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Mercedes 2.3 16v Cosworth

Mileage: 6,027 Top Speed: 144 Year: 1986 0 - 60: 7.3 MOT Expiry: 12 Months BHP: 182 Tax Expiry: Expired Transmission: 5 Speed Dog Leg Manual Exterior Colour: Blue Black Metallic Engine Capacity: 2299cc Interior Colour: Black half leather with checked cloth Engine Configuration: Inline 4

Mercedes 2.3 16v Cosworth | £22,495

Mileage: 6,027

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

Half leather interior, ABS, Electric operated heated Mirrors, Remote alarm, Digital stop watch and voltmeter, Self levelling rear suspension, Limited slip differential, Electric Sunroof, Electric windows.

Exterior

This Mercedes Cosworth has covered a mere 6,027 and in doing so it remains in fantastic original condition. Having been fully detailed in house for the past 2 days The blue black metallic paint work is showing a wonderfully deep, clear shine as if it was still in a Mercedes showroom in the mid eighties. Other than a couple of light stone chips to the front of the car the body work remains in fine order, free from any dings or blemishes. The current owner is a keen car collector who enjoys getting his cars to the highest standards and has won many concours events with his collection. The plan was to have this car shipped to Hong Kong but due to other commitments he has decided to down scale his collection. With some further minor detailing this car could be ready to win the toughest concours events.

Interior

Sitting inside this Cosworth is a true time-warp experience, every texture, surface and operation feels like new. The steering wheel has lost none of its factory texture to the leather, the common areas of wear such as the seat bolsters and checked cloth are as new, still feeling soft and supple to the touch. Other smaller details like the pedals and gear knob also show no wear whatsoever and are a testement to the cars mileage. The black carpets are very clean having been protected with some Mercedes factory rubber mats, the boot area looks like it has never been used in its life, the carpet remains completely mark free. The tool kit remains unused as does the warning triangle.

Engine & Transmission

This car has been part of a private collection for most of its life hence the low mileage on the legendary 2.3 litre Cosworth engine. At the turn of the key the engine bursts into life and idles smoothly up to temperature with a wonderful engine note. The current owner has had the car fully serviced and a new exhaust, fuel tank, fuel pump and power steering pump fitted to get it into perfect running order. 

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

In the corners the 15" Mercedes alloys are still in their original finish, mark free and gleeming in their arches. They are shod in a brand new set of Yokohama tyres, the originals still had plenty of tread but where changed due to age. All the brakes are original and still feel extreamly capable, doing a fine job of pulling the car up quickly in a straight line. 

History File

 

This 190 Cosworth was first registered on the 1st of January 1986 and was bought by a collector who had over 100 cars in his collection, he sadly passed away in 2003 so the car was then transferred into his sons name who continued to store the car until selling it to a Mercedes dealer in 2011. The current owner then bought the car 6 months ago with the objective of getting it into perfect show winning condition and shipping it over to Hong Kong, as mentioned above he has had all mechanical reconditioning work done so the car is either ready to be used or with some final detailing ready to win shows.

 

The cars has its original service book and owners manual, a couple of MOT's when it was used on the road, copies of old registration documents, a letter from the son of the original owner confirming the car as part of his collection and the low mileage and all the receipts showing recent work at a cost of nearly £8,000.