This HOF ‘Sir Class’ is a 1,048bhp tribute to Lewis Hamilton

This is the HOF ‘Sir Class’, a 1,048bhp G-Class that a) pays homage to seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes legacy, but also b) goes really very fast. Truly, no G-Class has ever tributed as hard nor gone as fast as this.

Because it’ll top out at 186mph. As upright, off-roady boxes go, this is right up there. Literally. It’s the first project from HOF – a company born out of Hofele, a German tuner that’s been tweaking Benzes for decades, led by a chap called Ferdinand Peter and supported by a team that includes ex-AMG boss Philip Schiemer.

This one’s been really very tweaked. The 4.0-litre biturbo AMG V8 has been totally overhauled, featuring forged aluminium pistons and stronger connecting rods, better turbos with modified compressor geometry, an aluminium airbox (should sound fruitier), a better fuel pump, reinforced gearbox and a ‘special’ software update. We only hope it’s got a ‘Hammer Time’ setting in there.

Because the headline stats are mighty: 1,048bhp, 959lb ft of torque, and a vmax of over 186mph. You know how much power an AMG One hypercar kicks out? That’s right, 1,049bhp. You know how fast a not-at-all-regular G63 will go? That’s right, around 150mph.

Naturally it’s got a set of big stoppers – carbon ceramics – and a lot of Formula One-inspired jewellery. Like a special paint finish, a carbon bodykit, forged wheels, a carbon bonnet, coilovers, a proper F1-style steering wheel, sports seats, lots of Alcantara and leather, and HOF’s ‘Starry Sky Ceiling’. No surprise as to what that last one is.

“Its creation was timed to perfection, aligning with the final season of one of the greatest drivers of all time, Sir Lewis Hamilton,” said HOF.

“As the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the end of his extraordinary journey with Mercedes, this car stands as a tribute to a career that has surpassed all expectations, cementing his place as the greatest Formula 1 driver in history.”