The Ultimate Mercedes Restomod Hits the Auction Block: A $775K 190E Evolution II
When it comes to automotive passion projects, few match the intensity and craftsmanship behind the latest masterpiece from Hans Werner Aufrecht. The German engineer and former co-founder of AMG has unveiled a groundbreaking restomod of the legendary Mercedes 190E Evolution II, and it’s turning heads for all the right reasons, albeit with a jaw-dropping price tag. If you've got the financial muscle, RM Sotheby's has the first unit up for grabs on July 27th, and it's poised to redefine what a restomod can be.
A Legendary Origin Story
Hans Werner Aufrecht needs no introduction to car enthusiasts. Best known for co-founding AMG, the tuning powerhouse now synonymous with high-performance Mercedes vehicles, Aufrecht has channeled decades of engineering prowess into a new venture, HWA. This isn't merely a passion project; it's a love letter to the iconic 190E 2.5-16 Evo II. Last year, Aufrecht's HWA announced that they were embarking on an ambitious project to create restomods of this iconic model, and now the first of these unique machines is ready to hit the auction block.
From Standard to Spectacular
But what makes this restomod worth an estimated $775,953? To start, each HWA Evo begins life as a standard Mercedes 190E donor car, which is then stripped to its bare chassis. Once skeletal, it undergoes a rigorous chemical bath to cleanse every inch, paving the way for a fresh start. Carbon fiber body panels are then added, flaring dramatically with exaggerated fender flares, while the interior sees a radical transformation equipped with cutting-edge technology and classic style Recaro seats featuring four-point race harnesses.
Heart of a Modern Beast
Forget the Cosworth 2.5-liter 16-valve four-cylinder engine that originally powered these legends. The HWA Evo boasts a modern, heavily tuned 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine from Mercedes. Cranking out an impressive 444 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, this beast features a dry sump oil system and is paired with a six-speed manual transaxle, offering a driving experience that's both nostalgic and thrillingly contemporary. Braking is just as spectacular, with six-piston calipers up front on 15-inch rotors and four-piston calipers on 14-inch rotors in the rear.
Modern Underpinnings
The suspension setup on the HWA Evo is cutting-edge. Utilizing a four-corner double-wishbone system, electronic dampers, and a lift system, this car offers unparalleled agility and adaptability, weighing in at a lightweight 2,980 pounds. It's not just a car; it’s a holistic racing machine ready to eat up tarmac with the same ferocity as its track-born predecessors.
An Engineer’s Dream
Hans Werner Aufrecht's pedigree in building high-performance Mercedes race cars makes this restomod a project of unparalleled authenticity and craftsmanship. Although it lacks the retro visual flair of the original 190E 2.5-16 Evo II, it more than compensates with a modern, aggressive aesthetic and blistering performance capabilities. No wonder all 100 units in production have already been snapped up.
Your Second Chance
If you've missed the opportunity to secure one of these automotive marvels earlier, here's your second chance. RM Sotheby’s Tegernsee auction presents a unique opportunity to own Chassis 000, the very first of this limited series. Expect the final bid to considerably overshoot the original asking price, but for collectors and enthusiasts, the chance to own a piece of automotive history is priceless. Don't miss your shot at this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
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