Maciej (Magic) Bakowski’s Mercedes 300 SEL “Red Pig” tribute car

Maciej Bakoski, Founder of Classic Rescue Coachwork in Long Island, NY. Classic Rescue Coachworks specialize in restoring vintage European cars, specifically custom metal fabrication work. 

Can you tell us about your background and how you first became interested in cars?

Growing up, I was quite the sports enthusiast. I played basketball, volleyball, and enjoyed skiing, snowboarding, and all sorts of other activities. But amidst all that, there was always a poster hanging on a wall somewhere. Specifically, I remember having a poster of a Lancia 034 in Rally of Monte Carlo. And believe it or not, a couple of years ago, I had the chance to sit in a Lancia S4 in Greenwich, Connecticut. It wasn't exactly the same car from my poster, but it was close enough to make me feel like my dreams were coming true. Haha 

My history with cars actually began with two wheels - motorcycles, to be exact. It all started in college when I made the decision to purchase my first motorcycle instead of spending money on college. I was still able to finish my studies, but that purchase marked my first connection to the world of motorcycles. When I moved to the United States in 2002, I started working in the construction business, which I hated right away. On my way to work, I passed by a motorcycle dealership several times and decided to stop in and ask for a job. After the third time, they finally hired me, but they drastically cut my pay. Despite this, I gave it a shot and ended up staying for two weeks. Soon, I started rolling with the motorcycle guys and became interested in sport bikes, particularly those with Italian engineering and design. I purchased an Aprilia and fell in love with Italian engineering and design. Through my motorcycle connections, I eventually met the owner of a Ferrari restoration place on Long Island, where I worked for years. Walking into the shop was like a dream come true, as there were million-dollar cars like Ferrari 275's and Lamborghinis. My passion for Italian engineering and design continued to grow. During this time, I also built a variety of cars, including a Volvo pickup truck, a Volvo 242, and even got into British touring car racing from the nineties. 

How did the Red Pig project start? 

A buddy of mine asked me, ‘Magic, find me a cool project. I want to build a vintage Mercedes.’ So I started doing research and found on Craigslist a perfect donor for a Mercedes build. We worked on the car together until one day my friend called me and told me he was out. I decided to buy his part and do something special with the car - something that would turn heads and make kids want to take photos next to it. I did some more research and stumbled upon the "Red Pig." When I saw it, I was like, "Holy shit, what is this thing?!’ Whatever happened to that thing?’ ’I read up on its history and knew I had to go for it and create a tribute car.

It's been eight years now, and I'm still working on it. 

What was it like to drive the Red Pig for the very first time? and how did it make you feel?

It was one of those moments when you know, first gear is always, you take it easy, then you put it in second, you try to feel the car out, you squeeze the pedal a little bit more, you put in third and then you lean on it. And it's just like, oh, this is pretty fun. Because, okay, you have 350 horsepower, just remember this is a 1969 chassis in design. So it's not like a modern car when you have just a radio, little wind noise, maybe a little bit. No, over here, you hear the transmission, you hear the differential a little bit, stuff is shaking. It's a very solid car because it's got a roll cage inside, but it's got... How can I say it? It's got a temper. It's like, something angry. It's got that race car mentality. When you actually hear something, when the rocks get stuck to the tire, they hit the rear wheel from the inside, you hear the little trip going on here. And since then it's been nothing but, you know, I'm trying to get a little better steering so it turns better so it handles slightly nicer. So it's a process, but every time you drive it, it's actually, oh boy, it's better, we are heading in the right direction. Every time you drive this thing, this is my therapy. It's not just a car. You sit in it, it's Sunday, you're tired after a whole week. You just don't wanna look at the cars. You sit in this thing, you start it up, you almost need to put the ear muffs on it because it's a little too loud and pedal to the metal, the problems are gone. You just left them behind. So that's the therapy for me, actually. That's a good thing.

Do you remember moments where you almost gave up on the Red Pig project?

 I actually don't remember A moment where I almost gave up because there were so many of them. Especially when I kept discovering more rust. It was tough when I was fighting with the rust. And then, even after I got everything installed, including the engine and transmission, the wiring was a challenge. It's not my strong suit, it’s my weakest point. 

There were moments when this car was completely off my radar for three or four months. It was just pushed to the side, covered, and nobody looked at it. I had to take a break sometimes, and then look at some cool pictures from the progress I made so far to bring the memories back. But progress is my motto in life. So, I would wake up at 4 AM to work on it for three and a half hours before going to my regular job, and then another three and a half hours after work. Building something like this is not easy, especially if you don't have a lot of money. If you wanna build something like this.. if you don't have a very deep pocket, you have to have a really big heart, you know? So that's the story of this thing.

What are you planning to do with the car?

The answer is very simple. It's my retirement plan. I hope there's never gonna be a time that I'm gonna have to sell it. I actually own a couple of different cars that are pretty big projects too. I know they will be done one day, and for me, it's not just an investment, it's a form of art. Nowadays, nothing is made the way it used to be, and many people invest money into art. Vintage cars are no exception to this trend, as we see the prices of the most beautiful ones selling for millions and millions of dollars.

What other projects are you working on?

I have a 1986 Alfa Romeo GTV6 and an original 1972 GTV. It's not the slant nose, it's the one with the dual headlights. I'm a big fan of Alfa Romeo.I also purchased a couple of years ago a Mercedes SL 190. 

I always said to myself, if I don't like what I do in my life, I'm not gonna do it. So I decided that I'm gonna do whatever I love in my life, and in the meantime, I'm gonna try to make a living out of it. And that was the whole idea. So after getting into the automotive industry 15 years ago, I discovered that I really enjoy it and now I'm on my own, with my own shop, chasing my passion, chasing my... I guess it's my destiny. Something that I really enjoy doing. 

Watch our full video here: Magic's Red Pig tribute car. .