Classic Mercedes-Benz Restoration in Miami
South Miami · Restoring classics since 2016
CLASSIC MERCEDES-BENZ RESTORATION IN MIAMI & SOUTH FLORIDA
Miami Benz restores classic Mercedes-Benz cars at its workshop on Commerce Lane in South Miami. Founder Lester Ruiz, a former technician at Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, opened Miami Benz in 2006 and added restoration in 2016. The first car was Project #1, a 1979 450 SL found in a barn and restored over three years. Every car we restore is restored to be driven.
Many shops turn an older Mercedes-Benz away as too old to work on. Parts are hard to find and the work takes patience. We take them on, from saving a project car from the ground up to returning a classic to stock or giving it custom work. At Miami Benz, we believe every Mercedes-Benz is a work of art.
Since 2016
Classic restorations in South Miami
Two Workshops
15,000 and 20,000 sq ft
A Dozen Technicians
Classic and modern Mercedes-Benz
Built To Drive
Restored for the road, not a museum
PROJECT #1: A 1979 450 SL FROM A BARN
In 2016, Lester and his daughter Valentina found a 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL convertible in a barn. It was in terrible condition, but Lester could see what it could become.
The restoration took three years and produced the blue SL you see on this page. Now on Florida antique plates, Project #1 is Valentina’s most prized possession, and it launched the Miami Benz Classics & Antiques Division.
“I don’t believe in making museum pieces for people to gawk at. I believe in restoring these antique cars to their former glory — so they can be used and driven, just as they were meant to be.”
Lester Ruiz, founder, Miami Benz
What We Restore: Bodywork, Mechanicals, Parts & Interiors
No task is too big or small. Most restorations combine several of these.
Bodywork & Metal
Frame work and welding on older bodies, with trim and bumpers worked by hand.
Mechanical
Engines, brakes and suspension, from a workshop that services Mercedes-Benz every day.
Genuine Parts
Parts for older models are hard to find. Tracking down genuine ones is part of the job.
Interiors
Seats, trim and cabins refinished, to original specification or custom.
HOW A CLASSIC MERCEDES-BENZ RESTORATION WORKS AT MIAMI BENZ
1. Show us the car
Bring it to the workshop, or call or text (305) 740 3440 and send photos. We’ll look at it with you and talk through what you want.
2. Agree the goal
Stock or custom, a ground-up restoration or targeted work on an otherwise sound car. The goal shapes the job.
3. The work
Bodywork, mechanical work, parts and interior, done in our South Miami workshops. Good restorations take time: Project #1 took three years.
4. Back on the road
The car goes home to be driven, and we can keep servicing it for you.
MIAMI BENZ IN CLASSIC DRIVER
In November 2025, Classic Driver magazine published a feature on Miami Benz. It follows Lester from growing up around cars in Havana, Cuba, through his years as a technician at Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, to founding Miami Benz and restoring Project #1.
MORE CLASSICS AT THE WORKSHOP
CLASSIC MERCEDES-BENZ RESTORATION FAQS
Do you restore classic Mercedes-Benz cars in Miami?
Yes. Miami Benz has restored classic Mercedes-Benz cars at its South Miami workshop, 5844 Commerce Lane, since 2016. The work covers frame work and welding, mechanical work, genuine parts sourcing and interior refinishing.
Can you restore a barn find or a project car?
Yes. Our own first restoration, Project #1, was a 1979 450 SL found in a barn in terrible condition. We can save a project car from the ground up, or restore a classic that only needs part of the work.
How long does a classic Mercedes-Benz restoration take?
It depends on the condition of the car and how far you want to take it. A ground-up restoration can take years: Project #1 took three. Smaller jobs take far less time, and we can give you a realistic view once we have seen the car.
How much does it cost to restore a classic Mercedes-Benz?
Every classic arrives in a different condition, so we price each restoration after we have seen the car. Call or text (305) 740 3440 to arrange a look at yours.
Do you restore to original specification or custom?
Both. We can return a classic Mercedes-Benz to stock, or build in custom work if that is what you want.
Can you find parts for older Mercedes-Benz models?
Parts for older models can be hard to find, which is one reason many shops turn classics away. Tracking down genuine parts is part of every restoration we take on.
Will I be able to drive my car after it is restored?
That is the point. Lester restores these cars so they can be used and driven, just as they were meant to be, not kept as museum pieces.
Do you also service and repair classic Mercedes-Benz?
Yes. Alongside restorations, we service and repair classic and modern Mercedes-Benz at the same South Miami workshop.
START YOUR CLASSIC MERCEDES-BENZ RESTORATION IN SOUTH MIAMI
Call or text (305) 740 3440, or book online. You’ll find us at 5844 Commerce Ln, South Miami, FL 33143, two blocks from the South Miami Metrorail station, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
See more of the workshop in our gallery, or read more about Miami Benz.