Bring A Trailer Auctions, a specialist in buying and selling classic vehicles – Porsche, BMW, Land Rover, and more, gears up for an auction spectacle, the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II. Imported to the US after a European tour through Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands, this exclusive vehicle, marked as #210 of a limited 502, is poised to captivate luxury car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The allure of this Evolution II begins with its metallic black finish exterior. A glance at its profile reveals a carefully crafted aerodynamic package, a nod to its racing heritage. This limited edition model boasts distinctive features, including aggressive fender flares, a front splitter, a rear window spoiler, a fully adjustable rear wing, and 17″ Evo II alloy wheels, shod with 245/40 Michelin Pilot Sport tires, showcasing both form and function.
There’s meticulous attention to detail in the preservation of the model-specific bodywork. A body-color front air dam, side skirts, wheel-arch flares, and a trunk spoiler with an integrated third brake light underscore the Evolution II’s commitment to both aesthetics and performance. Integrated fog lights, an electric sunroof, asymmetrical side mirrors, and a single articulating windshield wiper complete the silhouette. The Evolution II’s lower ride height, wider track, and larger brakes distinguish it from the standard 2.5-16.
This particular Evolution II’s cabin features bolstered sport seats, upholstered in black leather with heating and power-adjustability, the Becker Europa 2000 cassette stereo, leather-wrapped steering wheel framing a 260-km/h speedometer and a tachometer with a 7,600-rpm redline. Auxiliary gauges, thoughtfully placed in the center stack, provide essential information, including oil temperature and voltage. The driver-centric design extends to the shift knob, displaying the distinctive dogleg shift pattern and designating this particular model as #210 in the series.
With a six-digit odometer displaying 187k kilometers (~116k miles), this Evolution II has a storied history. The meticulous care is evident in recent services, including fluid changes, valve cover resealing, and the replacement of engine mounts, spark plugs, distributor caps, batteries, accessory belts, and filters. The air conditioning system received attention with a replacement compressor, condenser, and refrigerant recharge in 2023.
This 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II runs on a Cosworth-developed 2.5-liter M102 inline-four engine. Distinguished by a shorter stroke and larger bore than the standard 2.5-16 model, this powerplant is enhanced by the AMG PowerPack. The Getrag five-speed manual gearbox, with its distinctive dogleg shift pattern, channels power to the rear wheels, while an automatic limited-slip differential (ALSD) ensures optimal traction and responsiveness. This comprehensive package includes a revised throttle body, air intake, camshafts, engine management programming, and an exhaust system, delivering a factory-rated output of 232 hp.
Recent servicing in Belgium since July 2023 has fine-tuned the engine’s performance, ensuring peak reliability and power delivery. It comes with an owner’s manual, a 190E 2.5-16V brochure, inspection reports, and import documentation. The clean Carfax report further attests to its immaculate condition, revealing a journey devoid of accidents or damage, with a history rooted in Georgia since its initial entry in October 2023.
Currently located in Savannah, Georgia 31415, the auction for the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II will only be open until Thursday, December 21st at 10:00 am. Interested parties can check out the Bring A Trailer website to check out the car and place a bid.