Rare Opportunity to Bid on the First HWA Evo Restomod
You may not be familiar with Hans Werner Aufrecht, a German engineer and entrepreneur, but his innovations are well-known in the automotive world. Aufrecht co-founded AMG, the renowned engine and tuning company that developed performance upgrades for Mercedes vehicles prior to its acquisition by the automaker. Recently, Aufrecht revealed that his company, HWA, is working on restomodded versions of the iconic Mercedes 190E, particularly inspired by the celebrated 190E 2.5-16 Evo II. Now, collectors and enthusiasts have the unique opportunity to purchase the very first model ever produced, provided they have deep pockets.
The initial chassis, numbered 000 of HWA’s Evo, will be featured in the RM Sotheby’s auction in Tegernsee on July 27, and it is anticipated to fetch a significant price. Although HWA plans to produce just 100 of these Evo restomods, all units are already accounted for, making chassis 000 your exclusive opportunity to acquire one—likely at a much higher price than the $775,953 expected for the remaining models.
But what exactly justifies the staggering price tag for a restomod? The term “restomod” barely scratches the surface. The HWA Evo begins its journey as a standard Mercedes 190E. HWA then meticulously disassembles the vehicle, removing the engine, suspension, and interior until only the bare chassis remains. This chassis is subjected to a thorough chemical cleaning process, allowing HWA to construct a highly customized vehicle from the ground up. The HWA Evo features lightweight carbon fiber body panels, aggressively flared fenders, a radical redesign, and advanced interior technology. The interior boasts four seats, including Recaro racing seats complete with four-point harnesses in the front.
In place of the original Cosworth 2.5-liter 16-valve four-cylinder engine, the HWA Evo flaunts a heavily modified 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 from Mercedes, generating 444 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, utilizing a dry sump oiling system. Interestingly, instead of a Mercedes automatic transmission, it features a six-speed manual transaxle. The braking system includes six-piston front calipers with 15-inch rotors and four-piston rear calipers with 14-inch rotors. Remarkably, considering its sophisticated four-corner double-wishbone suspension, electronic dampers, and lift system, the entire vehicle weighs just 2,980 pounds. HWA offers a comprehensive spec brochure that is sure to excite any automobile enthusiast.
Drawing on decades of experience in building Mercedes racing cars, Aufrecht is well-versed in performance engineering. While the Evo may not capture the visual appeal of the original 190E 2.5-16 Evo II with its updated aesthetics and modern engine, its performance promises to be exceptional. It’s no surprise that the limited production run has attracted affluent buyers, and for those who missed out, RM Sotheby’s provides a rare second chance to claim this extraordinary vehicle.
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