This 1992 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 was originally owned by James Brown through 2002 before being passed on to his granddaughter showing three owners and 176k miles from new. Finished in Blue-Black Metallic (199) over Black MB-Tex (171), power is provided by a 2.3-liter inline-four mated to a four-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Factory equipment includes a power sliding sunroof, power front seats, power windows, power mirrors, automatic climate control, and cruise control. Included with the sale of the car is a signed James Brown guitar. This 190E is now offered for sale by the selling dealer in Fenton, Missouri with a clean South Carolina title.
The body is finished in Blue-Black Metallic (199) and features contrasting gray lower body cladding and a “Sex Machine” front license plate. Exterior features include a power sliding sunroof, an automatic antenna, heated power-adjustable door mirrors, a heated rear window, heated windshield washers and central locking. The exterior shows no signs of rust or damage. The Carfax report shows an accident occurring in 2006 with moderate damage reported to the front of the car.
The factory 15” Gullideckel wheels have been fitted with a set of Uniroyal Tiger Paw tires measuring 195/60 on all four corners. Braking is handled by four-wheel power-assisted discs with ABS.
The cabin is trimmed in Black MB-Tex (171) with a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel while Zebrano wood trim lines the center console. Cracking in the wood trim is visible on the shift surround. Both front seats offer 10-way power adjustability. The driver side lower seat adjustment switch is missing. Interior appointments include power windows, automatic climate control, cruise control, a locking glove compartment, a folding center armrest, a 6-speaker active-bass audio system and a Clarion head unit with an integrated CD player. The seller reports that the AC system does not blow cold.
The four-spoke steering wheel frames VDO instrumentation including a 140-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock, a digital outside temperature sensor and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature and oil pressure. The six-digit odometer currently shows 176k miles from new.
This W201 is powered by a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine which is rated for 130 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Underbody photos have been provided by the seller and are viewable in the photo gallery.
The Carfax report shows three owners from new with registration in Alaska, Georgia and South Carolina. Linear mileage updates are shown from new. The aforementioned accident report is shown in 2006 with no other accidents or damage reports on the Carfax. This James-Brown-owned 190E 2.3 is now offered for sale with a signed James Brown guitar and a clean South Carolina title.
A driving video has been provided by the seller below.
An original inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, James Brown is known as one of the originators of funk and the “Godfather of Soul”. With a career spanning over five decades and 17 Billboard number 1 singles, James Brown, and his iconic singing voice, is an instantly recognizable name and one of the most important figures in music. After owning and driving this “Baby Benz” for 10 years, this 190E would be passed on to his granddaughter who would own it for another four. While the odometer shows 176k miles, this 190E shows an exceptional condition with no signs of rust or damage. For a music-buff car enthusiast, this unique piece of history is a rare opportunity to own a seriously special car.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
The winning bidder will receive an email with the quote and option to proceed with shipping.
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6 Comments
No offense to the bidders but the high bid for this car is insulting. I'm glad there was a reserve. To own a car once owned by such an iconic singer with an autographed guitar thrown in is a rare opportunity. No space in my garage or I would've bid.$4,000 bid placed by @NYCdriver
$3,000 bid placed by @Ramrattan
$2,750 bid placed by @TheKnight27
$2,500 bid placed by @GPgrand
$1,500 bid placed by @Duke182000
$1,250 bid placed by @Jerryzapata19
$1,000 bid placed by @edand
$250 bid placed by @Yzaffa1
Two of my favorites cars to bid on, but only one spot left in the garage………Not only was James Brown a great musician, he had great taste in cars. What a terrific piece of history. I own a 1991 so I know what a great car any 190E is but this particular one has an additional specialness that's all it's own. Totally cool. @thembmarket, I would add that the ABS is only on the 2 front wheels. I will be really curious to see what this sells for. I wish the seller GLWTA.Thank you! The electrical connector at the differential is a speed sensor for the antilock brake (ABS) system.@gsxr Thanks. The seller reported it as LSD added and the electronic connector in the underbody photos (for the electronically actuated system) seemed to infer as such...but we will remove reference to the LSD until further confirmation is obtained.@MBM, this car does not have "an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential", or any limited-slip. It does not have ASD or ASR either. https://www.lastvin.com/vin/rogOm27By0vE8DNRl