Diesel Powered Car of the Week: 1981 Drift Mercedes-Benz 300D

In 2019 Car Buzz posted a story by Ian Wright titled "Crazy Diesel Powered Cars". It's a pictorially rich overview of some really cool cars and the cats who drove them. As spring yields to summer, we'd like to follow suit and share stories about a few of our favorites.

The first car out of the chute is a fancy drift racer driven by Teemu Peltola of Finland. According to a 2010 story in Jalopnik, Peltola built this diesel-powered Mercedes station wagon in his second year of competition. It would have been easier to go with a Japanese car because of the availability of aftermarket parts. On the other hand, why be like everybody else?

When Peltola found this 1981 Mercedes Benz 300D Estate, he was in Seventh Heaven. His first decision was to drop in a 3.0-liter 24-valve diesel from a 1998 Mercedes E-class. A Garrett GT40 turbo from a heavy truck and Tremec TKO 600 tranny took care of the basics. But he didn't stop there. 

If this was going to be a drift racer, he needed a suspension that was up to snuff. This led him to take a modified rear suspension from a Mazda RX8. Next task to tackle getting an Aristo front axle installed, which took many hours over a period of 2 to 3 weeks.

When all was said and done, Peltola could take a measure of pride in knowing he'd produced something unique that was also competitive, usually finishing in the top half in serious competition. Though his Facebook page hasn't been active since 2018, he managed to attract more than 7000 followers there and has some pretty cool shots and vids if you take time to scroll down his wall.

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Here's a story from November 2012 at Speedhunters that shows you just how far you can go with a unique ride. The team name is Black Smoke Racing and there are oodles of sponsors adorning the body, hood and even the rearview windows. By this time he's become one of Scandinavia's hottest properties. Check out the story here: Diesel Fury: The Black Smoke  300td Wagon. The photos are many with details a-plenty. If you're a builder, you'll either get some new ideas or will be envious of what he's accomplished. Either way, check it out. Modifications galore!

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Special thanks to the Car Buzz site that turned us on to this unusual treat.
Car Buzz: Crazy Diesel Powered Cars

And to Jalopnik for its 2010 contribution.
Jalopnik: Building a Diesel-Powered Mercedes Station Wagon Drift Car 

Be sure to check out their 10 Awesome Drift Videos

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