The C111 began life as a concept car at the 1969 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Onlookers of the time thought it was a new version of the infamous SL Gullwing and wistfully sent blank checks to Mercedes-Benz for a future copy. However, the futuristic-looking car was not a sneak peek at a new production automobile, but a test bed for a number of new Mercedes-Benz technologies. A few of those technologies, like some suspension components, would later be used in its production cars. Others, like a diesel Wankel engine, would live on for a few more years of testing before being axed. Unfortunately, although a few prototypes of the C111 were built, the car itself never went into production.

Forty years later enters Arturo Alonso of GWA tuning out of San Antonio, Texas. His intent was to revive and reinterpret this beautiful and legendary car using today’s modern techniques and materials. He has named his one-off creation “Ciento Once,” which is Spanish for 111.

The Ciento Once utilizes a tubular space frame chassis and aluminum body panels to keep weight down to 3,100 pounds. A Mercedes-Benz M120 V-12 engine from the 1990s is used for motivation and produces 408 hp. The engine sits under a piece of glass on the rear deck behind the passenger cabin and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The car features a coil-over suspension, brakes from a S55 AMG, and wheels normally found on the SLS Gullwing.

The interior of the Ciento Once has a 70s motif with some updated features like carbon fiber seats, brushed aluminum pedals, and illuminated doorsills.

The one-off prototype will likely never go into full production, much like the car from which it is based; of course, this time, demand could change all that. Read the press release here.

Provided by duPont REGISTRY