1985 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth - Black - 153,464km - W201, Dog-Leg 5-Speed Manual, Left-Hand Drive European Import
LHD 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth. Confirmed original Cosworth cam cover. Factory body kit intact. Dog-leg 5-speed manual. Penta alloy wheels. European documentation.
Overview
The 190E 2.3-16 is one of the great homologation specials. Mercedes developed it in partnership with Cosworth Engineering specifically to meet DTM touring car regulations in the early 1980s. Fewer than 5,000 were built to the original 2.3-16 specification, each one featuring the Cosworth-designed 16-valve twin-cam cylinder head, wider bodywork with flared arches front and rear, a deep front air dam, side skirts, a factory trunk-mounted rear spoiler, and the iconic dog-leg 5-speed manual transmission with first gear sitting back and to the left in pure motorsport fashion. The result was a 136kW sedan that competed directly with the BMW E30 M3 and helped establish the template for the modern performance saloon. These cars have appreciated meaningfully over the past decade and correct, usable examples are now firmly in the EUR 30,000-50,000 range in Europe.
This 1985 example is finished in black, the most desirable colour for the 2.3-16, and presents as a correct and original car. The full factory Cosworth bodywork is present and intact: wide front and rear arch extensions, deep front air dam, factory side skirts, and the factory rear ducktail spoiler all appear correctly fitted and in good order. The original period-correct Penta 5-spoke alloy wheels are fitted all round. The engine bay confirms what the VIN plate already told us: this is a genuine 2.3-16, with the Cosworth cam cover bearing its "2.3-16 MERCEDES-BENZ" text and three-pointed star clearly legible. The VIN plate in the door jamb confirms model type code 201.034, the correct code for the 2.3-16 variant. Black paint holds well with good gloss across all panels. The headlight lenses show age-related yellowing consistent with a 40-year-old European import, a straightforward cosmetic item.
Inside, the 2.3-16-specific interior details are all correct and present. Houndstooth fabric door card inserts are fitted to all four doors, unique to this variant. Black leather sport seats front and rear show age-appropriate wear on the bolsters. The dog-leg gear selector sits in the correct offset position with its motorsport-specification shift pattern. The centre console houses the three auxiliary gauges (oil temperature, oil pressure, clock) that confirm high-specification European market delivery. An aftermarket head unit has replaced the original radio. The instrument cluster reads 153,464km, consistent across multiple photos.
European documentation including what appears to be original Spanish-market papers is included with the car. Service records and owner's manual are also included. Note: buyers should confirm LHD import compliance status for their state prior to bidding.
At the guide of $30,000 to $50,000, this car is priced in line with the current international market for correct, usable 2.3-16 examples. Equivalent black LHD examples in Europe have been achieving EUR 35,000 to EUR 50,000 through specialist auctions in 2024-2025.
Features
* Cosworth-developed 2.3-litre 16-valve twin-cam inline-four engine
* Cosworth "2.3-16 MERCEDES-BENZ" cam cover confirmed in photos
* Dog-leg 5-speed manual transmission (motorsport-specification shift pattern, first gear back-left)
* Rear-wheel drive
* Left-hand drive European import
* Factory Cosworth bodykit: flared arches, front air dam, side skirts, factory trunk spoiler
* Original Penta 5-spoke alloy wheels (period-correct factory option)
* Factory houndstooth fabric door card inserts (2.3-16 specific)
* Black leather sport seats front and rear
* Three auxiliary gauges (oil temperature, oil pressure, clock)
* 260km/h speedometer (European specification)
* ABS braking system
* VIN-confirmed model code 201.034 (2.3-16 designation)
* European documentation and import papers included
* Service records included
* Owner's manual included
Condition Notes
* Headlight lenses show age-related yellowing; restoration or replacement recommended
* Black leather seat bolsters show wear consistent with age and use
* Aftermarket head unit fitted in place of original radio
* Minor organic residue on rear boot lid from prior outdoor storage, visible in photos
* LHD vehicle, buyers to confirm compliance status for their state prior to bidding
Specifications
Year: 1985
Make/Model: Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth
Series: W201
Body: Four-door sedan
Engine: 2.3-litre 16-valve twin-cam inline-four (Cosworth)
Transmission: Dog-leg 5-speed manual
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Odometer: 153,464km
Colour: Black
Seats: 5
Steering: Left-hand drive (European import)
Location: Acacia Ridge, QLD
Price Guide: $30,000 - $50,000
VIN: WDB2010341F134241
If you have any questions relating to this vehicle, or if you would like to arrange a physical or virtual inspection, please contact Taig directly on 0438 626 472
(Key #C12)
Lloyds stock #655754+1
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Location of item: 18 Paradise Road, Acacia Ridge, QLD, Australia
** This vendor is not registered for GST - therefore GST is not applicable on this asset **
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As with all vehicles sold in the Classic Car Division, they have been well looked after by their previous owners. This is an Auction Sale. This asset is sold under standard auction conditions, as is, where is. High volumes of incoming product prevent our team from being able to inspect all items individually. All photos, descriptions, odometer readings, hour readings, engine specifications and any condition reports should be used as a guide only and have been compiled after speaking with the owners. To find out more about this lot or to book a live video inspection please contact the Auctioneer Contact which can be found on the Auction Details page. There is no statutory warranty & no cooling off period.
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