190E 2.5-16 Evolution II Heading to Auction

This Historic Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II Could Be Yours, If Your Pockets Are Deep Enough

If you’re a Mercedes-Benz fanatic, it’s not going to take long to find something to get excited about in 2017. Later this month, RM Sotheby’s is selling a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II, the ultimate version of the W201 chassis.

Built for homologation purposes to compete against BMW’s E30 M3 in DTM racing, the 190E is the culmination of an automotive arms race that will go down as one of the most exciting eras of touring-car racing.

It sports an engine developed in concert with Cosworth, and further massaged by AMG with their PowerPack. Combined hardware and software wring an extra 30 horsepower out of the already potent engine. More aggressive camshafts, a big-bore throttle body, and optimized engine management result in an output of 230 horsepower.

This Is the 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II to Buy

Despite being a race-bred homologation model for the street, the original owner of this car decided to take its performance to the next level. Modifications include a full racing exhaust from the manifold back, a custom intake manifold with individual throttle bodies, larger fuel injectors, and Motec engine management.

This car is also fitted with additional chassis bracing, Brembo Monobloc brake calipers, and DTM-spec OZ wheels. All of which make the car look ready to take on the Nurburgring. Curiously, after all of these modifications, the car was never raced. It’s been living a pampered life in Japan, racking up a mere 5,000 kilometers.

Very few of these cars were produced — 502, to be exact — so finding another one will be difficult. While modifications usually detract from the value of such a car, these carefully-chosen upgrades further this one’s original intent. They actually bring this homologation model closer to full race-spec.

The low mileage and impeccable condition further solidify the car’s pedigree. To put it bluntly, if you want to own a 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II, this is the one to buy. Check out RM Sotheby’s auction listing for more photos and details.

Would you drive this car, track it, or keep it sealed off in a bubble somewhere?

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>

Via [RM Sotheby’s]

Cameron Vanderhorst

Cam VanDerHorst has been a contributor to Internet Brands' Auto Group sites for over three years, with his byline appearing on Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Corvette Forum, JK Forum, and Harley-Davidson Forums, among others. In that time, he's also contributed to Autoweek, The Drive, and Scale Auto Magazine.
He bought his first car at age 14 -- a 1978 Ford Mustang II -- and since then he’s amassed an impressive and diverse collection of cars, trucks, and motorcycles, including a 1996 Ford Mustang SVT Mystic Cobra (#683) and a classic air-cooled Porsche 911.
In addition to writing about cars and wrenching on them in his spare time, he enjoys playing music (drums and ukulele), building model cars, and tending to his chickens.
You can follow Cam, his cars, his bikes, and his chickens at @camvanderhorst on Instagram.

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