The first-ever HWA AG 190 EVO II restomod is coming up for auction

Want a restomod, but not a 911 or a Defender restomod? Here's a Mercedes-Benz 190 EVO II. As it happens, the very first example of HWA AG’s run of 100 cars, which is set to be auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s next month at its Tegernsee event.

Estimated price? That’ll be between £600k and £800k. A lot for a new-old Merc, perhaps, but not a lot in a world where Singer can easily charge three or four times that for one of its products. Or one where Fredo bars cost over a pound each.

The car itself should boast a jump up from the original’s numbers: 232bhp and 181lb ft of torque from a 2.5-litre inline-four. HWA is also said to be trimming down a fair amount of weight from the standard 1,340kg, while the internals are expected to gain a pretty extensive overhaul. Unsurprising, given this thing comes from a time when Fredo bars weren’t so financially crippling to purchase.

The exterior is still noticeably 190, but as with any respectable restomod, has gained a few new quirks to bring it up to date. The most notable bits include darker lighting clusters with new signatures and a more profiled body kit. Looks good, huh.

Though for the amount it’s expected to fetch, you could grab yourself two McMerc SLRs at current prices. Maybe even three if it fetches a premium. Decisions, decisions…