Mercedes-Benz 190 Cosworth 2.3 16

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In 1979 Mercedes-Benz decided that it was time for them to re-enter the world of production car racing so they turned to Cosworth Engineering to add a bit of fire to their new range of saloon cars, the 190 Series.

Cosworth developed a 16-valve cylinder head for the 2.3 litre M102 engine which resulted in 185bhp and was good for 0-60 in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 145mph. The chassis was also considerably upgraded over the standard 190 with sports suspension, quicker steering, limited slip diff, ABS brakes, ADS traction control, an aerodynamic bodykit to reduce lift and drag, and a larger fuel tank.

In August 1983, one month before the official launch of the car, three Cosworths were sent to the Nardo testing facility in Italy where they set three world records and twelve international endurance records by running flat out non-stop (apart from refuelling) for 50,000km (31,250 miles) at a combined average speed of 154.06mph. This astonishing feat was achieved with no modifications from standard except the removal of the door mirrors, the headlamp and windscreen wipers and the fitment of a 2.65:1 ratio rear axle.

The Cosworth Mercedes was also immensely successful in the German DTM Touring Car Championships, winning 50 races and numerous DTM titles, often blowing BMW’s M3 into the weeds. It was given a larger 2.5-litre engine in 1988 (though this was no faster and the free-revving 2.3 is the one most rated by purists) and remained in production until 1993.

This particular 2.3-litre Cosworth dates from 1986 and was purchased by the vendor from a private Mercedes collection where it had remained indoors and on axle stands for some 15 years. The Smoke Silver coachwork is in good condition as is the black leather sports interior. The underside of the car is said to be in excellent condition and has been protected by a boiled wax coating.

Features include the correct five-speed dog-leg manual gearbox, original wheels, electric sliding steel sunroof and a Clarion radio cassette. The car has covered some 148,800 miles from new and is said to have been well maintained with a good service history including a new cam chain at the recommended 100,000 miles. It comes with a fresh MOT which expires in April 2015 and is altogether a most correct and well-preserved example of this beautifully engineered sporting saloon. 

CATALOGUE AMENDMENT: - The service records are not present.