Registration: C615TLM
Chassis: WDB2010342F132261
Odometer: 127,000
Transmission: Manual
MOT: July 2027
- Lots of history
- Great looking example
- Original book pack
- Drives and presents very well
Here we have a very fine example of the rare Mercedes 190 E 2.3-16 Cosworth. Just the word Cosworth is enough to get your juices flowing over an amazing example. First registered in October 1985 by Mercedes Benz, Edgeware Road, London to its first owner and finished in Blue / Black metallic with the chequer trim, this highly sought-after homologation special is presented from long-term ownership. Having been with its current keeper since August 2011, it is offered with an impressive history file documenting its life and maintenance.
At the heart of the 190E 2.3-16 is the legendary 2299cc M102 four-cylinder engine, fitted with the Formula One-inspired Cosworth-designed double overhead camshaft 16-valve aluminium cylinder head that transformed the standard 190 into a genuine sports saloon. Developed to homologate the model for touring car competition, the original 2.3-16 is regarded by many enthusiasts as the purest expression of the Cosworth partnership with any manufacture, with its free-revving nature, sharp throttle response, keen handling and engaging driving characteristics making it the purist's choice over later variants and it’s at the time competition, although many would say that it didn’t really have any competition at the time. They may be right, as there was nothing quite like it. It was this model that laid the foundations for one of the greatest rivalries of the era, going head-to-head with the BMW E30 M3 both on the racetrack and the road.
This 190 has had just five former keepers in total, very low for an example such as this, and it has covered a sensible 127,000 miles. The mileage is believed to be correct, and is supported by the original stamped service booklet containing service entries to 98,000 miles together with a substantial history file including old MOT certificates, maintenance invoices and the original Mercedes-Benz driver's handbook pack. The service book contains in excess of 26 stamps. More recently, the Benz has benefitted from a recommissioning service costing in excess of £1,500 which included a service and front pads and discs. It is also supplied with a current MOT valid until July 2027. The paperwork consists of lots of receipts and invoices, as well as a large collection of old MOTs, all nice things to have with your classic demonstrating how well it has been cared for throughout its life. It is sat on a set of 16” alloys that may be after-market but very befitting, which in turn are sat on a matching set of Michelin tyres. One thing to note, which is very common on 190s, is the door panels are prone to shrinking over time and this is beginning to show, no big deal but good to know.
Increasingly rare and highly collectible, the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth has firmly established itself as one of the most desirable modern classics of its generation. Combining everyday usability with genuine motorsport pedigree. It represents an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of Stuttgart's finest homologation specials, whose reputation continues to grow among collectors and enthusiasts alike and has become a very rare find. This is one of the 1980s legends that is instantly recognised as to what it is. Always admired, it is also one of the coolest available today, but as ever don’t take our word for it, take a closer look and see for yourself.
PLEASE NOTE: This Lot is recorded on HPI as ‘Category C Insurance Loss. Vehicle Extensively Damaged But Repairable - Insurer Decided Not To Repair 27/06/2012’ and ‘VIC PASS: This vehicle has had an identity check carried out by VOSA. The V5 will state "substantially repaired and/or accident damaged: identity checked on 16/10/2014" 16/10/2014’. The vendor has provided the following information:
“During the current ownership, the vehicle sustained relatively light nearside front damage, affecting the wing, headlamp and front bumper, following an incident in 2012. The vehicle subsequently received a Category C insurance marker, recorded in June 2016, although it successfully passed a VOSA Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) in October 2014 before returning to the road.”
