This Misguided Honda Civic Believes It's A Mercedes Supercar | Carscoops

      The i-VTEC-equipped coupe could be the answer for those who cannot afford a genuine Mercedes.

      February 15, 2025, at 17:39

      by Thanos Pappas

      A Honda Civic from the late 1990s has undergone significant visual alterations inspired by Mercedes.

      This so-called "supercar" features authentic Mercedes lighting and a custom body kit.

      The changed roofline indicates that the original car may have been in a collision.

      Car modifications require a blend of creativity, determination, and a readiness to overlook conventional taste. An Indonesian Honda Civic owner has fully embraced the creative aspect, transforming his modest sedan into a custom “Mercedes supercar” using a mix of genuine and aftermarket parts.

      What began as a 1996 Honda Civic is now almost unrecognizable due to extensive visual alterations. The headlights seem to come from a first-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163) SUV, flanking a custom grille resembling that of the Mercedes-McLaren SLR. The bumper intakes and hood vents take inspiration from previous AMG models, while the side profile features fake gills to enhance the performance “illusion.”

      The roofline and pillars of the Honda Civic have been reshaped, leading to the impression that the original car might have experienced a rollover accident. Consequently, the faux Mercedes has frameless doors and unusual proportions. If you look closely, you might sense a hint of a CLK, but it’s definitely not strong enough to be considered a replica.

      At the rear, smoked taillights from the second-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) roadster accompany a custom tailgate and rear bumper. Aligning with the AMG-inspired theme, the car features quad tailpipes within a diffuser. Additional elements include a fixed rear wing, ultra-slim mirrors, and a set of 18-inch Meister alloy wheels, providing it with a distinctive—if not entirely convincing—performance appearance.

      Inside, the Civic’s interior showcases a Mercedes emblem on the steering wheel, yellow door inserts, and a large infotainment screen in the center console. The aftermarket audio system is particularly ambitious, with enough speakers packed in to render the cargo space nearly nonexistent.

      Under the hood, however, it remains a Honda. Power is sourced from the Civic’s signature iVTEC engine, paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Unlike every two-door Mercedes coupe that directs power to the rear wheels, this front-wheel-drive vehicle retains its original setup, meaning the “supercar” transformation is purely aesthetic.

      This unique model came to our notice through a Facebook Marketplace listing, where it has been up for sale for over a month. In a rather inventive marketing tactic, the seller has edited various Ferraris into photos alongside the build. After all, nothing indicates “supercar status” quite like a bit of digital optimism.

      Depending on the listing (there are at least two available), the “Mercedified” Honda is priced between 75 and 79 million Indonesian Rupiahs, which equates to only about $4,600–$4,800. The modifications alone are estimated to have cost 40 million Rupiahs ($2,400), meaning someone has invested a considerable amount into this project.