The 190 (W 201) from Mercedes-Benz as the 2.3-16 or 2.5-16 had set the first fragrance marks on the racetracks and rally tracks. But in order to be able to play at the front in Group A – and thus in the World Touring Car Championship or the DTM – some changes were necessary. Therefore, the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution – also called "Evo I" – was created, in which the bore of the well-known 2.5-liter engine was slightly increased so that the stroke could be shortened. Also brakes, chassis, and the spoiler package had been modified compared to that of the predecessor. For the FIA homologation of Group A cars for the DTM, 502 units of the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution were finally produced.

A Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution formerly produced by 502 units can now be purchased in this auction. This specimen offered here with the FIN WDB2010361F601252 is a year of construction 1989 and a German first registration. A total of 3 owners called the Evo I their own – the last owner of which had owned the Mercedes-Benz since 1999. According to the seller, the history of the car can be traced approximately via various receipts and former invoices. Matching numbers are given, 2 vehicle keys are still available, the 2.5-16 Evo does not currently have a valid TÜV. H-approval and a report from 2020 with the grade 2+ and market value of 110,000 € for the Mercedes-Benz are available.

Particularly striking about this evolution in "blue-black metallic" (color code 199) are the round wheel arch extensions, the rear spoiler, and the front apron as well as the sill strips. According to the seller, all plastic attachments received a repainting due to optical reasons, at the front right the paint was also new due to a game damage. Furthermore, the door handles and the windscreen wiper arm were painted in body colour and "Evolution" lettering was applied to the front fenders. The current owner indicates that he has driven accident-free with this vehicle in his possession. Modifications deviating from the original condition are not to be listed, all minor defects are precisely recorded in the series of pictures.

An absolute eye-catcher are the 8.25x17 Evo 2 rims (original rims available), which are preserved in very good condition and on which new tires of the Kumho brand from the production year 2021 are mounted. The seller attests that the brakes are in mint condition – they have been optimized with steel flex hoses and ventilation, instead of the standard chassis an H&R chassis was used (original 3-stage chassis available).

Sporty leather seats can be found in the interior of the 2.5-16 Evolution: some patina can be taken from the black full leather seats, the 4-spoke leather steering wheel and the leather shift knob are in very good shape. No damage or even missing parts in the interior of this Mercedes-Benz can be listed. The equipment of the car includes the following features: sunroof, power steering, central locking, electric windows front and rear, heated seats, ABS and a Becker Grand-Prix cassette radio. All instruments, controls and displays in the interior of the Evolution work flawlessly.

In 2005, a correction of the speedometer reading from 143,000 to 84,000 kilometers took place, because according to the seller, the speedometer and various small instruments were then overhauled at the company VDO in Frankfurt. At the moment, 90,790 kilometres are on the speedometer of the Mercedes-Benz. Through various available documents, the history of the 2.5-16 Evo I can be approximately proven and the total mileage is therefore comprehensible.

The short-stroke 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine of the 2.5-16 Evolution delivers 204 hp, while the power of the 4 cylinders is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 5-speed sports transmission – in which the 1st gear is located on the left rear. According to the seller, a conversion of the rear axle differential from 3:27 to 3:67 was carried out, which ensures that the Mercedes-Benz drives more agile in the lower rev range. The original differential will be included with the purchase. Due to the omission of the kars and the exhaust pipe from 2.5-16, the car has 204 instead of 195 hp. In April 2019, a last service was completed, since 1999 the 2.5-16 Evolution was registered according to the current owner only in the summer and was therefore only driven in sunshine.

The underbody can be attested to a very good condition in view of the overall mileage of the car. The exhaust system comes from the Evo II. An Evolution inspires with wonderful revving pleasure and light-footed handling – it is just a racing athlete for the road. The specimen offered here is a well-kept evolution, which has been sensibly modified by various conversion measures and represents a collector's item and a road sports car for beautiful days at the same time due to its limited edition of only 502 pieces.