The Mercedes 300 SL selected by pop artist Andy Warhol for inclusion in a 1980s survey of the automobile for Daimler-Benz was restored recently ahead of display at the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart. It was German automotive tuning, customization and restoration specialist Brabus that took on the job and brought it to such a satisfying conclusion.

The restoration was, to put it plainly, a stem-to-stern, rims-to-roof job, what the tuning company calls a ‘6 Star Restoration’. Brabus began by restoring the tube frame and all the bodywork. The company’s restoration experts then restored or rebuilt every bit of the 300 SL’s powertrain, so that once again the 3.0L straight six engine delivers its 215 horsepower. All cabin details and trim were replaced or restored, with period-correct fabric and leather.

The restoration of the 300 SL includes a new coat of paint in the original color. All told, the project involved 4,500 hours of work.