Mercedes Benz went head to head with BMW when it launched the compact 190 Series in December 1982, expanding its market to include motorists hitherto unable to afford the Stuttgart manufacturer's high-quality products. Competing with BMW in the showroom also meant confronting them on the racetrack in the “Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft” (DTM) touring car championship, and with that in mind Mercedes Benz produced limited-edition 'homologation specials' incorporating a host of competition-orientated features. The first of these, the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution, debuted at the Geneva Auto Show in March 1989. The 'Evo 1', as it came to be known, featured upgraded brakes and suspension, a new spoiler and wider wheel arches, while the engine, although of the same capacity and approximately the same power output as the stock 2.5-16, had a shorter stroke (and wider bore) enabling it to rev higher in race tune. Only 502 examples of the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution model were produced for DTM homologation purposes.
This rare homologation special was first delivered to Germany where it remained its entire life. This car has been the subject of an incredible ground up restoration to the body, the electrics and the mechanics, at a vast cost. This surely must be one of the very best examples available anywhere today. It’s simply breathtaking and hugely collectable.
Fast becoming one of the most sought after of modern classics, this is a great chance to own a piece of Mercedes- Benz history with an unmistakable racing pedigree.