This 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 is one of 502 Evolution I examples built and was originally ordered via the Emden Branch for the Japanese market. It was delivered to the original client in Japan in 1989 and remained there until 2019 when it was exported to Australia and subsequently the United States for the selling dealer. This example shows an original 21k km (~13k miles) and includes the Japanese records since new that have been translated in preparation for the sale. Finished in Black Pearl Metallic (199) over Anthracite Leather (271) this special W201 is powered by a 2.5-liter Cosworth inline-four paired with a dogleg five-speed manual transmission. Equipment includes a limited-slip differential, a self-leveling suspension, 16″ Evo I alloy wheels, a power sunroof, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a Carrozzeria head unit. The selling dealer has included a full inspection report showing mechanical condition of the car including a compression test, seal and gasket check, and electronics check. Records for the car have been kept since 1989 and have been translated from Japanese in preparation for the sale. The selling dealer has promised a complete fluid flush and filter change for the buyer as well. This W201 Evolution I is now offered by the selling dealer in Florida with the owner’s manual, complete service records, 2 keys, importation paperwork, and a clean Florida title.
Mercedes-Benz introduced the 190E Evolution as a limited-production homologation for the 1989 model year. Just 502 examples were built, each featuring revised front and rear valances, a rear wing, and pronounced fender flares. This example is finished from the factory in Black Pearl Metallic (199) and retains original paint. Detailed photos of the body have been included in the gallery.
The 16x8″ Evo I-specific alloy wheels wear Michelin tires measuring 225/50 at all four corners showing 2018 date codes. The Evolution I was lowered by 19mm compared to the standard 2.5-16, and its track width was increased by 14mm in front and 24mm at the rear. An adjustable self-leveling suspension was equipped from the factory, and braking is handled by four-wheel discs with ABS.
The cabin is trimmed in original Anthracite Leather (271) and features Recaro seats in the front and rear touting thick bolsters and support. The front seats are heated with power controls and the rear seats show original headrests as noted on the data card. Interior features include air conditioning, courtesy lamps, a power-adjustable passenger mirror, a power sunroof, and ancillary OEM gauges mounted in the center console.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a 260-km/h speedometer and a tachometer with a 7,200-rpm redline as well as gauges for coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, and instant fuel economy. Auxiliary gauges located in the center stack display oil temperature and voltage. The six-digit odometer shows 21k km (~13k miles) from new.
The 2.5-liter M102 inline-four was developed by Cosworth and features a shorter stroke and larger bore than the standard 2.5-16 model. Factory-rated output was 202 horsepower. The selling dealer has included a full inspection report showing mechanical condition of the car including a compression test, seal and gasket check, and electronics check. Records for the car have been kept since 1989 and have been translated from Japanese in preparation for the sale. The selling dealer has promised a complete fluid flush and filter change for the buyer as well. Detailed photos of the underside have been included in the sale.
This W201 Evolution I is now offered by the selling dealer in Florida with the owner’s manual, complete service records, 2 keys, importation paperwork, and a clean Florida title.
The seller has included the following videos:
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
The winning bidder will receive an email with the quote and option to proceed with shipping.
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10 Comments
$50,000 bid placed by @4wheelclctr
Photos of this in a studio are spectacular but seeing it drive amongst normal traffic and average cars truly puts in perspective how great these are to look at.Driving and Walk-Around videos have been added to the auction.Driving video and walk around video have been submitted to the auction as well.A cold-start video has been added to the auction.@Hamidkaci87 Cold start video has been submitted to the auction and should be uploaded shortly.$40,000 bid placed by @LP1985
Hi, could you please add cold start video.@Harrdware This example has not been displayed at Amelia Island..Has this car been shown at the Amelia Concours, or Amelia Cars & Coffee, in the past? I remember seeing an excellent example there that was owned by a gentlemen in south Florida.stunning!$30,500 bid placed by @ekstarr
Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen, we are pleased to bring to auction this very rare opportunity to own the best Mercedes Evolution I example to come to market in the last 5 years. This Evo I spent time both in Japan and Australia before making its way to the US. Presented here today in original condition with the exception of the radio head unit and showcasing 13,000 miles since new. You will find below the complete PPI report and compression readings we had completed prior to the auction. Please reach out to us with any questions or to stop by and inspect or view the Evolution I. Good luck to all interested parties!$30,000 bid placed by @LP1985