1989 Mercedes Benz 190 E Cosworth

When Mercedes-Benz decided they wanted to go racing in the German touring car series, they turned to the compact 190 model as the basis.

This fantastic example of the Mercedes-Benz 190E, quickly dubbed the ‘Baby Benz’, brought the prestigious marque within the reach of many. While this model featured nearly all the safety features of its bigger brothers, and corresponding build quality, the one model everyone seeks today is the 2.5-16.

Created in response to BMW’s M3 and the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, Mercedes decided to create a more spirited version of the popular entry level car by fitting it with a new 2.3-litre 16-valve straight four which was superseded by the 2.5-16 in 1988. The new DOHC motor developed 185bhp, thanks mainly to the fact that it was designed and built by British engineering expert Cosworth. It has been said that secretly Mercedes really only developed this car with the intention of racing it.

The chiseled exterior finished in Almandine Metallic Red has a sportier body kit and a low profile rear spoiler while the interior benefits from leather-wrapped Recaro sport bucket seats and VDO gauges.

While the power output is low by today’s standards, the 190E Cosworth was one of the greatest European sport sedans on the road in its day, making it one of the most desirable collectable Mercedes-Benz today. This is an extremely rare model being ordered new with the silky smooth automatic transmission, making this a very usable city classic.

Having been in the same family ownership for many years and reading a genuine 60,000 Miles, this is a fantastic investment opportunity not to be missed.

BAINS CLASSIC MOTOR HOUSE is a low volume boutique classic car broker. Viewing of vehicles is by appointment only in our North Canterbury located Motor House.