One to Buy: ex-Cesare Perdisa, sunroof delete 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution 2
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Between the late 1980s and early 1990s, the FIA’s Group A Evolution rule spawned a series of spectacular homologation specials.
Once the original batch of 5000 Group A cars had been completed, it enabled manufacturers to create ever more extreme variants in annual batches of just 500 examples. Typically, Evolution machinery was tricked out with an array of race or rally-inspired features designed to make the competition version as competitive as possible.
Ford, BMW and Mercedes all famously went down this path with their Sierra Cosworth, M3 and 190 E Group A specials and today, the Evolution variants are typically the most highly prized by collectors.
Currently on offer at the Premium Classics showroom in Boxtel, the Netherlands, is arguably the best example of the ultimate 190 E produced: a non-sunroof Evolution 2.
One of just handful of Evolution 2’s to have been specified with the lighter, stiffer sunroof delete option, number 489 of the series was originally delivered to ex-Maserati Formula 1 racer, Cesare Perdisa, and has remained with his family since new.
Today, this most exceptional machine has covered 28,000km and remains in superb original, unrestored condition.
