Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 219
1987 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 "EVO II Tribute" Project VIN. WDBDA34D3HF350999
Sold for US$17,250 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 219
1987 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 "EVO II Tribute" Project
1987 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 "EVO II Tribute" Project
VIN. WDBDA34D3HF350999
VIN. WDBDA34D3HF350999
1,997cc DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Bosch KE-Jetronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection
167 bhp
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Built in tribute to the legendary 190E EVO DTM Racer
*Based on a factory 2.3-16 Cosworth
*5-Speed 'Dogleg' Gearbox
*Signature flared wheel arches and rear wing
*Restoration project requiring finishing
*A great basis for a DTM tribute road or track car
THE 190E 2.3-16 COSWORTH
In the early 1980s, Mercedes-Benz began its eventual re-entry into motorsport after an absence of several decades. Aside from their back-door support of Sauber in Group C, Mercedes was eyeing the new Group A touring car category as it exploded in popularity. Saloon car racing had frenzied support in Britain and Germany, with highly competitive national championships and fierce manufacturer rivalries. Group A quickly became a hotbed of development, spawning homologation specials like the BMW 635 CSI and M3, Nissan Skyline GT-R, and Ford Sierra RS Cosworth.
Mercedes-Benz wanted in, and the 'baby Benz' 190E was the ideal platform. It was the volume leader and the perfect car to get 'win on Sunday, sell on Monday' cred. It offered independent suspension and a stiff bodyshell, and while it was a bit underpowered in standard form, there was plenty of potential lurking beneath. Mercedes turned to Cosworth to develop a new 16-valve twin-cam cylinder head for the 2.3-liter inline-four. Paired to a 5-speed close-ratio transmission with dogleg first gear, larger wheels, tuned suspension and a subtle aero kit, the new 190E 2.3-16 looked like a winner. Mercedes concentrated their efforts on the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen-Meisterschaft), bringing some heat to the all-conquering BMW M3. Group A and DTM rules allowed for evolution models, and Mercedes-Benz answered with the 2.5-16 (with a larger 2.5-liter engine), the 2.5-16 Evo I with its flared fenders and more aggressive aero kit, and the ultimate 2.5-16 Evo II, complete with a massive rear wing, larger flares and wind tunnel-honed aerodynamics.
THE CAR OFFERED
The 190E offered here began life as a European market 2.3-16 sedan, and it is in the process of being converted to an Evolution II tribute. Retaining its desirable Cosworth 16-valve engine, and 5-speed 'dogleg' manual gearbox, it has gained Evo II style bodywork including the large rear wing, deep front chin spoiler, and signature "teardrop" fender flares. This is a partially completed project, and while the drivetrain appears intact, some ancillaries may be missing. The interior is largely standard 2.3-16 fare and is partially disassembled and the door cards have been stored in the boot. This car has not been started or mechanically evaluated while in Bonhams' care. Appearing fundamentally sound, it presents a unique opportunity as a blank canvas for the next custodian to build their dream of the ultimate Evo II-inspired track day car, DTM replica, or simply a unique head-turner for fast road enjoyment.
Footnotes
Note, due to California emissions laws, this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside the state of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.
Saleroom notices
Please note that CARFAX reports a front-end collision in 1988, as well as a mileage discrepancy. Please note that title is in transit.
Additional information
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