One to Buy: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution 2
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.
Reprinted below is L’Art de l’Automobile’s description for this low mileage DTM homologation special:
Registered 18/07/90
Mileage: 47,000km
Price: €290,000
COLORS
Black Blue metallic, black leather and fabric interior
OPTIONS
470 ABS
071 Black fabric
620 Catalytic converter
580 Air conditioning
511 Becker car radio
873 Heated seats
199 Black Blue metallic
489 Front lift
211 Limited slip differential
412 Steel electric tilting sunroof
INFORMATIONS
Exceptional condition
Original mileage
Copy n°030/500
Notebook, manuals, duplicate key
Monitoring and maintenance:
On 08/08/1991 at 1,200 km by Mercedes-Benz Monaco
On 04/07/2011 at 42,300 km by Mercedes-Benz Méjannes-lès-Alès
On 12/20/2021 at 46,935 km by Mercedes-Benz Méjannes- les-ales
With an inimitable style, the Mercedes 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II is an essential car for any enthusiast of the DTM discipline. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1990, a year after the Evolution I, German engineers made a host of modifications to the bodywork of the 190 sedan, intended to improve the car's aero and cooling, but also to to once again be able to approve certain innovations in the German DTM championship.
Many aesthetic changes are to be noted compared to the Evo 1. First, we notice the impressive wing extensions and the imposing fixed wing, which have largely contributed to the myth of this incredible model. The new rims now measure 17 inches and are sublime. The front spoiler is always more menacing. The passenger compartment is equipped with the mythical mixed leather/checked fabric upholstery. The driver can count on a battery of counters and the chronometer. On the left side of the steering wheel, there is the trim control which is adjustable.
The 2,463 cc Cosworth 4-cylinder 16-valve 190 Evolution II develops 235 horsepower at 7,200 rpm, allowing it to reach 247 km/h, and the car features the efficient Getrag 5-speed manual gearbox. reports. The 0 to 100 km/h is shot in 7.1 seconds. Limited-slip differential, the pushed back red zone, more incisive steering, larger brakes or even a firmer adjustable suspension, there is no doubt that the Evo 2 comes to play in the big leagues, especially since the announced curb weight is 1395 kg. Ground clearance is reduced by 45 mm, but the optional riser allows hassle-free city use.
Equipped among other things with lift, air conditioning, heated seats, car radio and sunroof, this example does not leave comfort aside. Totaling only 47,000 km, the car is in exceptional condition. It is soberly configured in the superb Midnight Blue color with fabric seats. We are therefore offering you a collector's item limited to 500 copies, and more particularly copy n°030/500, in a superb and iconic configuration.
