1985 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth - Black - 153,464km - W201, Dog-Leg 5-Speed Manual, Left-Hand Drive Import
Price Guide: $30,000 - $50,000
1985 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 | W201 Cosworth | 2.3L 16-Valve Inline-Four | Dog-Leg 5-Speed Manual | 153,464km | Black | Left-Hand Drive | Acacia Ridge QLD
Description
The Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 is one of the great homologation specials of the 1980s. Developed in partnership with Cosworth Engineering, the 2.3-16 took the standard W201 platform and transformed it with a 16-valve twin-cam cylinder head, uprated suspension, wider bodywork with flared arches and a front air dam, a trunk-mounted rear spoiler, and the iconic dog-leg 5-speed manual transmission where first gear sits back and to the left in pure motorsport fashion. The result was a car capable of challenging the best sporting saloons of the era and, alongside the BMW E30 M3, helped establish the template for the modern performance sedan. Production numbers were deliberately limited for homologation purposes, and the 2.3-16 has grown steadily in collector significance as a result.
This 1985 example is a left-hand drive European import finished in black, a colour that suits the purposeful, understated styling of the Cosworth variant beautifully. The photos confirm a largely correct and original car. The distinctive 2.3-16 bodywork is complete and intact: the wider front and rear arches, the deep front spoiler, the factory rear ducktail spoiler, and the side skirts all present as correct factory fitment. The period-correct multi-spoke Penta alloy wheels are fitted. The engine bay shows the Cosworth cam cover with Mercedes-Benz branding clearly legible, and the VIN plate confirms model code 201.034, the correct designation for the 2.3-16 variant. The dog-leg gear shifter is present and correct, with the distinctive motorsport-inspired shift pattern clearly visible. Interior door cards retain the correct houndstooth fabric inserts specific to the 2.3-16 specification. The odometer reads 153,464km, consistent with the photos and the instrument cluster. An aftermarket stereo replaces the original radio, and headlight lenses show age-related yellowing. The rear of the car shows evidence of prior outdoor storage with some organic residue on the bootlid, though overall paint condition is good.
The price guide of $30,000 to $50,000 reflects the genuine collector market for the 190E 2.3-16, which has appreciated meaningfully over the past five years as enthusiasts recognise its motorsport significance. Clean, usable examples in Europe regularly achieve EUR 30,000 to EUR 50,000, and a correct left-hand drive import with matching engine documentation at this guide represents fair value for a buyer who understands what they are looking at. Service records and owner's manual are included.
Features
* Cosworth-developed 2.3-litre 16-valve twin-cam inline-four engine
* Dog-leg 5-speed manual transmission (motorsport-specification shift pattern)
* Rear-wheel drive
* Left-hand drive European import
* Factory Cosworth bodykit: flared arches, front air dam, side skirts, trunk spoiler
* Period-correct Penta multi-spoke alloy wheels
* Factory houndstooth fabric door card inserts (2.3-16 specific)
* Black leather sport seats
* Auxiliary oil pressure and oil temperature gauges
* 260km/h speedometer (European specification)
* ABS braking system
* VIN-confirmed model code 201.034 (2.3-16 designation)
* Cosworth cam cover with Mercedes-Benz branding present
* Service records included
* Owner's manual included
* Mercedes-Benz identification and import documentation included
Condition Notes
* Headlight lenses show age-related yellowing; restoration or replacement recommended
* Seat leather shows wear and creasing on bolsters consistent with age and mileage
* Aftermarket stereo fitted in place of original radio
* Minor organic residue on rear bootlid, consistent with prior outdoor storage period
* Engine bay shows typical 40-year patina; no major leaks visible
Specifications
Year: 1985
Make/Model: Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth
Series: W201
Body: Four-Door Sedan
Engine: 2.3-Litre 16-Valve Inline-Four Cosworth
Transmission: Dog-Leg 5-Speed Manual
Drive: Rear-Wheel Drive
Odometer: 153,464 Kilometres
Colour: Black
Seats: 5
Steering: Left-Hand Drive (Import)
Location: Acacia Ridge, QLD
Price Guide: AUD $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
#CCALL
#CCEUR
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 **
As Standard Auction Practice all Vehicles are Sold Unregistered
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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