Chassis No. WDB2010361F603434

Engine No. 102.991.10.000231

Marking Mercedes return to full factory works motorsports in the 1980s, the newly introduced 190 E 2.3-16 with its Cosworth designed cylinder head were entered into the inaugural Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) touring car race in 1984. Having completed the FIA Group A homologation requirement to sell 5,000 production examples, the 2.5-16 was introduced as the replacement to the 2.3-16 after four years in September 1988. With the stroke increased, the 2.5-16 produced up to 201 horsepower, or 19 more than its predecessor.

While the increased displacement was praised for the road going version for its increase power, it proved unfavorable for sustained high RPMs on track. FIA rules required a new engine to enter production in at least ten percent of the homologation run. This led to the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution, revealed in Geneva in March 1989. Featuring a high-revving 2.5-liter engine with a big bore and shorter stroke than its counterpart, it additionally featured uprated suspension and brakes, 16-inch wheels, extended fenders for a wider suspension track, and a prominent rear wing. In total, just 502 examples were built in Blue-Black Metallic and sold to motorsport-focused clients.

Produced in February 1989, this 2.5-16 was one of the 502 Evolution models produced to satisfy the FIA homologation requirements. Its service book shows the car was delivered new by Mercedes-Benz of Mannheim, Germany, to its original owner on 8 May 1989. Leaning into its inherent Mercedes ability to be a comfortable streetcar, but with the added racing pedigree, the car was factory equipped with the optional power sunroof, heated, power-adjustable Recaro leather seats, central locking, power windows, air conditioning, and a stereo radio.

Moving to Switzerland shortly after its original delivery residing with a Swiss collector for many years before being passed on to gentleman racer Rik Glorieux, the car remained with him in Switzerland in wonderful condition until 2014 when it was acquired by its current owner, a passionate Belgian Mercedes 190 collector and enthusiast. Wanting to improve upon their stellar EVO, the car was refinished as originally specified in Blue Black Metallic as a result of stone chips and minor wear consistent with its age and mileage at the time. With just over 113,000 kilometers at the time of cataloging, the car remains in superb condition throughout today. European taxes paid, this Evolution I is furnished with a Belgian demande d'immatriculation E705 and with its original Swiss carte Grise. For Mercedes-Benz, the Evolution I represents the turning point on Germany's racing circuits, paving the way for a decade of DTM domination. For those fortunate enough, the Evolution I represents a chance to savor the delights of this seldom-seen road-legal, homologated Mercedes touring car.