DREAMS OF SENNA: MERCEDES-BENZ 190E 2.3 16V

Mercedes-Benz and performance vehicles are often at odds with each other, as they usually suffer from the affliction of a torque-converter. However, if you are a fan of Mercedes, Senna, or Cosworth (or all three), then you are familiar with the 190E 2.3 16V and its significance on and off the race track. Designed for homologation, these cars not only dominated on track, they spurred the competition—BMW’s E30 M3 was released 2 years later in ’85—and have since lived in the shadow of BMW’s M division. This particular 2.3 16V is a two-owner example with fewer than 100k miles—two facts that are often elusive to these cars. This particular 2.3 16V is offered for sale via Ebay Motors with current bidding under $7k (no reserve) and just short of 8 hours remaining.

Though unrelated and preceding, the 2.3 16V is the spiritual little brother to the mighty 500E. However, both cars cater to fundamentally different aspects of driving—the 190 is light and agile, whereas the 500E is designed to be a menacing ‘bahn burner. Both utilize partnerships (190E with Cosworth, 500E with Porsche) that resulted in two of the most exciting super sedans of their era.

The interiors of these cars feature a few cool features that we wish MB’s AMG cars offered today, including Recaro buckets up front and heavily bolstered rear pseudo-buckets—a true four seat car. Another classic feature is the dog leg 5-speed gearbox, a nice motor sports touch with first gear residing in the bottom left notch.

Finding a 2.3 that doesn’t need major cosmetic and mechanical overhauls is difficult and, when neglected, repairs have been proven costly. For more details, check out this 190 2.3 16V on Ebay before the bidding closes this evening.