philosophy
ABSOLUTE PERFECTION COMBINED WITH TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
Since 1984 HK-ENGINEERING has been the first company in the world to specialize in the restoration, maintenance and sale of Mercedes-Benz 300 SL vehicles. More than 35 years later, the HK philosophy “Passion, Perfection and Tradition” is still proving itself today as a cornerstone of all business activities relating to the 300 SL and the trade in premium classics.
The HK philosophy stands for the highest quality standards in the restoration and at the same time preservation of as much as possible that can be left original on the vehicle. With attention to detail and the greatest possible use of original vehicle parts, the historic vehicles are given a new shine by the Pollinger team of experts.
THE BEGINNING OF A PASSION
The experience that Hans Kleissl had acquired in 1979 during the restoration of his own 300 SL Roadster gave rise to the idea of setting up a restoration company that deals exclusively with this type of vehicle. The highest possible quality standard in vehicle preparation can only be achieved through specialization and the ever-increasing wealth of experience that goes with it. At the time, Hans Kleissl was the first in the scene who implemented the idea of concentrating on one type of vehicle with the establishment of HK-ENGINEERING.
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EXCLUSIVITY AND PERFECTION IN PURCHASE, RESTORATION AND SERVICE
The performance promise of HK-ENGINEERING includes the greatest possible use and processing of original parts in the Pollinger factory – from the restoration of old leather seats to the touch-up of old paintwork.
UNIQUE FOR OVER 35 YEARS
Preserving old original vehicles has been a priority at HK-ENGINEERING for over three decades. This is why the company is not only regarded as a pioneer and trailblazer in the industry today, but also as the epitome of outstanding expertise in everything to do with the 300 SL. This expertise has gradually been transferred to other classic automobiles over the years.
portrait
AWARDS AS A RESTORER
For more than three decades, Hans Kleissl has dedicated himself to the preservation of historical cultural assets, be it in the automotive sector around the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL or in the reconstruction and restoration of historical buildings such as the Polling monastery with the old brickworks or Arendsee Castle in Brandenburg.
Hans Kleissl has received several awards for this commitment, for example in 2014 with the award for the world's best restoration company in London and a few years later with the Federal Medal for Monument Protection for his services in the restoration of Arendsee Castle in Brandenburg. Just recently, the State Office for Monument Preservation in Bavaria proposed him for the 2021 Monument Protection Medal for the renovation of the old monastery brickwork in Polling.
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VISIONARY OF THE FIRST HOUR
When it comes to ensuring originality and high quality standards, Kleissl was way ahead of its time. Today he and his team can look back on a wealth of experience that has made HK-ENGINEERING what it is to this day: craftsmanship par excellence.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCE SUCCESSFULLY PROVEN IN HISTORICAL MOTORSPORT
In addition to restoration and trade, Kleissl has been running its own racing department since 1995 in which numerous 300 SLs are prepared for historic racing and used successfully in Europe and America.
MONASTERY ESTATE POLLING
Kleissl's horizon is not limited to the restoration of historic vehicles. While looking for a suitable location for his successfully growing company, Kleissl came across the ruins of the old monastery in Polling, which he renovated from the ground up. Kleissl followed the idea of "historic vehicles in the right ambience" as early as the late 1970s. Decades later this idea became more and more popular in the scene with the “Meilenwerk” concept.
OLD MONASTERY BRICK
After 5 years of extensive restoration, the listed complex of the old brickworks opened in July 2019, which is now home to HK-ENGINEERING CLASSICS with its event and showrooms.
team
ALL UNDER ONE ROOF
Manufacture, purchase and sale of premium classics and tailor-made services. A team of specialists from all over the world form the heart of HK-ENGINEERING.
To ensure quality at the highest level, restorations at HK-ENGINEERING are carried out exclusively in our in-house manufacture – from engine construction, the injection pump department and body construction to the paint shop and saddlery. Behind it are highly specialized employees from all over the world – each a true master and expert in his field. True to the HK philosophy “Passion, Perfection, Tradition”, they combine decades of know-how with passion and heart and soul.
LORD OF THE SHEETS
The HK bodybuilders manufacture all sheet metal parts for our 300 SL with exceptional precision – whether made of steel or aluminum. Based on years of expertise, they reduce the use of putty and tin – and thus preserve the originality.
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HEART PIECES FROM A SINGLE SOURCE
Our engine specialists work meticulously on the preparation of the heart of every 300 SL. Injection pumps and nozzles are also overhauled in-house. Seamless interaction between these departments is essential.
In-house saddlery
The in-house saddlery reconditions seats, interior trim and hoods in old craftsmanship, thus guaranteeing the highest possible quality even in the finish of the restoration. Our HK master saddler is considered one of the best in his field worldwide.
TO OLD, NEW SHINE
Our HK painters have many years of experience in touching up old paintwork and repainting in accordance with the original Mercedes-Benz color plate.
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