Beschreibung
*** NOW SOLD *** We are constantly looking for the very best examples of modern classic and sports cars. Please contact us if you have something special and are looking to sell.
RIGHT-HAND-DRIVE: Tick. MANUAL GEARBOX: Tick. ORIGINAL UK CAR: Tick. Yes, this car really does tick all the boxes! With prices on the up it could well be a case of ‘now or never’ with this rare opportunity to acquire a quite remarkable example of the iconic Mercedes 190E 2. 5-16 Cosworth in the most coveted of specs.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Whilst the earlier 2. 3-16 model suffered some reliability issues, the 2. 5-16 is widely regarded as a superior unit benefitting from double-row timing chains to address these early issues as well as boasting an increased peak power output of 204 hp. With invoices for a top-end engine rebuild completed just a few hundred miles ago along with a recent overhaul and recalibration of the Bosch fuel metering unit, no expense has been spared in ensuring that the engine performs with the same eagerness and character for which it gained its reputation and almost legendary status.
Let’s be honest, few things give you bragging rights equal to that of a ‘dog-leg’ gearbox. Remember, this is the same Getrag 5-speed manual ‘box as fitted to the BMW E30 M3. Though many once favoured the automatic transmission for effortless motoring, given its present day status as a modern classic performance car, the manual ‘box is unquestionably the one to have.
EXTERIOR
You could easily be forgiven for thinking someone has slipped in an additional digit on the odometer, such is the age-defying condition of the bodywork. Finished in iconic Astral Silver, in recent years the car has benefitted from a full respray completed to the very highest of standards and lovingly pampered ever since. It is all too common to see a car ‘tarted-up’ for resale only to discover problems resurfacing a short time later. With the greatest confidence we can say that this is most certainly not the case here.
INTERIOR
Again, as you open the driver’s door to a nostalgic world of leather and quality materials, you begin to question whether the car can possibly have covered any real distance. The beautifully trimmed Recaro sports seats have worn exceptionally well, testimony to the level of craftsmanship employed by Mercedes during this period. The dashboard and door cards are also free from any unsightly marks. All electric windows and switchgear function as they should. At every point of contact - from grasping the leather-wrapped steering wheel to reaching for the chunky gear lever - the entire experience is a sensory delight.
MECHANICAL
Even after nearly 30 years it is not hard to see what made the 2. 5-16 a remarkable car. Vastly different from the suspension of the standard 190, the revised springs, damping, anti-roll bars and harder bushings work in unison to provide a surprisingly compliant ride perfectly paired with sharp handling. The pleasure derived from driving this particular example is testimony not only to Mercedes’ build-quality but undeniably to the high level to which the car has been maintained.
WHEELS & TYRES
Providing yet further evidence of the great care taken in maintaining the vehicle (if for one moment it was needed), this magnificent car is found wearing matching Dunlop tyres enveloping the beautifully restored and unmarked 15-inch alloy wheels.
IN SUMMARY
Neither can words describe nor photos reflect the exceptional condition of this vehicle, more than ever before can we apply the words ‘must be seen’.
Added to the fact that this example has had just 3 former keepers and the current registered keeper since 2005, there is an abundance of service and MOT history; mounting evidence that the car has been cherished its entire life. As I flick through the documentation and admiringly stare at this beautiful silver machine, it is with an indescribable reluctance that I am forced to bring it to market. It can only be a matter of time before prices start hitting the same stratospheric levels as the E30 M3 and Sierra RS Cosworth.
HISTORY
26. 02. 91 - Pre-delivery inspection
13. 03. 91 - 966 miles (First inspection)
05. 06. 91 - 6, 987 miles (Service)
11. 09. 91 - 12, 991 miles (Service)
02. 01. 92 - 18, 699 miles (Service)
31. 03. 92 - 25, 047 miles (Service)
08. 07. 92 - 30, 372 miles (Service)
13. 10. 92 - 36, 295 miles (Service)
13. 01. 93 - 42, 158 miles (Service)
08. 04. 93 - 47, 139 miles (Service)
25. 08. 93 - 55, 046 miles (Service)
30. 03. 94 - 60, 528 miles (Service)
01. 03. 95 - 67, 182 miles (Service)
01. 09. 95 - 72, 615 miles (Service)
09. 04. 96 - 78, 144 miles (Service)
25. 03. 97 - 83, 194 miles (Service)
24. 11. 97 - 86, 243 miles (Service)
23. 10. 98 - 91, 277 miles (Service)
19. 10. 99 - 98, 406 miles (Service)
02. 11. 01 - 104, 200 miles (Service)
20. 02. 03 - 115, 088 miles (Service)
17. 11. 03 - 122, 477 miles (Service)
07. 09. 04 - 129, 690 miles (Service)
22. 03. 05 - 134, 215 miles (Service)
SORN from 2007 to 2016
Additional photos are available at - details above Classics/ Mercedes 190E Cosworth
