Classic Automotive Restoration Skills Program
Mark Passarelli has a passion – Classic Mercedes Benz automobiles. His shop, Passarelli Restorations at Hale Merced, has seen some of the most revered and valuable automobiles in the world go from seemingly worthless hulks to collector classics valued at over $1 million.
Mark specializes in the restoration of the most desirable of all cars, the Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing. Mark also is known for his work on the 300SL Roadster, the 280SE Cabriolet and many other pre-1971 Mercedes Benz. Why pre-1971? That was the year that mechanization replaced most of the hand building at the German factories.
Mark Passarelli is not only a master mechanic, he is a truly gifted artisan. He is one of only a handful of people in the world who can name every part of the famed 300SL Gullwing and Roadster, along with many other classic Mercedes Benz cars. Passarelli Restorations has had his cars selected for such major events as the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach and by the Mercedes Benz factory itself as show cars for special promotional events. The work of Mark Passarelli and his team is considered among the best in the world.
For the aspiring restorer of fine automobiles, having a mentor of Mark’s caliber offering to impart their knowledge and skill in the restoration of classic Mercedes Benz automobiles is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Mark Passarelli and Hale Merced is offering a unique one-on-one educational experience; five days and six nights, including accommodations, at Hale Merced, the workshop on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii, where Passarelli Restorations is located. Each workshop will be limited to just two participants as this will be a ‘real world” experience, offering the opportunity for hands-on participation in an actual restoration project. As such scheduling is subject to participant’s specific interest and the project schedule.
Our current project is the most exciting we have ever undertaken, the reconstruction of a classic W194 Gullwing, the prototype of the production 1954 – 1956 300SL Coupe. Mark is using the same techniques and parts as the original designers and master fabricators utilized to build the race cars that changed the automotive world.
The five day experience is $2,300 per person. This includes breakfast and lunch each day as well as accommodations at a quaint Bed and Breakfast in Na’alehu, Hawaii. Participants must supply their own transportation and travel to Hilo or Kona.
Some automotive/mechanical experience necessary. Prospective participants must supply a resume and be interviewed. Those who have trained under Mr. Passarelli have become sought after for their skills, experience and expertise.
Note: This is not a program for beginners! You MUST have a basic understanding of automotive mechanics and arrive ready to work at a high level of mechanical and artistic restoration techniques. You will learn the advanced restoration techniques that are used to restore concours level classic automobiles shown at the most prestigious classic automobile shows and rallys. In addition, you will learn techniques and methods used by the pioneering industrial and automotive designers and engineers from the 1930’s through the 1960’s, an area of expertise where Mr. Passarelli has no peers.
Mark specializes in the restoration of the most desirable of all cars, the Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing. Mark also is known for his work on the 300SL Roadster, the 280SE Cabriolet and many other pre-1971 Mercedes Benz. Why pre-1971? That was the year that mechanization replaced most of the hand building at the German factories.
Mark Passarelli is not only a master mechanic, he is a truly gifted artisan. He is one of only a handful of people in the world who can name every part of the famed 300SL Gullwing and Roadster, along with many other classic Mercedes Benz cars. Passarelli Restorations has had his cars selected for such major events as the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach and by the Mercedes Benz factory itself as show cars for special promotional events. The work of Mark Passarelli and his team is considered among the best in the world.
For the aspiring restorer of fine automobiles, having a mentor of Mark’s caliber offering to impart their knowledge and skill in the restoration of classic Mercedes Benz automobiles is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Mark Passarelli and Hale Merced is offering a unique one-on-one educational experience; five days and six nights, including accommodations, at Hale Merced, the workshop on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii, where Passarelli Restorations is located. Each workshop will be limited to just two participants as this will be a ‘real world” experience, offering the opportunity for hands-on participation in an actual restoration project. As such scheduling is subject to participant’s specific interest and the project schedule.
Our current project is the most exciting we have ever undertaken, the reconstruction of a classic W194 Gullwing, the prototype of the production 1954 – 1956 300SL Coupe. Mark is using the same techniques and parts as the original designers and master fabricators utilized to build the race cars that changed the automotive world.
The five day experience is $2,300 per person. This includes breakfast and lunch each day as well as accommodations at a quaint Bed and Breakfast in Na’alehu, Hawaii. Participants must supply their own transportation and travel to Hilo or Kona.
Some automotive/mechanical experience necessary. Prospective participants must supply a resume and be interviewed. Those who have trained under Mr. Passarelli have become sought after for their skills, experience and expertise.
Note: This is not a program for beginners! You MUST have a basic understanding of automotive mechanics and arrive ready to work at a high level of mechanical and artistic restoration techniques. You will learn the advanced restoration techniques that are used to restore concours level classic automobiles shown at the most prestigious classic automobile shows and rallys. In addition, you will learn techniques and methods used by the pioneering industrial and automotive designers and engineers from the 1930’s through the 1960’s, an area of expertise where Mr. Passarelli has no peers.
