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Driver's Notebook: A Change of Face

Christian Gulliksen

April 2, 2003

Claus Ettensberger Corporation
CEC was founded by Claus Ettensberger after the native German came to the United States with the goal of improving tuner Lorinser’s market position. Now entering its 13th year, the CEC showroom on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Los Angeles has become a local fixture. The first products Ettensberger carried were from his former employer, Lorinser, but he has since expanded his repertoire to include a number of specialized tuners such as TechArt for Porsche, AC Schnitzer for BMW, and J Nothelle for Jaguar. Popular modifications at the moment include TechArt adjustable suspensions and 19-inch wheels for Porsche 996 Turbos, which customers appreciate because they more closely approximate European specifications. (Click image to enlarge)
 
Many customers with Mercedes-Benzes and BMWs consider their cars’ performance with stock engines more than adequate and choose to focus on cosmetic enhancements. For Mercedes-Benz, the hot ticket is an aerodynamic body kit for the SL500 from Lorinser; a body kit from AC Schnitzer for BMW’s 745i has been a favorite with owners of the Bavarian luxobarge. Most of the cars that CEC waves its wand over are new, but customers also bring cars that are 2 or 3 years old to be updated or customized. Modifications can take anywhere from a few hours (to have wheels installed) to a couple of days if paint is involved, and most projects can be completed in under two and a half weeks. A second showroom in Coral Gables, Fla., will provide an East Coast complement to the Los Angeles showroom when it opens later this year. (Click image to enlarge)