philosophy
ABSOLUTE PERFECTION COMBINED WITH TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
HK-ENGINEERING has been the first company in the world to specialize in the restoration, maintenance and sale of Mercedes-Benz 300 SL vehicles since 1984. More than 35 years later, the HK philosophy of "passion, perfection and tradition" still proves itself today as the 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 restoration and at the same time preserving as much of the vehicle as possible that can be left original. With attention to detail and using as many original vehicle parts as possible, the historic vehicles are given a new shine by the Polling team of experts.
THE BEGINNING OF A PASSION
The experience that Hans Kleissl had gained 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. Only through specialization and the ever-increasing wealth of experience that comes with it can the highest possible quality standard in vehicle preparation be achieved. Hans Kleissl was the first in the scene at the time to implement the idea of concentrating on one type of vehicle by setting up HK-ENGINEERING.
EXCLUSIVITY AND PERFECTION IN PURCHASE, RESTORATION AND SERVICE
HK-ENGINEERING's service promise includes the greatest possible use and preparation 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. As a result, the company is now not only considered a pioneer and trailblazer in the industry worldwide, but also 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 RESTORATION MAN
For over 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 estate 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 Protection in Bavaria nominated him for the 2021 Monument Protection Medal for the renovation of the old monastery brickworks in Polling.
VISIONARY FROM THE FIRST HOUR
Kleissl was way ahead of his time when it came to ensuring originality and high quality standards. Today, he and his team can look back on a wealth of experience that makes HK-ENGINEERING what it is today: craftsmanship par excellence.
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE IN HISTORICAL MOTORSPORT SUCCESSFULLY PROVEN
In addition to restoration and trading, Kleissl has been running his own racing department since 1995, in which numerous 300 SLs are prepared for historic racing and successfully used in Europe and America.
KLOSTERGUT POLLING
Kleissl's horizon is not limited to the restoration of historic vehicles. In his search for a suitable location for his successfully growing company, Kleissl came across the ruins of the old monastery estate in Polling, which he renovated from the ground up. Kleissl followed the idea of "historic vehicles in the right ambience" as early as the end of the 1970s. Decades later, this idea became more and more popular in the scene with the "Meilenwerk" concept.
OLD MONASTERY BRICKWORK
Connected to the monastery estate around the 300 SL factory, the listed complex of the Old Brickworks was opened in July 2019 after 5 years of extensive restoration and is now home to HK-ENGINEERING CLASSICS with its event and showrooms.
team
EVERYTHING 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 the highest level of quality, restorations at HK-ENGINEERING are carried out exclusively in the in-house factory – from engine construction, the injection pump department and body construction to the paint shop and saddlery. Behind this are highly specialized employees from all over the world – each a true master and expert in his field. True to the HK philosophy of "Passion, Perfection, Tradition", they combine decades of know-how with passion and heart and soul.
LORD OF THE SHEET METAL
The HK body builders 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 filler and tin – and thus preserve the originality.
HEART PIECES FROM ONE 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 absolutely essential.
IN-HOUSE SADDLERY
The in-house saddlery prepares seats, interior trim and hoods in the traditional craftsmanship style, thus guaranteeing the highest possible quality 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 paint and repainting according to the original Mercedes-Benz color chart.
