Joe Dale’s 1969 Mercedes-Benz W114 coupe was already turning heads over a year ago. Sporting a set of MAE wheels and a unique, hand-built louvered hood, its dull brick paint and classic patina gave it a distinct, almost finished look. But Joe, a true automotive artist, surprised everyone at H2Oi this year by unveiling a dramatically evolved version of his W114, pushing the boundaries of custom car design into a realm of steampunk-inspired brilliance.
The first hint of Joe’s ambitious transformation came with the emergence of his extraordinary wheels online. A completely unique set of Modena Autostradas, featuring copper-plated centers and brass-plated lips, the wheel assembly photos quickly went viral within the car community. In an age where making wheels stand out often means resorting to garish colors, Joe opted for intricate metal finishes, proving that true distinction lies in detail and craftsmanship. Initially, skepticism was understandable; imagining where such bold wheels would fit without appearing as mere attention-seeking was a challenge.
However, encountering Joe’s Mercedes Coupe W114 in person quickly dispelled any doubts. Parked in a restaurant lot, the car revealed itself as a testament to meticulous detail. It wasn’t any single element that grabbed attention, but rather the seamless integration of countless bespoke touches. Joe’s W114 is more than just a car; it’s a constantly evolving project, a holistic vision that began with an extraordinary hood and blossomed into a full-blown steampunk automotive statement.
Alt text: Side profile of the custom Mercedes Coupe W114 highlighting the stance, Modena Autostrada wheels, and brushed steel bodywork with copper accents.
The journey started with the hood. Lacking the tools and space, Joe enlisted the help of Jon Miller, a fabricator and former employer. Together, they conceived the idea of a hood incorporating recessed copper panels, accented with louvers and rivets. Utilizing a Pullmax machine to recess and prepare the hood, they then shaped the copper panels to their desired form using a planishing hammer. Finally, louvers were stamped in, and the hood’s underside was reinforced with dimple-die bracing, showcasing a blend of traditional techniques and innovative design.
With the labor-intensive and visually stunning hood complete, Joe aimed to extend his “steampunk” aesthetic throughout the rest of the Mercedes Coupe W114. The most immediately striking additions are the matching bumpers, also fabricated by Joe. Despite his self-critique and desire to refine them further – citing warping issues from forming while welding instead of buck forming – their impact is undeniable. Joe estimates nearly 150 hours of dedicated labor went into crafting the hood and bumpers alone, a testament to his commitment to handcrafted quality.
Alt text: Close-up of the brushed stainless steel effect paint on the Mercedes Coupe W114 body, showing the clear coat and raw metal aesthetic.
To fully realize his vision, Joe stripped the Mercedes Coupe W114 down to bare metal, revealing extensive body filler and an uneven quarter panel. Undeterred, he cut off and realigned the quarter panel, tig brazing it back into place to achieve perfect lines. He was determined to capture the raw, industrial look of brushed stainless steel. This involved welding every unnecessary hole and meticulously metal-finishing the entire body to perfection before applying 320-grit and then 220-grit sandpaper, creating the desired brushed stainless-steel effect. Shaved emblems and side markers further contributed to the clean, streamlined aesthetic.
Alt text: Angle shot of the Mercedes Coupe W114’s front wheel and fender, highlighting the copper and brass wheel finishes and brushed steel bodywork.
The brushed steel body is protected with Nyalic, a specialized clear coat designed for corrosion prevention. Joe explains his choice: “I wanted to do bare metal for a while… but was worried about the clear peeling off and rusting. Luckily I ran into this guy at SEMA in 2008,” He plans to further refine the finish by applying flattened urethane over the Nyalic to reduce gloss and enhance the bare metal appearance. Mounting the 18×8.5 and 18×9.5 Modena Autostrada wheels, crucial to the overall style, was not straightforward. It required significant machining of the spacers and wheel studs to achieve the perfect fit and stance for the Mercedes Coupe W114.
Alt text: Interior detail of the Mercedes Coupe W114’s custom center console with riveted metal finish, housing air suspension controls and gauges, reflecting the steampunk theme.
Joe’s steampunk vision extends into the interior of the Mercedes Coupe W114. The custom center console, housing air switches and gauges, is just the beginning of his interior plan. A Victorian tin headliner is planned, promising to be a truly unique and striking feature. Joe intends to hand-fabricate a metal dash and console to complement the headliner’s aesthetic. For seating, he envisions “maybe tufted red velvet-wrapped bomber seats with claw and ball feet for mounting,” adding another layer of eclectic sophistication. Under the hood, Joe plans a complete engine bay transformation, aiming to fashion the radiator, coolant lines, and air system in brass and copper, surrounding a swapped-in VQ35DE engine equipped with ITBs, cams, and headers, potentially even exiting through the fenders. It’s clear that Joe’s creative vision for this Mercedes Coupe W114 is far from complete.
What truly resonates about Joe’s project is his genuine automotive enthusiasm. While his Mercedes Coupe W114 might suggest a hot-rodder at heart, Joe’s passion encompasses a much broader spectrum. His garage houses a Ferrari Challenge Stradale, a 1950 Chevy chopped top custom, a Corvair pickup, an E46 M3, and a VIP-style LS400. Joe embodies the spirit of embracing all facets of car culture, a philosophy perfectly aligned with the ethos of STANCE|WORKS. And as this meticulously crafted Mercedes demonstrates, he is not afraid of hard work to bring his automotive dreams to life.
Alt text: Texture close-up of the Mercedes Coupe W114’s brushed stainless steel clear-coated body panel, showing the meticulous surface finish.
“What does this car mean to me? It’s simply a showcase of design and skills,” Joe reflects. “Even though I’ve had a lot of help and inspiration, I feel like at least I have something that shows off some conceptual aspects of my life. I own a wheel repair company, and I am putting together a studio for a furniture/home accessories business I am starting. This car brings together everything I love aesthetically and seems to be the bridge between automotive genres.” Joe Dale’s Mercedes Coupe W114 is more than just a modified car; it’s a rolling embodiment of creativity, skill, and a lifelong passion for automotive artistry.
Alt text: Full side shot of the bagged 1969 Mercedes 250 Coupe W114, emphasizing its lowered stance, custom wheels, and overall steampunk-inspired design.
