2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 - Lowrider-Inspired Benz
The ultimate four-door coupe
An avid car enthusiast and builder, Chris is no stranger to the custom car game. Having already owned several cars, Chris' last build was a Dodge Charger he sold to a fellow Nokturnal Car Club member. But after selling it, Chris ventured off to the European side of cars and scooped himself up a 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS 550.
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The sedan's raked roof and "coupe appeal" is what made the car famous during its initial launch, but Chris envisioned something more. Tired of being sidelined at shows, "it wasn't easy going from a participant to spectator; it was a hard pill to swallow," Chris says.
Feeling the need to get back in the game, he had an itch to represent his club once more, so he decided to do a few mods, starting with the paint. The formerly silver CLS was stripped and doused in a custom paintjob where J&A Autobody laid down a House of Kolor candy with lowrider-stylized patterns. Ridin' Dirty then stitched up a crocodile and ostrich interior in red and tan, while the ride's stance is managed by a full Hoppo's air-ride system. When asked about his goal for the build, Chris says, "I wanted a European car with the lowrider flare." In the end that's exactly what he accomplished with this neck-snapping Benz that sports a flavor anyone could appreciate.
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
Vehicle Nickname
Kandy Benz
Owner
Chris Campbell
City/State
San Diego, CA
Club
Nokturnal
Engine
Stock V-8
Body/Paint
Front lower bumper lip and trunk lip spoiler, silver base with House of Kolor candy Brandywine with mini flake and ghost patterns
Suspension
Air Zenith and Universal Air struts bags with 5-gallon tank and two Optima batteries
Interior
Crocodile and ostrich material in red and tan
Sound
Pioneer stereo with three Memphis Audio amps, four JL Audio 6.5-inch speakers, two 10-inch Pioneer Z-series subwoofers
Wheels/Tires
20-inch Lexani twister wheels
Acknowledgements
Nokturnal members, Artisans Engraving, Valley Powder Coatings, J&A Autobody, Fofin Pinstriping, Hoppo's, Ridin Dirty Auto Upholstery, Pro Custom Audio
