Jeremy Clarkson Builds Mercedes SL Monster Truck
In a Recent Stop on The Grand Tour, Jeremy Clarkson Built the Anti-Cayenne.
While many think that Porsche has perfected the art of the all-terrain performance SUV, Jeremy Clarkson has other ideas. He leveraged the respective strengths of a classic Mercedes SL and a Land Rover Discovery to create “The Excellent,” complete with a very official-looking trunk badge.
In this clip from The Grand Tour, Clarkson is very pleased to show us what is essentially a Mercedes SL convertible monster truck. Built on a Land Rover Discovery platform, it’s not exactly clear what’s powering this beast, although my guess is Land Rover’s venerable, Buick-sourced 215 V8.
No detail has been overlooked — Clarkson even included an “optional extra” ladder in the trunk, to improve ingress. As far as making your way back to terra firma, you might want to invest in a parachute. Just be careful not to burn yourself on those side pipes.
CHECK OUT: What Forum Members Are Saying About This Monster SL
Of course, Clarkson’s co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May are eager to point out issues with the overall finish quality. For starters, there’s the terrible paint job, full of runs and sags and poorly-attached trim parts that rattle and shake with the vibration of the engine. Much like a child with a newly-minted art project, though, Clarkson is all-too proud of his creation. To be fair, it looks alright from a few feet away.
Given our previous insights into Clarkson’s work, we’re fairly impressed that it even runs and drives in the first place. We have a strong feeling that he had some help. Besides the aforementioned badge and side pipes, The Excellent is fitted with a set of PIAA driving lights for additional off-road pedigree.
Regardless, both Hammond and May agree that they’d rather have a Cayenne. Maybe a G65 AMG would be even better? What do you think of Clarkson’s creation? Post your opinion on our forum!
