CMS Motorsports is Making AMG Dreams come True

The Smoking Tire Podcast's three-part episode on CMS Motorsports delves into the passion, craftsmanship, and cultural resurgence behind pre-merger AMG restorations and custom builds. Hosts Zach and Sean welcome Shant from CMS Motorsports, who shares his journey from an Armenian family body shop to becoming a leading figure in vintage Mercedes restoration. The conversation explores the technical and aesthetic challenges of building a 500E Cabriolet from a 124 platform, including custom steel body kits, 5.5L E55 powertrain swaps, and the critical importance of period-correct styling and documentation. The episode highlights the growing demand for AMG, Koenig, and Lorenzer builds, fueled by nostalgia, events like Radwood, and a renewed appreciation for Mercedes’ underdog performance legacy. The hosts also discuss extreme modifications of the 80s and 90s—such as turbocharged V12s, smoke screens, and lavish interiors—while addressing practical concerns like outdated wiring and emissions compliance, proposing retrofitted systems as a viable solution. The episode closes with a heartfelt personal touch, as the hosts share their deep love for Armenian and Persian cuisine, recommending hidden gems like Rafi's, Tun La Majo, and Borgstar in Southern California, and expressing excitement about future projects, including shipping cars to Nashville for final detailing and hosting events at CMS’s Gardena location despite local resistance. The rich tapestry of car culture, culinary tradition, and community connection underscores the episode’s emotional core.