Considered by many to be the quintessential homologation special, Mercedes-Benz’s 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II sits at the top of the totem pole of the W201 family of Mercedes-Benzes. While there were numerous changes under the skin from the Evolution I that preceded it, it was the bodywork of the ‘Evo II’ that got all of the attention thanks to the towering rear wing, imposing flared arches, and aggressive front splitter, bringing DTM looks and performance to the street.

That being said, the mechanical changes were certainly nothing to scoff at. The Evo II’s engine was co-developed between Cosworth and Mercedes-Benz, boasting an increased displacement of 2.5-litres with four valves per cylinder bringing power to 235 bhp alongside a 7,800 rpm redline. Power was managed through a Getrag five-speed dogleg gearbox. Those wide arches housed a stiffer adjustable suspension with larger brakes, better tyres, as well as uprated anti-roll bars, firmer bushings, stiffer dampers, and a limited-slip differential.

Bearing serial number 004 as shown on the gear shifter, this Evo II was delivered new to Mercedes-Benz France where it was retained for press use in 1990 and 1991. During this time, it appeared in articles in both Auto Hebdo (April 1991, pages 42-49) and Echappement (August 1990, pages 24-29) magazines. A photocopy of the original French registration remains on file, showing the car’s original French registration number of 7343 WG 78, which can be clearly seen on the car in both of the aforementioned articles. More than a decade after the car leaving the factory, the car was again featured in a comparison test in Option Auto magazine (June 2002, pages 98-106), comparing the then-new W203-generation C32 AMG with the Evo II. Amazingly, rather than being sold after its press use in period concluded, this Evo II was retained by Mercedes-Benz France, and numerous invoices are on file made out to Daimler Chrysler France, attesting that the car routine looked after and looked after in their care.

The Evo II was finally sold from Mercedes-Benz France’s care in 2005, some 15 years after the car had been first registered to their name, with the car’s first private owner become Mr. Theirry Gobin of St Georges de Didonne a town in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine on the coast in Southwestern France. At this point the car was reregistered 7575 YC 17 and had been driven some 29,000 km as of the spring of 2005. He would go on to own the car until December 2012, at which point the car was exported to Luxembourg.

Acquired by the current owner in 2017, the car was imported from Luxembourg to the UK that same year. Although remaining largely in static storage, the car was driven regularly to ensure it always remained in running order, with MoTs on file from 2017 to 2023, as well as the most recent being undertaken in March of 2026. All of this is chronicled in the car’s history file, which also includes numerous services invoices from the car’s ownership Theirry Gobin in addition to Mercedes-Benz France.

Most recently, the car received an oil change and a brake fluid flush in March of 2026. Following that, the car was driven by a member of the RM Sotheby’s Private Sales team from Newcastle down to London. When asked about the drive, he commented: “This was my first experience of driving a 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II or any Mercedes-Benz of this era. Having had the pleasure of driving a few CLK DTM AMGs, I was expecting a similar experience: a car that was stiff, unforgiving, and very much a race car for the road. This couldn’t have been further from the truth. I found the Evo II to be comfortable, spacious, and very easy to drive over long distances. The car’s race-bred personality comes alive when pushed, and it remains quick even by today’s lofty standards of performance. I could see no problems in daily driving an Evo II as it is a car that is as easy to drive as it is exciting to behold. I’m pleased to say this particular example didn’t miss a beat on our 500 km journey, happily devouring motorway miles with the A/C blowing cold on a warm spring day.”

With only 502 Evo IIs examples built to homologate the model, this example stands out from the pack due to its fascinating early history, appearing in a trio of French magazine articles across Mercedes-Benz France’s 15 years of ownership. Showing just 47,500 km from new at the conclusion of its recent Newcastle to London road trip, it remains ready to be used and enjoyed.