Pre-bids

1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16

Highlights 

  • Originally commissioned for King Constantine of Greece in bespoke Nautical Blue metallic over matching blue leather upholstery
  • Advisory-free MOT until 15th April 2025
  • Former star of Mercedes Enthusiast magazine
  • Recent major recommissioning and service at Mercedes-Benz specialist
  • Almost £10,000 spent during current ownership
  • Private registration 'B2 KOG' included in the sale

The Appeal

 
The 190E Cosworth is deeply entrenched in motorsport history. Originally intended as a Group B rally car until the Audi Quattro put pay to any new rear-wheel drive challengers, rather than abandoning the project, Mercedes turned to a touring car. The Cosworth cemented its reputation in a star-studded 1984 race of F1 legends and upcoming stars, in which a then hardly-known Ayrton Senna da Silva won on the newly re-opened Nürburgring GP circuit. A string of victories were to follow - both for the young Brazilian and the car that gave him his racing debut.

In order to compete in DTM, Mercedes-Benz had to build a road car for homologation, and that, too, became a legend in its own right. The 190E was adored for its excellent road manners, thanks to highly developed five-link, self-levelling rear suspension. It was seriously quick too, rivalling BMW's E30 M3 thanks to the Cosworth-fettled 2.3-litre (later 2.5-litre) 16-valve engine.

This one is more special than most.

It’s an early 2.5, dating from 1989, and those who know their Cosworths will note that the colour scheme is quite unique. That's because this car was originally commissioned as a special order by King Constantine of Greece to use in the UK, who decreed that it must be painted in his favourite colour: Nautical Blue. It’s a shade that wasn’t offered on the Cosworth-engined cars, apart from this one – no doubt because the original owner had friends in high places...

Freshly recommissioned, with almost £10,000 spent at a Mercedes-Benz specialist earlier this year, the 190 is the perfect addition to any collection of Mercedes-Benz or '80s performance car icons.
 
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History and Paperwork

  • UK market RHD example
  • MOT until 15th April 2025
  • Cherished registration included, B2 KOG
  • Vendor advises the private plate hints at 'Belonged to King of Greece' - a nice touch
  • Magazine featured in a November 2009 issue of Mercedes Enthusiast
  • Invoices dating back to the 1990s
  • V5C present
  • Laminated service receipts showing major works carried out in the 2000s
  • Recent receipt for almost £10,000 spent with Mercedes specialist for recommissioning work
  • Stored for many years in a private collection and has covered only 1,000 miles in past fifteen years
  • Original brochures and advertisements
  • Service book stamped to 102,650 miles in 2000
  • Autowatch alarm system

The Condition

  • Original Nautical Blue paintwork (code 929U) 
  • Attractive body colour ‘Sacco Planks’ fitted to sides and blended with Cosworth body kit
  • Some minor age-related imperfections, but presents well overall
  • Original factory alloys
  • Rare blue leather upholstery
  • Four new leather-upholstered door cards
  • Steel tilt and slide sunroof in good working order
  • Working air conditioning
  • Vendor advises that the alarm system is not functional
The 190E is mostly original on top, and while there are a few minor imperfections, as you’d expect on a 35-year-old car, it’s still a smart example with no major flaws and no signs of dents or accident damage.

It’s also sound underneath, having recently undergone underside welding as part of the recommissioning process. It’s a good, solid, and extremely smart-looking car that wears the subtle 2.5-16 body kit well.

Inside, the seats are trimmed in blue leather and present very smartly, although again, there are signs of minor age-related imperfections, such as a little bit of rubbing on the driver’s side seat bolster, some slight fading on the dash, and a small patch of discolouration on the gear lever surround. It has smart Mercedes-Benz factory floor mats, an electric sunroof, cruise control, and air conditioning.

In the boot, the original Mercedes-Benz tool roll is present and correct.
 
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The Mechanics

  • 2.5-litre NA 16v inline-four by Cosworth
  • 173bhp in factory tune
  • Optional four-speed automatic transmission
  • Cruise control
  • Lower and stiffer suspension with self-levelling rear suspension at the back
  • Recent service at Mercedes-Benz specialist at the time of major recommissioning work
Under the bonnet, you’ll find a masterpiece of engineering, as well as the reason why the 2.5-16 is such a collectable machine. The unit is based on Mercedes-Benz’s M102 over-square four-pot, but tuned by the British motorsport company to develop 201bhp.
 
This one has the option of automatic transmission, fit for a King no less, and has had some major work in recent times to return it to decent working condition. According to the vendor, it runs very well indeed, with no known faults.
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BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected] 

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Auction Details

  • Year1989
  • MakeMercedes
  • Model190 E
  • ColourBlue
  • Odometer115,000 Miles
  • Engine size2497cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownLondon
  • CountyLondon
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Comments

GK

greg-ki••••

1 day ago

Wasn't this sold on here recently? What is the reason for re-listing?

FK

Famek••••

seller
1 day ago

Hi Greg , good morning , being a very unique car , it did not make its reserve, hence it’s for sale again . Happy Biddings !

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