The HWA EVO is a stunning example of how classic car design can be reimagined for modern performance. This reborn 190E Evo II, with its 444 hp 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, is a testament to the enduring appeal of rear-wheel drive and manual gearboxes. But what makes the HWA EVO truly fascinating is its unique blend of old and new, and the story behind its first owners.
A Modern Classic
The HWA EVO is a modern classic in the truest sense. Built around an original W201 bodyshell, it is a thoroughbred with a modern heart. The carbon fibre body, 50/50 weight distribution, and rear-wheel drive layout are a nod to the past, while the 444 hp engine and six-speed manual gearbox are a powerful reminder of the present. The result is a car that is both timeless and cutting-edge, a true driver's car for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
The First Owners
The story of the HWA EVO's first owners is a fascinating one. Chassis 001, the very first car, has been delivered to the Nationales Automuseum The Loh Collection, a museum holding over 160 historic cars spanning 1885 to the present. This is a fitting home for the EVO, as it sits alongside genuine 190E 2.5-16 Evo II examples. The choice to deliver the first car to a museum is a nice touch, but it also raises a deeper question: why are we celebrating the rebirth of a classic car in a museum, rather than on the road?
The Racing Version
The HWA EVO.R, the racing version of the car, is a testament to the company's pedigree in the DTM and AMG. It competed in the ADAC RAVENOL 24 Hours of the Nurburgring in 2026 and will be offered as a customer race car. This is a great example of how small firms can build analogue driver's cars for people who miss them. The racing version is a powerful reminder of the car's performance capabilities and the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.
The Price and Production
The price of the HWA EVO is enormous, and the production cap of 100 bespoke chassis worldwide means that almost nobody will see one. But this is part of a wider movement we keep applauding, from the reborn Jensen Interceptor to Wiesmann's screen-free comeback. These small firms are building analogue driver's cars for people who miss them, and the HWA EVO is a shining example of this trend. The price and production cap are a reminder that these cars are not just for the masses, but for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Conclusion
The HWA EVO is a stunning example of how classic car design can be reimagined for modern performance. It is a car that is both timeless and cutting-edge, a true driver's car for those who appreciate the finer things in life. The story of its first owners is a fascinating one, and the racing version is a powerful reminder of the company's pedigree. The price and production cap are a reminder that these cars are not just for the masses, but for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Personally, I think the HWA EVO is a shining example of how small firms can build analogue driver's cars for people who miss them. In my opinion, it is a car that will be celebrated for years to come.
