4 Star Classics

A fantastic high spec 2.5 Cosworth with only 61k and 1 family owner 

MODEL HISTORY

The Mercedes Benz 190 model name was first introduced in 1953 and has taken many different disguises until its final replacement in the form of the C series in 1993. The final incarnation of the 190 was the W201 chassis. £600 million was rumoured to have been spent developing the model, enough to have seriously damaged Mercedes Benz reputation and financial position had the car been a failure. Luckily this was not the case and Mercedes went on to sell approximately 1.8 million units worldwide.

The introduction of the special edition 2.3-16v model in 1983 came from Mercedes Benz desire to re-enter motorsport with a direct factory team after their retirement following the tragic events at the 1955 Le Mans race. Enlisting the help of the British engineering firm Cosworth Mercedes had plans to take the 190 to the rally circuit, however the project suddenly became unrealistic when Audi released the turbo charged, 4 wheel drive Quattro, in effect beating the 190 before the race had even started! Mercedes not wanting to lose their financial investment in development ditched plans for the rally circuit and turned their attention to the German touring car championship.

The Cosworth engine was based on the 2.3 litre 8 valve already fitted to models in the range. Cosworth added an alloy head with twin overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder boosting power to 185bhp and 174lb-ft. The car proved incredibly robust, with three cars only cosmetically altered completing a 50,000 km endurance test at the Nardo testing facility averaging 154.06mph and earning Mercedes three world records and nine international endurance records.

A larger 2.5 litre engine replaced the 2.3 in 1988. The 2.5 utilised a double valve timing chain to fix the problem of the single chains snapping on the 2.3. The increase in capacity took power to 204bhp in the non catalyst car.

Both the 2.3 and 2.5 16v Cosworths featured a body kit that reduced the drag coefficient to 0.32 one of the lowest figures for a four door saloon at the time. The steering wheel was smaller and steering ratio quicker than other 190s. The Getrag 5 speed manual ‘dog-leg' box was standard with the option of an automatic box along with a full leather interior. A limited slip differential was standard on the 2.3-16v, with the option of Mercedes ASD system that was standard fit on the 2.5-16v. ASD is an electronic system that hydraulically controls the amount of lock in the diff ranging from the standard 15% lock right up to 100%!

Shortly after the release of the 2.3 16v the brand new Nurburgring circuit hosted an opening of its new layout, a relaxed affair to raise awareness for the track, they invited past and present F1 driver to compete in a race. Mercedes supplied the cars for the event resulting in a complete grid made up of nothing but identical near road spec 2.3 16v Cosworths! It was a relatively unknown Ayrton Senna looking to make an impression amongst his peers who actually won the race. Viewing highly recommended! Click Here

Equipment

Black leather interior, Electric seats, ABS, Electric operated heated Mirrors, Remote alarm, Digital stop watch and voltmeter, Self levelling rear suspension, Limited slip differential, 4 Speed switchable automatic gearbox,  Sunroof.

EXTERIOR

This Cosworth has been owned by the same family since it was 6 weeks old and has been kept in their underground parking bay in London. The car still remains in fantastic condition with a deep shine to the paint and nice fresh un-faded trim and rubber seals. The original Mercedes dealer sticker is still on the back of the car and it still has both dealer number plates.

INTERIOR

This 190 Cosworth has the optional full leather which is in perfect condition. There is no wear to any of the bolsters and the leather remains as soft and supple as the day it rolled of the production line. This example also benefits from some other good factory options that include electric front seats and air conditioning. Everything works as it should and the original Mercedes dealer tax disk holder is still on the inside of the screen. 

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The engine has been well maintained with a comprehensive service history and as such runs and drives with no problems. Since arriving at 4 Star the car has been fully checked and serviced by NBA Sports cars and given a clean bill of health.

The autobox, designed specifically for the Cosworth is smooth and a good comfortable alternative to the standard 'dogleg' manual without losing the sporty feel of the car. 

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The wheels have just benefited from a full strip down and refurbishment and they are shod in the correct 205/55/15 tyres that all have plenty of tread left. The disc brakes are powerful and pull the car up quickly in a straight line. 

HISTORY FILE

This Mercedes Cosworth was first registered in February 1990 by the Mercedes dealer 'Bradshaw Webb' in Chelsea. The car was then sold the following month to the current family owners for £36,000 with 80 miles on the clock. It has an excellent service history that is fully stamped in the Mercedes service book, the original bill of sale is also included in the history file.

The Mercedes document holder is also still present and contains all the owners manuals and original documentation that came with the car.