One to Buy: 175km from new 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution 2
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In terms of the hottest brand new car available in the final months of the 1987-1990 collector car boom, it’s hard to argue against the wild Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 in Evolution 2 trim. Built right at the peak of the madness between May and July of 1990, at this point their was still a tsunami of money flooding into the market from Japan.
With the Evo 2, Mercedes collectors were given the chance to buy the firm’s highest grade performance car since the W198 Gullwing and Roadster of 1954-1963.
In total, 502 examples were built, all in left-hand drive. 500 had been required for Mercedes to get the Evo 2 homologated for use in the DTM.
Most obviously new was the radical aero kit which comprised custom bumper assemblies, massive wheelarch extensions, deep side skirts and huge spoilers at either end. There was also a rule-bending external blind for the rear screen to obscure the basket handle wing and an aluminium panel under the rear bumper to further smooth air flow.
In the engine bay was a 235bhp Type M102 992 inline four cylinder motor equipped with the AMG Power Pack and sports exhaust. New 17-inch six spoke alloy wheels were fitted and only one colour was officially offered: Blue-Black Metallic.
Considering the Evo 2’s credentials as the ultimate Mercedes road car of its era and the last of its type that would be built, it’s not surprising that a few were initially squirrelled away and preserved as collector’s pieces, never to turn a wheel. However, with 35 years having passed since these cars were built, the number that still exist in such a state is vanishingly small.
But that’s precisely what will be going under the hammer at Bonhams’ Audrain Concours d’Elegance sale in Newport, Rhode Island, on October 3rd.
Chassis ‘741313’ was delivered to to the Netherlands with several optional extras to include full leather upholstery, air-conditioning, electric seats, an electric sunroof and rear headrests. The car was later exported back to Germany and is being offered in effectively new unrestored condition with just 175km on the clock!
