“As a tattoo artist, what better way to make my car a representation of myself than with a tattoo? Even his heart, you know?
Honestly, I could leave the article there. Because nothing I say will sum it up Dori MicaThe Mercedes-Benz 190 E is better than he makes himself. But of course I am no I’ll leave it there because someone needs to share the incredible details about this rolling work of art.
I teased the car after a recent visit to 187 Automotive in Wales, where it was built. Father, as the W201 is affectionately known, it’s a seamless blend of automotive cultures and styles that impressed me when I saw it for its big reveal at the 2022 FittedUK show.
Mica’s 190 E has more in common with Chicano lowrider culture than European Mercedes modification, yet is decidedly more understated.
From the outside, the car received a complete re-injection in the Mercedes-Benz 147 Arctic white (Arctic White) with a unique body kit that adds depth to the profile of the 190 E.
W201s are very well-proportioned three-box sedans, and this kit enhances the form’s aggression without going overboard. Notice how smooth the back of the 190 E is, free of strong horizontal line breaks.
Full red rear lights and a red heckblende (matching trim between the lights) are partly responsible for the minimalist, defined tail.
But in my eyes, the lack of exposed exhaust at the rear of the car is what really sets it off.
Does the 190 E need a side exhaust? No no. Does the side exhaust make the Mica 190 E infinitely cooler? Of course. Especially because it is so smoothly integrated into the deep side skirts.
father it sits on custom Work Carving Head wheels, raised from 14 to 17 inches, with engraved surfaces and wild Mariachi center caps.
The wheels fit nicely into the curves thanks to the uniquely designed air suspension that it controls Air Lift performance 3P management plus adjustable cambers built in-house at 187 Automotive.
The 100-spoke Dayton wire wheels may have gone too far for a Mercedes, but these Carving Heads are ridiculously designed and fit to a tee. Who would have thought that the ideal wheelset for a Euro/West Coast lowrider mash-up would be a Japanese split rim?
Behind the multi-spoke surfaces is a set of AMG 4-piston calipers.
The interior of the Mica W201 is as special as the body, full of unique features.
In fact, every single surface and panel of the interior is custom-made.
The Nardi steering wheel was engraved by Mica himself for Chicano lowriders, and the horn knob was replaced with a brass 187 Automotive badge. White seat belts anchor the cabin on the car’s exterior, while the articulated shifter adds a little “Damn” aggression.
Papi’s The interior comes from a 190 E Cosworth and is trimmed in oxblood leather with suede inserts on the door cards. I’m not usually a fan of red leather on a white car, but the almost burgundy shade used here works well against the neutral white paint.
Additional engraving features on the 190 E door handles, front and rear…
…clearly inspired by the intersection of West Coast cars and music culture. You have to look up to see the most impressive part Papi’s internal however.
A hand-painted script mural by Mica takes the cabin beyond what a “simple retrim” can offer, no matter how good the leather work is. Another example of Mica’s creative personality.
And even then, the custom headliner completely dwarfs the attention to detail and effort Mica put into the car’s metalwork…
…as evidenced by these boys who walked away after taking a good look at the engine bay. That’s a jaw dropper if ever I saw one.
Although this is a completely understandable reaction. Just look at that six-cylinder jewel through the hood cutout.
I’m not even trying to play it cool; it is arguably the most impressive engine room ever can be seen on the show car.
I was completely amazed when I first saw it, and I can still feel my amazement when I look at these pictures.
What you’re looking at here is a 3.2 liter Mercedes-Benz M104 engine that has been stripped, cleaned, polished and engraved to a standard that would put some jewelers to shame.
Mica devoted herself to engraving, learning and improving her technique along the way. We are talking about more than 500 working hours here.
All accessories were removed and given the same treatment before installation. Parts such as nuts, bolts and brackets that are not polished or engraved, coated with zinc, copper or chrome, Mica strives for perfection.
I like to think I have an eye for detail, but it’s safe to say that I was amazed when I looked at the small details of Mica’s work.
Would you have the patience to engrave a block of metal weighing hundreds of kilograms for more than 500 hours for no functional reason? I know I wouldn’t.
500 hours. That’s more than 20 days with a Dremel in hand, grinding point by point by point by point…
You look into the engine bay from any angle and another part can be seen that has been polished, coated or engraved. I’m surprised the fan belt isn’t hand painted to be honest.
Mica is also one of the friendliest people I’ve met in the UK car scene and was more than happy to show me around the car for a thorough chat before tucking it away after the setup night.
“My car looks the way it does because, as many people say, I’m a bit flamboyant and I wanted my car to be a representation of myself. I want people to look at my car and know it’s mine.”
“I think a lot of people in the ‘scene’ build what other people want, whereas I did exactly what I wanted to do, to be really special for myself, you know?
“Creativity and creative flow make me who I am. I can’t leave things alone, I have to do it myself!”
Sunday was the time for the public reveal, and the reception was about as wild as you can imagine.
When the crowd realized what was in the engine bay, they rushed in to get a closer look. Of course, being a British crowd, everyone was very polite and let each other take pictures without getting in the way. Unless they were before him methat is.
Couples like Mica and Nic don’t come around that often and the results of their partnership speak for themselves.
“Being with Nic, we’re both creative people and we’re constantly pushing each other to do that little extra.” says Mica. “You know one of us is going to be like, ‘Come on, let’s go home, it’s 2 in the morning!’ Most people do a 9-5, but why not do a 9-9 and keep going?
This Mercedes-Benz is definitely what it was meant to be: a show car with the same attitude as its owner. I can’t wait to see what Mica does next.
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn
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