Greetings fellow Jurassic Park enthusiasts and automotive aficionados! As a content creator for mercedesxentry.store and a dedicated car restoration expert, I’m thrilled to embark on a new project that blends my passions: recreating the iconic Mercedes-Benz ML320 from “Jurassic Park: The Lost World,” often referred to as Jurassic Park 2.
Having previously explored the Ford Explorer and delved into the Jeep Wrangler from the Jurassic Park universe, it was only natural to set my sights on the robust Mercedes ML320. These vehicles, production models at their core, were transformed with paint and props into the rugged hunting vehicles featured in the film. While opinions on “The Lost World” may be varied, the soundtrack and the initial hunting expedition atmosphere are undeniably captivating. And for a car and Jurassic Park fanatic like myself, owning replicas of these movie vehicles is a dream. With a Ford Explorer already in my collection (a former racer!) and a 1994 Jeep Wrangler Sahara undergoing a frame-off restoration, the Jurassic Park 2 Mercedes ML320 became the clear next step.
My aim for this project is ambitious: to create a screen-accurate replica of the Jurassic Park 2 Mercedes ML320. This won’t be a rushed endeavor, and meticulous research is paramount. But I’m already off to an exciting start.
Acquiring the Foundation: A 1998 Mercedes ML320
Just recently, I acquired the perfect base for this Jurassic Park 2 Mercedes project. This is a 1998 Mercedes ML320 with 170,000 miles, remarkably well-preserved and showing minimal wear. Finding a vehicle in such excellent condition for just $3,000 was a fortunate discovery. While lower mileage options existed, they came with significantly higher price tags. The previous owners were incredibly supportive of this Jurassic Park-inspired project, even driving the ML320 two hours to deliver it! And that device on the roof? It’s the same model MSat satellite phone prominently featured in the movie – a serendipitous bonus.
Deep Dive Research: Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart
To ensure accuracy in this Jurassic Park 2 Mercedes ML320 recreation, I’m taking my research to the next level. Leveraging my background in automotive journalism and technology, I’ve secured a guest visit to the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. This invaluable opportunity will allow me to examine their ML320 firsthand, gathering crucial details and insights. As a proponent of open-source information, I intend to share all accessible data and findings. However, initial publication of the story will be with automotive magazines I collaborate with, respecting any potential embargoes or non-disclosure agreements. Rest assured, if information can be shared, it will be.
Project Timeline and Initial Explorations
Based in New England, the approaching winter season dictates a preliminary timeline. With approximately two months of favorable weather remaining, the major build phases – repainting, prop fabrication, and roof rack construction – are slated for spring. In the interim, I’ll be focusing on prop mock-ups and detailed research. Any significant updates or discoveries, including photos from the Mercedes Museum visit, will be shared here.
Delving into the Details: Blu-ray Frame Analysis and Prop Identification
In the meantime, while organizing notes and acquiring necessary materials, I’ve been meticulously analyzing Blu-ray frames from “Jurassic Park: The Lost World” to identify key details.
Eddie Carr’s front bag was a relatively easy identification. It’s a Lowepro Topload Zoom AW camera bag. Its size suggests it could realistically house a GPS device, which leads us to…
Eddie’s GPS unit is a heavily modified Tektronix WFM 90 Waveform Monitor. This identification required close scrutiny of the Blu-ray. Once the XLR connector on the back panel was recognized, its original purpose and model became clear. The antenna is a standard BNC ‘rubber duck’ type. Research continues on the front screen modifications and the hood’s real-world counterpart.
