Classic Car Club Manhattan’s ’89 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution I Is Up for Auction

The 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution I is a classic that’s been aging so darn well. Classic Car Club Manhattan happens to own a low-mile example and it’s currently up for grabs through Bring A Trailer.

Crafted as a limited-production homologation variant for the 1989 model year, the 190E Evolution I boasts exclusivity with just 502 examples ever produced. Originally delivered to France, this particular specimen embarked on a journey to the Netherlands in October 2020 before finding its way to the United States.

Notable changes included a comprehensive repaint in its original Blue-Black Metallic hue, restoring its exterior to pristine condition. Additionally, essential maintenance and upgrades were undertaken, ranging from the rebuilding of all four shocks to a flush and bleed of the suspension system, brake rotors and pads replacement in November 2020, and a rebuild of the adjustable self-leveling suspension in September 2023.

Dressed in the captivating Blue-Black Metallic hue, the car’s aerodynamic bodywork, accented by pronounced fender flares and a rear wing, commands attention on the road. Noteworthy details include integrated fog lights, asymmetrical side mirrors, 16″ Evo I alloy wheels, 225/45 Continental SportContact 2 tires, and four-wheel ventilated discs with ABS.

The car’s cabin features Anthracite leather and tartan cloth adorning the bolstered sports seats, offering both comfort and style. Zebrano wood trim adds a touch of refinement to the ambiance, complementing amenities such as the Continental head unit and power-operated features. The car doesn’t have air conditioning and has minor signs of wear indicative of its pedigree.

At the heart of the 190E Evolution, I lie a 2.5-liter Cosworth inline-four engine, delivering a spirited performance with 202 horsepower under the command of a dogleg five-speed manual transmission. Recent enhancements include rebuilding the fuel distributor and installing new ignition components, ensuring optimal functionality for the road ahead.

The six-digit odometer shows 80k kilometers, with 10k added under the current owner’s possession. There is, however, a minor discrepancy in an August 2023 entry noted in the Carfax report.

Sold by the prestigious Classic Car Club Manhattan, headquartered in the heart of New York City, the Classic Car Club Manhattan is a private enclave for car enthusiasts who revel in the art of driving and the thrill of the open road. The club has access to a fleet of luxury cars, including Ferraris and Aston Martins.

Enthusiasts and collectors alike can vie for the opportunity to own this automotive masterpiece as it crosses the auction block on Bring A Trailer. As of the time of writing, the current bid stands at $64,932 as the auction enters its final phase. This 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution I example comes with a clean New York title and is set to find its new home in just 2 days. For more information and to place a bid, please visit the Bring A Trailer website.