To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' The Munich Auction event, 20 November 2026.

• Numbered “002” from a limited run of 500 cars, all of which were finished in Blue-Black Metallic paint
• Kept by the factory when new with Mercedes-Benz AG recorded as first registered owner; allocated to three-time DTM champion and AMG-Mercedes driver Klaus Ludwig
• Offered with a letter stating ownership by Ludwig further to a model car and piece of dashboard trim signed by the former DTM champion
• Retains its matching-numbers 2.5-litre Cosworth engine; motor is paired with a five-speed “dog leg” gearbox
• Odometer shows 45,833 kilometres at the time of cataloguing
• Accompanied by a its factory-issued Data Card, Mercedes-Benz books and manuals, German registration papers, and original order forms

Built as just the second example from the 500-strong production run for the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II, this car was completed in March 1990 and was initially retained by the factory. Specified with options including air conditioning, electric sliding roof, and heated front seats, the 190 E was finished in Blue-Black Metallic over Black leather, in-keeping with the rest of the Evolution II production run. With Mercedes-Benz AG registered as the car’s first owner, the 190 E was given to AMG-Mercedes driver Klaus Ludwig for personal use (confirmed by a letter from Ludwig, available to view on file). In July 1991, the company sold the car to Georg Mekle of the Mosolf Racing Team based in Kirchheim unter Teck, south-east of Stuttgart. By the time of the handover, the car had covered around 20,500 kilometres. It was sold for 98,952 Deutsche Mark, equivalent to around €100,000 today.

With Herr Mekle, the Evolution II was used sparingly, mostly being driven to truck races in which the Mosolf Racing Team competed. Later on, its use was limited to annual trips for TÜV inspection, and accordingly the car presents at auction with only 45,833 kilometres on its odometer. Known to have its rear axle replaced by a Mercedes-Benz service centre in 1990, the 190 E does retain its matching-numbers 2.5-litre engine. The car is offered with its factory-issued Data Card, period German title papers, prior bills of sale, Mercedes-Benz books and manuals, plus model car and dashboard trim signed by Ludwig. Historically significant for its early build slot and early ownership history, this 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II will surely appeal to Mercedes-Benz aficionados.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mu26/.