philosophy
ABSOLUTE PERFECTION IN COMBINATION 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 stands 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 what can be left original on the vehicle as possible. With attention to detail and the greatest possible use of original vehicle parts, the Pollinger team of experts gives the historic vehicles a new shine.
THE BEGINNING OF A PASSION
Through the experiences that Hans Kleissl acquired in 1979 while restoring his own 300 SL Roadster, the idea of setting up a restoration company that deals exclusively with this type of vehicle came to fruition . 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. At the time, Hans Kleissl was the first in the scene to implement the idea of concentrating on one type of vehicle by setting up HK-ENGINEERING.
EXCLUSIVITY AND PERFECTION IN PURCHASE, RESTORATION AND SERVICE
The performance promise of HK-ENGINEERING includes the greatest possible use and preparation of original parts in the Pollinger factory – from the restoration of old leather seats to repairs old paint.
UNIQUE FOR OVER 35 YEARS
Preserving old original vehicles has been a priority at HK-ENGINEERING for over three decades. That's why the company is now considered worldwide not only as a pioneer and pioneer in the industry, but also as the epitome of outstanding expertise in everything to do with the 300 SL. This expertise was gradually transferred to other classic automobiles over the years.
portrait
AWARDS AS A RESTORER
For over three decades, Hans Kleissl has been committed to the preservation of historical cultural assets, be it in the automotive sector such as 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. Only recently did the State Office for Monument Preservation in Bavaria nominate him for the 2021 Monument Protection Medal for the renovation of the old monastery brickworks in Polling.
VISIONARY FROM THE FIRST HOUR
Kleissl was far ahead of his time when it came to ensuring originality and high quality standards. Today he and his team have a wealth of experience that makes HK-ENGINEERING what it is: craftsmanship par excellence.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCE SUCCESSFULLY PROVEN IN HISTORIC MOTOR SPORTS
In addition to restoration and trading, Kleissl has operated its own racing department since 1995 in which numerous 300 SLs are prepared for historical racing and successfully used in Europe and America.
KLOSTERGUT POLLING
Kleissl's horizon is not just limited to the restoration of historical vehicles. While looking for a suitable location for his successfully growing company, Kleissl came across the ruins of the old monastery property in Polling, which he completely renovated. At the end of the 1970s, Kleissl followed the idea of “historic vehicles in a suitable ambience”. Decades later, this idea became more and more established in the scene with the concept of “Meilenwerk”.
OLD MONASTERY BRICKEIY
Connected to the monastery estate around the 300 SL factory, after 5 years of extensive restoration, the listed complex of the old brickworks was opened in July 2019, which is now HK-ENGINEERING CLASSICS with its event and showrooms.
team
EVERYTHING UNDER ONE ROOF
Manufactory, 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 the in-house factory – from engine construction, the injection pump department and body construction to the paint shop and upholstery shop. Behind it are highly specialized employees from all over the world – each a true master and expert in their field. True to the HK philosophy of “Passion, Perfection, Tradition”, they combine decades-old know-how with passion and passion.
LORD OF THE SHEET METALS
The HK body builders produce all the 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 – thereby maintaining originality.
CENTRAL PIECES FROM A SINGLE SOURCE
Our engine specialists work meticulously on preparing 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 paneling and tops in the old craftsmanship manner, 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 GLOSS
Our HK painters draw on many years of experience in refinishing old paintwork as well as repainting according to the original Mercedes-Benz color plate.
