Mercedes-Benz and Cosworth Engineering’s jointly developed 190 E 2.3-16 sports saloon received its initial Group N homologation status in March 1984. Additional homologation variants—titled the “Evolution”—were aimed at the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) and further developed into two series released in 1986 and 1990, respectively.

These second-series cars benefit from further fettling by Mercedes-Benz’s sports department and AMG. Enhancements include a higher-revving, 235 PS engine displacing 2.5-litres, revised gear ratios, stiffer adjustable suspension, four-piston brakes, and a truly outrageous aero kit. The Evolution II proved a force in racing trim, claiming two DTM Constructors’ titles with AMG, and one drivers’ crown with Klaus Ludwig. In production trim, just 500 examples of this homologation special were made available to customers.

This Evolution II was completed in May 1990 and delivered new to Royal Garage Mercedes-Benz of Valence, in France’s Rhône Valley. Clad in the model’s exclusive colour combination of Blue-Black Metallic over black leather, Evolution II number 402 was generously equipped with air conditioning, an electric sunroof, heated seats, Becker Grand Prix car stereo, and a Bosch Cartel car phone system.

In the car’s first six years on the road, its original owner added nearly 34,000 kilometres, at which point he sold this car to one of his neighbours. The car subsequently remained within in the fastidious care of this second owner until 2017, when it was purchased by the current consignor.

With only 54,440 kilometers shown on its odometer at the time of cataloguing, this supremely well-preserved Evolution II would be an ideal acquisition for any collector looking for a reference-grade specimen of this famous and highly sought after homologation special. In preparation for sale, the current owner consigned the car to BALD Automobile GmbH, a Mercedes-Benz dealer in Dillenburg, for a routine servicing and mechanical inspection in March 2024.

The ultimate development of Mercedes-Benz’s lauded W201-generation sedan, the 2.5-16 Evolution II’s success on the racetrack, incredible looks, and direct driving dynamics make it a hot-ticket item which remains covetously sought-after by marque aficionados.