First-Ever Mercedes HWA Chassis #000 Set to Go Under the Hammer – Here's Everything You Need to Know
Long-standing fans of Mercedes-Benz and motorsport aficionados, take heed! The HWA racing company, founded in 1998 by AMG’s visionary Hans Werner Aufrecht, is set to auction off an ultra-rare gem. This is the first of the 100 Mercedes HWAs that will ever be built—a modern-day marvel restomodded from the iconic Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 Evo 2. Announced in November 2023, this project marries the nostalgic aesthetics of the street-version DTM car with cutting-edge technology.
What Makes the Mercedes HWA So Special?
The first of these immaculate creations, bearing the chassis number 000, will be sold through Sotheby’s prestigious auction house on July 27, 2024, in Tegernsee. But this isn't just any car auction; this example will be hand-built with painstaking attention to detail. The lucky buyer won't just drive away in automotive history but will also possess copies of the original documents from the manufacturer’s archives—a dream for any collector.
The financial commitment is equally impressive. With a sticker price of 714,000 euros (approximately $781,523), plus VAT, the total cost rounds up to around 856,800 euros ($937,828). A 30% deposit is required to reserve this beauty, which speaks volumes about its exclusivity and allure.
A Legacy Redeemed: A Nod to AMG Roots
HWA, which was founded by Hans Werner Aufrecht—the father of AMG—boasts a storied past. The company has produced game-changing models like the Mercedes CLK GTR street version, the CLK DTM AMG which stunned the world in 2004, and the ferociously agile Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series from 2008. Aside from creating automotive legends, HWA is a heavy-hitter in the motorsport scenes, participating with the Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 in GT Sport and making a mark in Formula 2, 3, and E races.
Under the Hood: Cutting-Edge Performance Meets Classic Design
The Mercedes HWA may look like the W201 model, but the similarities pretty much end with the body shell, which has been fortified through a cathodic dip-coat bath. This restomod marvel deviates with altered dimensions: it's longer at 4.58 meters (compared to the original's 4.43 meters), has a lengthier wheelbase of 2.75 meters rather than 2.67 meters, and a width of 1.90 meters, up from 1.72 meters. HWA has redistributed the gearbox to the rear axle to achieve a perfect 50-50 weight balance and a remarkably low center of gravity at just 40 cm above the ground.
The drivetrain and engine have been entirely reimagined. Gone is the old McPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension, replaced by a modern double wishbone setup. The standard 17-inch wheels give way to more imposing 19-inch wheels, fitted with 245/35 front tires and 265/35 rears, while state-of-the-art steel disc brakes—sized at 380 mm in the front and 360 mm in the rear—ensure optimal stopping power.
At its heart, this beast is powered by a 3-liter V6 engine equipped with dry sump lubrication, punching out 450 PS and 550 Nm of torque. This powerhouse, capable of hitting a maximum 6,800 rpm, channels its energy through a 6-speed manual transmission. Although carbon fiber is extensively used in its construction, the V6 engine, modern safety features, and larger dimensions mean the Mercedes HWA tips the scales at 1,350 kg, just 10 kg lighter than its classic predecessor.