Monday, March 30, 2015

Mercedes 190e Cosworth: The Best Handling Sedan, says James May

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james may 190e mercedes ebay photo

The latest Top Gear news hasn’t exactly been inspiring. Here’s hoping this blast from its past helps to alleviate those feelings while the program is off the airwaves. 
 
During the second episode of Top Gear season 15, the boys are challenged to pick the ultimate track day four-door saloon on a budget of £5,000. Jeremy Clarkson picks a Ford Sierra Cosworth and Richard Hammond buys an E36 BMW M3. James May opts for a Mercedes-Benz 190e 2.3-16 Cosworth, a car that he quotes ex-F1 driver Martin Brundle as saying “had one of the best chassis ever fitted to a four-door saloon.”

This 1987 2.3-16 is one such car, and it’s up for sale on eBay. While a quick phone call from Clarkson to Brundle hilariously refuted May’s quote, the 190e Cosworth is still an important and strikingly gorgeous car.



james may 190e mercedes interior ebay image

The impetus for the 2.3-16 came from the wild world of rallying, though the story has an important twist. Mercedes contacted UK engine builder Cosworth to fit its standard 190e saloon with a potent yet lightweight four-cylinder engine, and Cosworth obliged with its 2.3-liter 16-valve four-cylinder.

 However, by the time it was ready, Audi was running amok with its all-wheel drive Quattro, leaving the 190e without a chance in the gravely bits.

So instead, Mercedes pressed the 190e 2.3-16 into DTM racing and across its multiple years of motorsport competition, it would prove quite successful. A young Ayrton Senna caught the world’s attention when he took first place in a one-make 190e race at the Nurburgring circuit’s grand opening.



james may 190e mercedes ebay exterior image

This model appears in fair condition for its age. Underneath the hood you’ll find that famous Cosworth four-cylinder; however it unfortunately mates up to an automatic transmission.

Still, it makes a great candidate for a five-speed swap or if you’re feeling up to it – a full 190e Evolution II conversion. James May knows a good car when he sees one.

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