Lot Ended
Description
2.3-16 Cosworth powered;
only 5 owners from new; only 127,000 miles currently showing on the speedometer;
MOT valid until July 2027; Category C insurance marker, but successfully passed
a VOSA Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) after repair
Offered here is the
iconic Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth, one of the defining performance
saloons of the 1980s and a model that cemented Mercedes-Benz's reputation on
both road and track. First registered in October 1985 and finished in Blue/Black
metallic, this highly sought-after homologation special is presented in
long-term ownership, having been with its current keeper since August 2011, and
is offered with an impressive history file documenting its life and
maintenance.
At the heart of the 190E
2.3-16 is the legendary 2,299cc 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 its free-revving nature, sharp throttle response and
engaging driving characteristics making it the purist's choice over later
variants. 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 example has had just five
former keepers in total and has covered a sensible 127,000 miles. The mileage 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. More recently, the car has benefitted from a recommissioning
service costing in excess of £1,500 and is supplied with a current MOT valid
until July 2027.
Prospective bidders should
note that 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.
During its time on site for
photography and filming, the Mercedes started readily, drove well and stopped
exactly as expected.
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, a car whose reputation continues to grow among collectors and
enthusiasts alike.
Contact
james.booth@brightwells.com