Mercedes-Benz Ciento Once 2011. Remake of superstar of the 70ies

All world went into ecstasies when Mercedes-Benz introduced its experimental C111 about 42 years ago. About dozen cars were produced. After it became a legend and a part of history. Today this star is under rebirth. the prototype is called “Ciento Once” (one thousand and hundred in Spanish). GWA tuning center (San Antonio, Texas, USA) wants to revive Mercedes C 111.


First we can find traditional wedge-shaped car silhouette, wing doors, lengthened rear part for more place for engine. Practically everything corresponds to historic prototype. Only wheel base was shortened, opening headlights and fog lights were removed.

Also Ciento Once has pull-out rear spoiler and modern technical equipment. In the 70ies Mercedes C 111 was not only a car from the future, but technical unique object. It was built with 258hp Wankel engine with three disks. After some time it was substituted by four-disk engine with 350hp. A total speed of this car was about 300 km/hr.

Fuel consumption was high too and oil crisis in 1973 became the main reason of stoped prodiction. Mercedes-Benz company had to install 5-cylinder turbo diesel engine with 190hp for all twelve supercars. And with diesel power unit a lot of speed records were achieved in 1976. Also many record were grained for deisel engines.

In general C 111 was unlucky project, because Wankel engine didn’t get accustomed with Mercedes and nobody thought about a serial production of C 111. GWA wishes to revive small-scale production of C 111. GWA plans to use V12 AMG engine with 408hp (also is used for Pagani Zonda) for C 111. This engine works with six-level gearbox. Brake system and runing gear were taken from Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG.

Other components were also taken from SLS AMG. Ciento Once will be built on a base of pipe frame, all body panels will be made of aluminum. Besides the body of original C 111 was made of plastic material. Ciento Once will save classic retro style of interior (carbon seats have oblique-check cloth seat covering, old school control panel).

Will GWA be able to start up small-scale production of C 111? It is a little bit difficut question. But the answer depends on quality of millionaires who will make order and give a lot of money. Despite of absence of techical characteristics it is not too difficult to guess that the price for Ciento Once will have six numerals. Besides Mercedes-Benz attentively follows it.

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ORIGINAL PROTOTYPE