HWA Teases AMG Hammer Redux on W124 Platform

HWA is developing a new AMG Hammer based on the Mercedes W124 platform. A teaser image posted to Instagram confirms the project's existence, though the company has not yet released technical specifications or pricing.

Road & Track contacted HWA for details. The company stated that more information will be released in the ensuing weeks. The teaser shows a car with modern LED headlights and taillights, hinting at a contemporary restomod approach to the iconic 1980s performance sedan.

Legacy of the original AMG Hammer

The original AMG Hammer was built by AMG in the 1980s before its merger with Mercedes-Benz. It is regarded as a defining model for the brand. That car featured a large V-8 engine and rapid acceleration, with later versions capable of nearly 300 km/h.

The original model used a 5.6-liter V8 producing approximately 360 cv. This was later increased to 385 cv with a 6.0-liter engine. Hans Werner Aufrecht, whose initials form the HWA name, co-founded AMG and later founded the HWA restomod company.

HWA's restomod expertise

HWA has a established track record with high-performance Mercedes restomods. Its previous projects include the carbon-fiber HWA Evo and a restomod of the Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo.

The HWA Evo was a carbon-fiber 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II with over 500 cv. It was limited to 100 units, three of which were race cars for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The firm's 190E Evo restomod uses a turbocharged V-6 engine.

The broader high-margin landscape

This project arrives as other manufacturers also focus on ultra-exclusive, high-margin vehicles. Porsche is developing 15 one-off supercars under its 'Sonderwunsch' customization program, with prices ranging up to R$ 75 million. The brand aims to reduce its break-even point by focusing on such sales.

Porsche is also restoring factory-built Carrera GT models, with 48 units in restoration or queue. Also, the new Tesla Roadster has drawn industry praise. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna called it a '10'. He added, "Isso mostra que no mundo automotivo ainda há muito a ser feito e precisamos continuar sonhando."

HWA has indicated more information will be released in the ensuing weeks following Road & Track's inquiry.