Mercedes-Benz Ciento Once by GWA Tuning and Mercedes Benz C111
Before the Mercedes SLS AMG came out and wowed us with its awesome Gullwing design, a lot of people had little idea that the renowned German automaker played with that design in the past and, while some saw the light of the production block, others weren’t as lucky. One such design, considered today as the Forgotten Gullwing, is the Mercedes C111.
He was at the very cutting edge of automotive design and performance, packing revolutionary Wankel diesel engine into aerodynamically svelte shapes. Unfortunately they remained prototypes exclusively, and were never offered for sale. That is until Arturo Alonso, the owner of GWA Tuning, decided to bring its spirit back.
Mercedes-Benz Ciento Once by GWA Tuning
Experienced Mercedes-Benz expert has breathed new life into the C111 formula with a recreation called the Ciento Once (Spanish for one hundred eleven). Housed in a tubular space frame chassis, the power plant is a M120 Mercedes V12 engine with 408 HP (also made famous for its use in the Pagani Zonda tuned to 7.3L versus the original 6.0L), which can be admired trough a glass on the rear deck. The robust engine is paired with a 6-speed Cima H type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust.
The handmade aluminum body is constructed of a tubular-space frame chassis and although is slightly shorter than the original 103 inch wheelbase, weighs virtually the same. Brakes are lifted directly from the S55 AMG for face-ripping stopping power. Using the same set up as the SLS, the car runs on staggered GWA Type A wheels, 19X9 front and 20X11 rears, with 265/35/19 and 295/30/20 rubber.
Mercedes-Benz Ciento Once by GWA Tuning
The interior of the Ciento Once resembles the original from the 70’s with some updated features: carbon fiber seats covered in plaid, instrumentation modeled after a W120R MB (including the radio and the a/c control unit), brushed aluminum pedals, dashboard accent, and illuminated door sills. The Ciento Once prototype, which will likely be one of a kind, will be painted in brilliant silver with black accents and matching interior.
No word yet on how much it’s going to cost, but considering it’s most likely going to be a one-off vehicle, there’s a very big chance that it’s going to come with a steep price tag.
