chance?

[Carnut]

I've looked for other pictures but haven't been able to find any.  Some more may appear in time or possibly this one is the only escapee!

[oko94]

So they experimented with the idea of fitting their 'sporting' grille to the coupé derivatives of saloon cars about 50 years before they actually got around to doing it!

The 1980 W126 SEC already had a sporting grille, so it's rather 20 years than 50.

[Carnut]

So they experimented with the idea of fitting their 'sporting' grille to the coupé derivatives of saloon cars about 50 years before they actually got around to doing it!

Yes, you're absolutely right.
The 1980 W126 SEC already had a sporting grille, so it's rather 20 years than 50.