W202 DTM Replica Makes Us Yearn For Square MBs
There’s a lot to love about the W202, and this DTM replica from Thailand looks absolutely stunning.
Newer AMG models seem to get all the attention lately. But one thing is for sure. They must respect their roots. Production car based racers for Mercedes date all the way back to the Red Pig. Things would be a bit quiet till they launched an all-out assault on the DTM racing scene with the 190 E Cosworth. And the follow up to that was the W202.
By the time the W202 DTM car debuted, the cars were nearly as sophisticated as Formula 1 cars of the same era. And certainly far removed from productions versions on the road. But they had the silhouette, and that’s what mattered. That also didn’t stop an enthusiast in Thailand from building a faithful W202 DTM replica.
Photographed by Serial One, this W202 replica is mostly for looks. But that’s OK. The full DTM body kit is on display on this car. The gaping wide front bumper leads to the monster flares up front, and that matches huge flares out the back, too. It also has the unmistakable stubby dual element rear wing, too. Equally massive wheels and tires are stuffed under those arches, now. Hankook C51 slicks provide the grip, and based on the controller inside, it rides on air suspension.
Judging by the gauges and interior, this isn’t a special W202 by any means, so it’s not like a C36 or C43 AMG was cut up in order to make this car. But the modifications are thorough and deep. Only woodgrain accents give hints to this car’s more humble origins. Otherwise the interior is fully stripped, caged and ready to hit the ‘Ring.
So what do we think of a car like this? Does it pass the sniff test for being a faithful reproduction? Or does it need to step down because it isn’t fully built for the race track? That’s a tough one to decide, but given that this car is in Thailand, which isn’t known for having the Nurburgring, we’re going to give this one a thumbs up.
Photos: SerialOne Photography
Join the MB World forums now!
