1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II

Lot details
Registration No: EU-Reg
Chassis No: WDB2010361F736047

- 1 of just 502 examples made

- Formerly UK registered as 'J613 SWL' and more recently resident in Spain

- Full Black leather upholstery

Among the most outrageous homologation specials ever sold to the public, the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II debuted at the 1990 Geneva Motor Show. Conceived to dethrone BMW's dominant M3 (E30) in the highly prestigious DTM series, the newcomer sported an outlandish bodykit designed by renowned aerodynamicist Professor Richard Eppler of Stuttgart University. Powered by a bespoke shorter-stroke / bigger bore version of the 2.5 litre DOHC 16-valve engine fitted to its production siblings, the 'Evo II' developed 235bhp @ 7,200rpm and 181lbft of torque @ 5,000rpm. Equipped with a Getrag five-speed manual gearbox and weighing just 1,340kg, the four-door sports saloon was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds and 155mph. Suitably uprated, its all-round independent suspension (McPherson strut front / multi-link rear) boasted an adjustable ride height function, while the Baby Benz's ABS-backed four-wheel disc brakes and power assisted recirculating ball steering were similarly enhanced. Considerably more expensive and rarer than BMW's equivalent E30 M3 Sport Evolution, all 502 examples of the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II were apparently snapped up before the model officially went on sale! Interestingly all but two were finished in 'BlauSchwarz' blue/black metallic (the others being painted Astral Silver). Though, owners could choose between full leather upholstery and hide trim with cloth inserts. Quick out of the box, it would not be until 1992 that racing versions of the 'Evo II' finally vanquished their BMW nemeses; the top three places in that season's DTM championship being occupied by Mercedes' drivers Ludwig, Thiim and Schneider respectively.

This particular example was supplied new to Germany and first registered there on 27th July 1990. Subsequently resident in both Spain and the UK, it currently wears Spanish number plates ('MA-3714-BK') but also appears on the DVLA and HPi databases (as 'J613 SWL'). A serial BMW collector who has had numerous E30 M3s over time, the vendor was nonetheless intrigued by the prospect of owning an 'Evo II' and thus acquired chassis 736047 during 2003. Said to be 'huge fun to drive', it was garaged at his Marbella holiday home for several years before being entrusted to Blue Bell Wilmslow Ltd for some light recommissioning in December 2012. Totalling £2,440.09, the work included an oil and filter change for the engine plus new water hoses, while attention was also paid to the car's brake system, central locking, exhaust and headlamps etc. Further benefiting from four new Pirelli Rosso 245/40R17 tyres in 2013, the last twelve months or so have seen the Mercedes-Benz fitted with a new radiator and battery not to mention a miles / kilometres speedometer face. Still reading in kilometres, the odometer shows a highly credible but unwarranted 72,000 / c.45,000 miles. Starting readily upon inspection and sounding decidedly purposeful, chassis 736047 is trimmed in Black leather and retains its trademark gargantuan adjustable rear spoiler, blistered wheelarches and 17-inch alloy wheels. An apparently low mileage example, but not so low that it cannot be driven as its maker intended, this highly presentable 'Evo II' offers bidders the chance to acquire one of the most unlikely cars ever to emerge from Stuttgart! Accompanying paperwork includes a Spanish Tourist Class Registration Document, HPi report and sundry bills / invoices.