One to Buy: 47,000km from new 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution 2
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Mercedes unveiled their final and most extreme iteration of the 190 E 2.3 / 2.5-16 theme at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1990. Created to homologate a wild new aero kit, a further uprated engine and some bigger wheels / tyres for that season’s DTM, 500 had to be built for the new equipment to gain approval, all of which were constructed between May and July.
In the engine bay was a 235bhp Type M102 992 inline four cylinder motor equipped with the AMG Power Pack and sports exhaust.
However, the big news was the Evolution 2’s radical new look which included 17-inch six spoke alloy wheels, 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.
Like the Evolution 1, only one colour was officially offered: Blue-Black Metallic.
If valuations are anything to go by, the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution 2 ranks as arguably the most desirable Group A-derived homologation special of its era.
Currently on offer at the L’Art de l’Automobile showroom in Paris is this low mileage Evolution 2 – number 30 of the 500 customer cars built.
Originally delivered to a customer in Monaco, it was specified with a host of optional extras to include heated seats, air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes, an electric sunroof and front axle lift.
Having covered just 47,000km from new, it remains in superb condition.
