c111

Mercedes-Benz Ciento Once by GWA Tuning

Back in the late 60s and into the 70s, Mercedes-Benz made a series of prototypes called the C111. They were at the very cutting edge of automotive design and performance, packing rotary engines into aerodynamically svelte shapes. Unfortunately they remained prototypes exclusively, and were never offered for sale. But now a company in Texas has replicated the form with even more modern technology.

Built by San Antonio-based GWA Tuning – an experienced Mercedes-Benz expert – the Ciento Once (Spanish for "one hundred eleven") has the same V12 AMG engine as the Pagani Zonda, with the rolling stock from the SLS AMG supercar and the brakes from the S55 AMG performance sedan. The shape is retro, but still avant-garde, while the interior mixes old and new with such touches as tartan-upholstered carbon-fiber seats. See for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Ciento Once by GWA Tuning

[Source: GWA Tuning via 0-60]

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Tags: c111, gwa, gwa ciento once, gwa tuning, mercedes, mercedes-benz, mercedes-benz c111, mercedes-benz ciento once

Rare Mercedes Prototype Damaged in High-Jacking Attempt

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Crimes and Misdemeanors

A rare Mercedes-Benz prototype being transported from the company's headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, to its museum in Brooklands, England, was reportedly the target of a robbery attempt when criminals tried to hijack the truck in which it was contained. The vehicle in question, a 1970s-era C111-III, suffered some damage to its front fender and gullwing doors, but has since been repaired.

The C111 served as a rolling test-bed for the German automaker during the 1960s and 70s, setting various land speed records with a number of different engine configurations. The example in question, however, is purely a display piece with no engines, leaving us to wonder where exactly the thieves thought they were going with the priceless automobile.

Gallery: 1977 Mercedes-Benz C111-III