A rare Mercedes 190E Evo II, one of just 502 examples ever produced, has been listed for sale in the Netherlands for €529,999, or roughly $614,600 at current exchange rates. The high-performance homologation special remains one of the most sought-after versions of Mercedes-Benz’s compact executive car from the 1980s.
One of Mercedes-Benz’s Most Important Cars of the 1980s
Mercedes-Benz produced several notable vehicles during the 1980s, including the durable W124, the luxurious W126, the SL grand tourer and the G-Class. However, the W201, better known as the 190, 190E or 190D, may have been among the company’s most significant models of the era.
The W201 was not positioned as a cheap Mercedes, but rather as a smaller one. It was built and engineered with the same philosophy as an S-Class in a more compact body, helping Mercedes-Benz enter a new market while creating a model that remains beloved today.
The Mercedes 190E Evo II Stands Above the Rest
The Mercedes 190 lineup included everything from durable diesel models to the smooth six-cylinder 2.6. Performance versions such as the 2.3-16 and later 2.5-16 also competed against the E30 M3 in racing, with the 2.3-16 even helping Ayrton Senna boost his stock.
But the ultimate version of the compact executive was the Mercedes 2.5-16 Evo II. Built as a homologation special, production was limited to just 502 cars.
The Evo II was highly successful on the track, while its road-going version featured dramatic styling for its era. Its ground-hugging bodywork and large rear wing ensured it could not be mistaken for an ordinary 190E.
Number 365 of Just 502 Examples
With only 502 examples produced, the Mercedes 190E Evo II rarely appears for sale. Its scarcity is reflected in its value, particularly compared with more conventional versions of the W201.
While a clean 190E 2.6 can cost around $10,000, a 2.5-16 Evo II is worth at least 20 times more. The example currently offered for sale is number 365 of the 502 produced.
The car is not being sold in the United States but in the Netherlands. It has 97,753 kilometers, or roughly 60,740 miles, on the odometer.
Recently Serviced and Inspected
The Mercedes 190E Evo II has been serviced recently and has passed its inspection. It has received regular servicing over the years, although it is not known whether any major components have been replaced.
Its service booklet contains all of its stamps, providing a record of its maintenance history.
Listed at €529,999
The rare Mercedes 190E Evo II is currently being offered by Autobedrijf van der Aa for €529,999. At current exchange rates, that amounts to approximately $614,600.
As one of only 502 examples built, number 365 combines the rarity of the Evo II with a documented service booklet and nearly 60,740 miles of use, placing it among the increasingly valuable examples of Mercedes-Benz’s iconic W201 generation.
