1990 MERCEDES-BENZ 190E 2.5-16 COSWORTH

This 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Cosworth is a wonderful example of the renowned homologation special, which boasts famed saloon car racer Stuart Graham among its previous owners, and which is presented in impressive overall condition. Under the bonnet is the Cosworth-developed 2.5-litre 16-valve four-cylinder engine, which drives the rear wheels via the dog-leg five-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently displays 64,361 miles, however the original unit was replaced at 51,797 miles, and the car is therefore understood to have covered 116,158 miles in total. 

First registered on 17 September 1990, this UK-market right-hand drive 190E is reported to have been owned by marque enthusiasts, considerate drivers and collectors throughout its lifetime, including Isle of Man TT competitor and saloon car racer Stuart Graham, who enjoyed the car for a period in the 1990s. Before the seller acquired the car seven months ago, it was kept by the same owner for 19 years, with every journey being meticulously noted, along with the displayed mileage. 

Today, this Cosworth’s bodywork is in excellent condition, with dent-free panels and smooth, even shut lines. Believed to have been resprayed in the past, the Astral Silver paintwork is in very good order, with only a few minor marks and blemishes, including chips on the bonnet and rear door, plus light stone chips on its side skirts. The vendor also notes that the rear spoiler has ‘sunk’ slightly with age, showing a half-inch blemish in its finish, though they have been advised that this is repairable and the spoiler has not cracked. The car sits on its original flat-face 15-inch alloy wheels, which are in great shape, having been refurbished in September 2020. 

On entering the cabin, you are met by swathes of black leather, which covers the seats and door cards. Both of the front seats present very well, with only light wear to their upholstery, in line with the car’s age. There is also some wear to the rear of the driver’s seat, but this is relatively minor. Overall, it still looks very smart, exhibiting the fine build quality that typified Mercedes-Benz in this era. 

While the seller notes that the steering wheel’s black leather covering is scuffed and worn, this is commensurate with the mileage. There is also a small crack in the plastic dashboard fascia above the far-right air vent. All of this Mercedes-Benz’s interior buttons, switches and electrical items work without fault, and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard. 

Mechanically, this modern classic performance saloon is in excellent order. Its last routine maintenance was carried out in September 2020 by Mercedes-Benz specialist Merctech, where technicians commended the car for its overall condition, and described it as one of the best they have seen, with the engine showing only nominal signs of wear which would not be uncommon in a three-year-old car – let alone a thirty-year-old car. Merctech’s team was instructed to go through the car with ‘money no object’ in mind, in addition to carrying out a full service. With that brief, they also fitted new front brake discs and pads, as well as overhauling the four brake callipers to the factory finish and refurbishing all four wheels. The bill totalling more than £4,000 for this work is on file. 

Its last MOT test was conducted on 7 July 2020 at an indicated 64,154 miles, resulting in a first-time pass with no advisories, and the vendor will have the car re-tested before it is handed over to its next owner. All four wheels are shod in Continental EcoContact 6 tyres in size 205/55 R15, which are in great shape, having been fitted in September 2020, and having travelled nominal distance since. 

The car will be accompanied by all of its original documents, including its handbook, service book and instruction manual for its factory-fitted Blaupunkt radio. The seller is also supplying a substantial A4 file containing each of its past MOT test certificates and service invoices, as well as its two keys. 

This Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Cosworth is an iconic modern classic, presented in excellent overall condition and made all the more appealing by its right-hand drive layout and five-speed manual transmission. Previously owned by a British motorsport star and accompanied by extensive documentation of its history, this 190E is as much a talking point as it is an engaging driver’s car, and will make a fantastic addition to any collection. 

Summary of service history:

• Oct 1990 - 675 - Stirling MB
• May 1991 - 3,988 - Stirling MB
• Jun 1992 - 11,423 - Stirling MB
• Jan 1993 - 15,818 - Stirling MB
• Jul 1993 - 19,815
• Jun 1996 - 41,820 - Speeds MB
• Jun 1997 - 48,451 - Speeds MB
• Feb 2000 new speedo - 51,797 - Rivervale Mercedes (documented and speedo with car)
• Nov 2000 - 6,836 - John Griffiths Mercedes
• Jul 2001 - 11,609 - John Griffith Mercedes
• Oct 2002 - 19,935 - John Griffiths Mercedes - 
• Jan 2004 - 25,260 - John Griffiths Mercedes
• Dec 2005 - 35,509 - John Griffiths Mercedes
• Oct 2006 - 37,383 - John Griffiths Mercedes
• May 2008 - 42,052 - John Griffiths Mercedes
• Jun 2010 - 49,213 - John Griffiths Mercedes
• Various - 62,788 - Chequers Garage
• May 2018 - TBC - Edward Hall Mercedes
• Sep 2020 - 64,284 - Merctech (£4500 spent)

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