The modern-styled of the C111 series realized by GWA Tuning called the Ciento Once

Modern LOOKS Mercedes Benz has always been known as one of the world's automotive giants who have produced many phenomenal cars, such as in the 1950s with the Mercedes Benz 300SL which pioneered the gullwing door types, then in the late 1960s the German's manufacturer also had time to make several phenomenal experimental cars known as the Mercedes Benz C111 series which coincidentally also adopted the similar gullwing door types.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype with its gullwing doors opened is built by GWA Tuning in 2011 and inspired by the Mercedes-Benz C111 experimental car series. (Picture from: Extravaganzi)

As we know the Mercedes Benz C111 experimental car series were made from 1969 to 1979 in several models which were mostly powered by a Wankel rotary engine (perhaps to follow the trend at the time). The car series also had made history as the world's fastest car through one of its cars, the C111-III powered by a turbo diesel engine in 1978 and continued to 1979 with the C111-IV 'Rekordwagen'. Unfortunately, now the names 300SL and C111 are just a memory and people are starting to forget, besides there are many more innovative cars with faster performance.

Three generations of the Mercedes-Benz C111 research car series, ie 1969 Mercedes Benz C111-I (left), 1970 Mercedes Benz C111-II (middle), and 1969 Mercedes Benz C111-I first prototype (right) posed together. (Picture from: Pinterest)

A different thing happened to the legendary gullwing door types which seems to be still applied by the German manufacturer, and lastly the kind of door types was pinned on the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG of the 2012. Meanwhile in 2011, the Gullwing America (GWA) Auto Design & Tuning, an automotive company based in San Antonio, Texas produces and sells 1 unit (yes, only 1 unit!) a car that is touted as a modern interpretation of the Mercedes Benz C111 which is named GWA Ciento Once (meaning "one hundred eleven/111" in Spanish) and applied the gullwing door types as a homage for the two legendary models.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype has a handmade aluminum body mounted on a strong and lightweight construction tubular space-frame chassis. (Picture from: Luxuo)

This GWA Tuning car has a handmade aluminum body mounted on a strong and lightweight construction tubular space-frame chassis. Dimensionally, the Ciento Once is slightly different from the C111 concept car, with a shorter wheelbase (2,616 mm), its weight is similar at 1,400 kg, applied the upgraded modern suspension with coil-overs and the brakes of Mercedes Benz S55 AMG. It is intended that the Ciento Once's engine big power can be controlled better.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype is slightly different from the C111 experimental car series, with a shorter wheelbase (2,616 mm), but has a similar weight of 1,400 kg. (Picture from: Luxuo)

Yes, indeed, the burst of engine power from the Ciento Once is no longer the same as the C111 experimental car series is used the four-rotor Wankel rotary engine or the inline 5-cylinder turbodiesel. Due to  the one-off GWA Tuning car has used a M120 Mercedes V12 engine that produces a robust 408 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed Cima H-type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust, as used in the Pagani and Koenigsegg supercars.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype's cabin has two carbon fiber seats without finishing, and for the design details, for a moment it reminds us of the classic figure of the Mercedes Benz W120R 'Ponton'. (Picture from: Luxuo)

Furthermore, to support its running performance, on the aerodynamic side, at the front of the Ciento Once, a spoiler with large air intakes is attached to maximize the aerodynamics of the car inspired by the C111 which was the most aerodynamic car of its time. Besides that, there is also an adjustable Spoiler Wing feature that can be adjusted electronically, as well as a diffuser on the back. For the legs, GWA Tuning has installed SLS-style equipment, such as the GWA Type-A five-spoke concave wheels with a modern retro design measuring 19 inches in front and 20 inches behind, which are wrapped in 265/35/19 tires at the front and 295/30 /20 at the rear.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype's legs featured with the GWA Type-A five-spoke concave wheels with a modern retro design measuring 19 inches in front and 20 inches behind, which are wrapped in 265/35/19 tires at the front and 295/30 /20 at the rear. (Picture from: Luxuo)

In the interior, GWA Tuning carefully installs carbon fiber seats without finishing, and for the design details, for a moment it reminds us of the classic figure of the Mercedes Benz W120R 'Ponton'. This is thanks to the use of polished aluminum that reflects light, both from the dashboard panels, to the pedals, door sills (including the AC control, entertainment and navigation system devices) in retro style but still feels modern, due to the massive use of carbon fiber which gives a sporty impression as well.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype is powered by a M120 Mercedes V12 engine that produces a robust 408 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed Cima H-type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust. (Picture from: Luxuo)

Thus, when viewed to the final result, it is clear that the GWA Ciento Once shows the love of Arturo Alonso, the boss of GWA Tuning for the C111 experimental car series, and of course the price would not be cheap, especially considering that it produced just 1 unit only. Off course somehow, the one-off Ciento Once's prestige, exclusivity, and nostalgia feeling is difficult to measure with money, even it could be leveled if it compared to the similar expensive exclusive cars that have been made by other manufacturers such as Bugatti, Lamborghini, Ferrari, and others.

It is not known whether this Ciento Once car has ever been realized into real world, because as far as we know the GWA's one-off car made in 2011 has never been heard of again. Even the automaker are no longer visible in cyberspace, because everything related to the GWA Tuning's sites has no longer existed in cyberspace.😭 Does anyone know about this American automotive company?🏁 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | PEDAL2METAL | TOPSPEED | THEVRL | BENZTUNING | LUXUO ]

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