*Allegedly used by AMG co-founder Hans Werner Aufrecht
*Highly optioned with performance and styling parts
*AMG Stage 3 Engine Tuning
*Velour Recaro C seats and full Carpathian Elm wood trim
*Reportedly road-tested in period by Sport Auto magazine
*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 ranged from 2-liters 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
According to notes left by Mr. Taylor, this appealing Euro-market 190E was reportedly the personal transport of AMG co-founder Hans Werner Aufrecht. Finished in a rarely seen shade of Manganese Brown over cream beige velour upholstery, it left Stuttgart equipped with Mercedes factory options such as air conditioning, power steering, sliding roof, central locking, electric windows, and headlamp washers. Being the apparent 'company car' of AMG's founder, it naturally got the full-dress treatment from the catalogue. It wears a full body kit to include bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler, and fabulous color-keyed 16 x 6.5-inch AMG Penta alloy wheels. The slightly lowered and stiffened AMG suspension gives it the desired restrained aggression that defines the cars of Affalterbach from this period.
Aufrecht's "office" got suitably upgraded with electrically controlled Recaro C front seats upholstered in beige velour trim, which remain in excellent condition. The dash is adorned with Carpathian Elm veneer wood trim, a Blaupunkt Bremen cassette stereo, and an AMG four-spoke steering wheel to finish the sporty and luxurious cabin. Lastly, the accompanying AMG West documentation shows the addition of an AMG Stage 3 engine package, raising output to a claimed 181 bhp, and endowing the 'Baby Benz' with a welcome dose of performance to match its stellar looks.
In its time in the Barry Taylor collection, this car has been on static display and will require mechanical recommissioning before use. It has not been started while in Bonhams' care. It is a rare example of the 190E getting the full attention of AMG engineers, and while it is considered the 'Baby Benz,' this wonderful example is undoubtedly worthy of its role as the Boss' company car.
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 this title is in transit.
