Homologation model for the DTM
The 14th of only 502 Evolution II models built
A technical and aerodynamic masterpiece
Sold out even before its presentation
A piece of German motorsport history

When Mercedes-Benz decided at the end of the 1980s to seriously compete against BMW and its M3 in German touring car racing, one thing was clear: a standard 190 would not be enough. The Stuttgart-based company made clever use of the DTM homologation rules and first created the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution, which was unveiled in 1989. But the big exclamation mark came a year later: the Evolution II – an icon of German motorsport design – made its debut at the 1990 Geneva Motor Show. Demand for its predecessor had been so great that the Evo II was sold out even before its actual presentation, despite its hefty price tag of 136,720 Deutschmarks.

Even from the outside, the Evo II was a statement of intent. A huge, adjustable rear wing, massive widenings, newly designed bumpers and aerodynamics tuned for downforce made it a road-going race car. What looked like an exaggerated body kit was actually the result of precise wind tunnel work: the drag coefficient was 0.29 and lift was reduced by more than 50 per cent. This made the Evo II not only visually radical, but also a functional masterpiece.

Under the bonnet was Cosworth's further developed 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which mobilised 235 hp and catapulted the compact car to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. The top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h. The chassis was lowered, the dampers and stabilisers were adjustable, and the brake system was enlarged – all tailored directly to the racetrack.

The DTM versions, managed by AMG, celebrated great success with this package. In 1992, Klaus Ludwig won the German Touring Car Championship in the Evo II – a triumph over BMW and Audi that finally made the 190 E a motorsport legend.

Mercedes built only 502 units for the road – exactly the same number as its predecessor and exactly as many as the regulations required. All but two were delivered in blue-black metallic, with leather, air conditioning and distinctive 17-inch rims.

This Evo II is the 14th of only 502 vehicles built. It was equipped with sporty fabric seats (071), limited-slip differential (211), electric sunroof with lifting mechanism (412), level control (489), Becker Grand Prix cassette radio (511) and seat heating (873).

Our contributor added the Evo II, which had only clocked up 123,000 kilometres and was visibly well maintained, to his collection from Flensburg, where it had been registered with the previous owner since 2015. He had the car wrapped in the "Berlin 2000" livery of the DTM winning car and used it for occasional outings. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of motorsport history – a car that embodies the most successful era of German touring car racing.