1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II

Twenty-five years ago the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II thrilled professionals and the general public alike when it was unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show. Legend has it that the limited run of 502 cars were sold pre-launch, possibly squirrelled away by international car collectors. The bitter rivalry between BMW and Mercedes-Benz helped to hone the greatest touring cars of the era. The Evo II had to win against one of the best touring cars of all time, the E30 M3. Compromise was out of the question. The touring car, developed for Group A racing using this sports saloon as a basis, went on to acquire legendary status. Mercedes-Benz took the first three places in the DTM championship in the 1992 season with this vehicle, which was referred to succinctly as the "Evo II".The engine's output had been raised once again in comparison to the first Evolution model from the previous year, the Evo II now generating 235 horsepower. The top speed was 250 km/h, and the Evo II accelerated from a standing start to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. The body had also undergone further refinement on an aesthetic and aerodynamic level and the car's sporting pedigree was emphasised by its muscular stance. The Evo II's bodykit is perhaps the most outrageous ever applied to a production car and the fact it was a product of the ultra-conservative world of early-90s Mercedes-Benz is even more incredible. Its ostentatious fully adjustable rear spoiler was aerodynamically perfect and the front splitter would make a decent job of cutting the grass. However, despite outward appearances, the Evo II is a comfortable and tractable daily driver.The car we are offering today is number 28 of 500 in "blauschwarz", a striking combination of blue-black metallic paint. The interior remains largely identical to a highly specified 190E of the period. Black anthracite leather and wood trim with a couple of discreet touches to show how special this car is. All Evo IIs had their production numbers on the dog-leg gear stick. The full SLS suspension allows the ride height to be adjusted from an interior switch. The options ordered when new include air conditioning, a fire extinguisher, rear mounted loudspeakers and heated front seats. Luxuries that a Ferrari Scuderia driver could only dream of.This German registered car has had four previous owners, with the vendor purchasing #28 direct from the third owner who was trimming his extensive car collection. The service book has three stamps at the correct intervals, attesting to the current odometer reading of 38,784 kilometres, or a mere 23,900 miles. The car is due its 40,000 kilometre service and will be presented at auction serviced with NOVA applied for. The exterior is unmarked apart from a few minor stone chips at the front, and the windscreen appears to have the original Mercedes-Benz factory stickers. The seats have the patina of regular but careful use, with some rubbing to the leather of the seat bolsters, a common issue with all cars of this type featuring supportive seats.These cars tend to change hands privately, auction records are scarce, and a number of the original 500 may not have survived enthusiastic driving and spins round the Nurburgring, so they are becoming harder to find. With values of its rival, the BMW E30 M3 Evolution II reaching greater heights at every sale and even the Evo II's little sister, the 190 Cosworth breaking the £50,000 level, we feel the guide price is more than reasonable in this heightened market for 1990s performance saloon cars. Who can say when the next Evolution II will appear at this guide price?