Highlights
- Appealing 160bhp 2.6 with manual gearbox
- High specification with attractive colour scheme
- £4,000 spent in 4 years on preventative maintenance
- Perfect daily driver or scope to create a classic show car
- MOT to September 2024
The Appeal
The W201 appalled purists. Here was a small ‘budget’ Benz that expanded the firm’s traditional customer base.
They need not have worried. The 190 was brilliant, a sort of shrunken W124 with the same commitment to engineering. Such is the level of quality that it’s hard to imagine Mercedes-Benz made a penny on any 190 sold.
Today enthusiasts love them because they come from that era when the engineering was matched by crisp Bruno Sacco styling. Every 190 model is a joy but, outside of the 16V cars, it is the 2.6 straight six like this one that is freighted with most appeal.
This one has the specification that will grab attention. Beyond the smart burgundy paintwork there is a leather interior and a manual gearbox. Very well maintained, including £4,000 invested in preventative maintenance by the current keeper since he bought it four years ago, this is a very tempting example of a great saloon car.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 5th August 1988
- Factory built in July 1988
- Eight registered keepers
- Vendor acquired the car in September 2019 from specialist All Era Classics
- 15 service stamps in the book
- Over £4,000 spent on maintenance during current ownership summarised below
- This work undertaken by classic and marque specialists
- Last MOT failed due to a cracked spring, which was swiftly replaced on both sides
- Previous MOT failed due to brake line corrosion, which was replaced and then passed swiftly
- MOT to 7th September 2024 with 133,204 miles on test and minor advisories
- Always garaged during vendor’s tenure
- Jacking points previously replaced prior to purchase by seller
- Rear screen replaced and rust remedied
Notable maintenance since September 2019:
- £2,209 in February 2022 across electrics and various mechanicals
- Rear screen replaced at cost of £660 in December 2019
- £1,251 invested with marque specialist in October 2019 on mechanical repairs
The Condition
- Handsome car finished in smart Pajett red metallic (587U) and in good order
- Paintwork is fairly good with some age-related wear to note in photographs
- Vendor reports that there are no dents or scratches on the car
- Small amounts of touch-up paint have been used where needed
- Minor paint imperfections on the boot lid
- New front wings previously installed and jacking points have been replaced
- Rear screen has been removed and refitted during current ownership
- Any rust below the rear screen has been rectified
- Black leather interior with leather wheel and gear knob
- Period-correct Blaupunkt Verona radio cassette installed
- Unmodified and well preserved interior with good fittings and switchgear
- 15 hole factory fitted alloy wheels in good order
- Electric sunroof and electric front windows
- Underside presents well with no structural advisories on current MOT
The Mechanics
- 2,599cc M103 fuel injected six cylinder 160bhp engine
- Desirable and rare 5spd manual gearbox
- Vendor reports that the engine runs well and performs as expected
- A single rear suspension arm is available for installation but we are told car drives fine as is
- We are told the car drives well and keeps up with modern traffic
- Good service history
- £4,000 invested since 2019, summarised above and shown in photographs
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
