*A fantastic pre-merger AMG on the W201 platform
*Said to be shown at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show
*Distinctive widened front and rear wheel arches
*Full-dress bodywork and AMG interior trim
*Requires Recommissioning
THE MERCEDES-BENZ W201
The W201, or 190 as we have all come to know and love it, was born in 1982 and remained in production until 1993, and many enthusiasts feel it is the last small Mercedes built to the company's legendary 'bank vault' standards.
While it was essentially the company's first compact car, its sophistication was not sacrificed. Features included a patented multi-link rear suspension that went on to do sterling service in the E and C-class cars, plus anti-dive and anti-squat suspension, ABS, a single wiper and seatbelt pre-tensioners. The little 190 is a far more interesting car than its understated lines might lead you to believe.
As well it should be, because the £600 million investment led to a car that even Mercedes admitted was "massively over-engineered"; conventional wisdom has it that the W201 was the last car Mercedes built exactly as it wanted to before asking the accountants how much to charge for it - and the W201 was very expensive when it was new...
Petrol engines spanned 2-liters through to 2.6, while diesel options started at 2-liters through to 2.5. Power outputs across the range varied from 71bhp from the 190D through to 164bhp from the 190E 2.6 - until the arrival of the Cosworth-powered cars with up to 235bhp, of course. Before touring car racing rules necessitated development of the Cosworth 2.3-16, AMG was there to answer the calls of driving enthusiasts wanting more out of the robust Baby Benz. The Affalterbach-based firm developed a range of performance and styling parts to extract the full potential of the superb W201 chassis.
The 190E really was a car for all seasons and budgets and they're still a very popular choice for the modern classic enthusiast with an eye for engineering and value – and buying one is less an act of faith than a demonstration of your confidence in Teutonic diligence.
THE CAR OFFERED
This early 2-liter 190E is undoubtedly one of the more interesting cars from Mr. Taylor's collection. It features AMG's unique flared fender treatment and a distinctive body kit. Notes by Mr. Taylor suggest it was on the company's stand at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show, though no other documentation to support that claim has been found. Finished in Astral Silver, it is equipped with a standard Mercedes drivetrain with a 2-liter M102 engine and 4-speed manual transmission. It is adorned with a full complement of tasty AMG accessories, including bumpers, rockers, bootlid spoiler, and 8J x 16 Penta alloys all around, wrapped in period-correct Pirelli P7 high performance tires. The front fenders are bespoke items, while the rears are tastefully flared to accommodate the widened wheels. In classic 80s fashion, the grille, wheel centers, and bumpers are color-keyed to match the body.
The interior is appropriately kitted-out for 1980s action with desirable and rare Recaro C seats trimmed in grey fabric, with their signature bolster-mounted adjustment controls. Additional add-ons include a four-spoke AMG steering wheel and unique wood trim. While in Bonhams' care, it has not been run, and will require recommissioning due to extended storage. Once refreshed, however, this 190E will surely star at RADwood®, your local Cars and Coffee, in the growing number of 80s car classes at regional concours events. and be right at home in any collection of Mercedes-Benz automobiles.
Footnotes
Note, due to California emissions laws, this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside the state of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.
Saleroom notices
Please note that title is in transit.
