Germany’s racing scene in the early 1990s was headlined by some sensational sedans built by Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, which raced head-to-head in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM). And fortunately for us, the racing rules of the day meant the manufacturers had to build 500 so-called ‘homologation specials’ for the road.
The 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 EVO was born out of an ambition to dominate the series for Germanic auto industry bragging rights. It featured a Cosworth-tuned engine producing over 200bhp, along with aerodynamic upgrades like a rear spoiler and wider fender flares for improved downforce and handling. As a result, we got racing cars that were built for everyday use and have since become highly desirable collectors’ cars.
With a revised suspension for racing demands, the EVO I set the stage for Mercedes’ later dominance in DTM and paved the way for the more aggressive EVO II of 1990, which boasted significant upgrades, now delivering 235 horsepower and adjustable suspension, with larger 17-inch wheels, and enhanced chassis provided sharper handling and a more responsive driving experience.
As part of its Private Sales initiative, Petrolicious is proud to offer museum-grade, impeccably preserved, and concours-ready versions of both cars. The EVO I has 21,401kms (13,298 miles) on the clock, and has spent most of its life in Japan and Australia, while the EVO II is only 176kms from new (109.4 miles), which has spent most of its time in Germany. It is understood to be one of the lowest mileage examples in the world.
Both cars rolled off the production line in stunning ‘Blauschwarz’ metallic paint (code 199). While the 190 EVO racing cars have long been consigned to the museum, these homologation specials live on as a reminder of an all-time great era of racing and stand as a testament to Mercedes’ 1-2-3 finish in the 1992 DTM championship.
