Isdera Imperator 108i: The '80s Icon Channeling the Spirit of the Mercedes 300SL

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In the landscape of automotive history, tales of bold innovators and dreamers have often ignited the creation of iconic vehicles. One such visionary was Eberhard Schulz, whose journey led to the birth of the Isdera Imperator 108i, a rare gem that bridged the gap between classic aesthetics and futuristic aspirations. With just 30 units ever crafted, the Isdera Imperator 108i is a super rare and iconic V8 powered classic.
The saga of the Imperator 108i commenced with a remarkable display of determination. Picture the scene: Eberhard Schulz, the embodiment of automotive zeal, driving his own creation to the gates of Porsche's headquarters. This bold act was a bid to not just showcase his craftmanship but to land himself a job at the esteemed manufacturer. It's the stuff legends are made of, and Schulz's guts did indeed lead to a position at the prestigious company. Yet, his creative fire burned fiercely, and his ultimate expression of ingenuity was yet to come.
The seeds of the Imperator's conception were sown in 1978, when Schulz was actively involved in the creation of the CW311 concept car at Mercedes. This project, aimed at revitalizing the spirit of the iconic 300 SL, which intrigued the automotive world. Unfortunately, the concept never evolved beyond the drawing board. However, for Schulz, this was a mere spark that ignited a fire within him.
Between the years 1984 and 1993, the Isdera Imperator 108i emerged from the womb of Schulz's visionary enterprise, Isdera. This acronym stands for "Engineering Company for Styling, Design, and Racing," encapsulating the ethos of Schulz's venture. The Imperator was envisioned as a modern interpretation of the aforementioned concept, a living embodiment of Schulz's automotive dream.
The Imperator's production was a labor of passion, resulting in only 30 examples gracing the asphalt. The heart of the Isdera Imperator 108i is a mechanical masterpiece that offers breathtaking performance. At its core lies a Mercedes-Benz 5.0-liter V8 engine, mated to a ZF five-speed manual transmission. This powerplant delivers a robust 326 horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Imperator from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.8 seconds - an impressive feat for its era.
Now for the chasis The Imperator's meticulously engineered chassis, featuring aluminum honeycomb panels and inboard coilover suspension, ensures exceptional handling and agility. Its mid-engine layout and rear-wheel-drive configuration contribute to a well-balanced driving experience that rewards the driver with unparalleled feedback and precision.
So what does one of these cost in our days, well they aren’t cheap with estimates pegging its value between $800,000 and $1,000,000. And even back then this was a car for the rich and famous, one of these will be going up for auction soon, and when looking at the paper work, the car was owned by M. Thackwell. While the identity was not explicitly stated, indications suggest that the illustrious racecar driver, Mike Thackwell, was the owner in question. Thackwell's feats in motorsports history, including Formula 2 and 3, as well as sports car racing, only add to the car's mystique.
Over the years, the Isdera Imperator 108i has gained recognition as an underappreciated classic, with enthusiasts and collectors recognizing its significance and artistry. Its scarcity and the passion poured into its creation have led to an appreciation for its design, performance, and engineering prowess.
The Isdera Imperator 108i continues to captivate and inspire, reminding us that the automotive world is not just about numbers and statistics; it's about the dreams of visionary creators who dare to imagine the extraordinary. In an era where modern supercars are equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Imperator stands as a symbol of the unfiltered passion and dedication that can create an enduring masterpiece.
#Isdera #eberhardschulz #CW311 #108i

[@timmiddleton7493]

Looks like a Vector to me. Nice placement of the Mercedes badge though.

[@rjung_ch]

👍💪✌

[@h2opower]

To me the design looks as if it was taken from many other protype models of the era. The windows not being able to be rolled down is a complete loser for me as one is taken away from the elements to the point where one can't even feel the wind flow over their hands while they drive the car. But for those whom have far too much money than they know what to do with sure they can own something not too many others own and I guess feel special in a way. But for me there is no way I'd even consider purchasing this car even if it was the cheapest one in the lot.