Forget about the carbon racers of the modern era. A rare opportunity has arisen in Germany for collectors with petrol in their blood - an authentic Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 straight from the golden pages of DTM history from 1988.
This car is not just a restored vehicle; it is a symbol of an era in which racing cars were closely related to their production counterparts. Listed for sale by the specialists at Mechatronik, this example has undergone a meticulous restoration process in Gstaad to look exactly as it did on the day it first set foot on the track nearly four decades ago.
When “Group A“ dictated the rules
In 1988, the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft) championship was subject to the strict rules of Group A. The philosophy was simple: the car you see on the track should be as close as possible to the one in the showroom. This forced Mercedes-Benz engineers to create a masterpiece even in the basic version.
While the civilian model had 170 horses and an innovative multi-link rear suspension for its time, the racing version, prepared by the wizards at AMG, raises the bar enormously. Thanks to the lightening, the weight of this car falls below the 1000 kg mark, and the power of the 2.3-liter unit with a 16-valve head was “pumped” to a respectable 300 horsepower.
What makes this Mercedes so special is not only its raw power. It also has unique engineering, advanced aerodynamics and magnesium wheels that reduce unsprung masses. A heavily reinforced passenger capsule and ABS system are also part of this car, which is a real exotic for the late 80s.
The Spartan spirit is also a strong attraction. Inside you will not find leather or luxury. The interior is entirely subordinate to function - a massive roll cage, a single seat and instruments that monitor the vital signs of the engine.
And this particular car carries with it the aura of a true fighter. During the '88 season, Thomas von Löwis sat behind the wheel, who piloted it on the full calendar of European tracks. The fact that the chassis has its own AMG serial number makes it extremely valuable for investors looking for “blue blood“ in the automotive world.
After a two-year restoration (2023-2024), the car is in a condition that would make even its original creators gasp. The authentic livery and impeccable details take us back to a time when racing was a matter of pure craftsmanship, not complex computer algorithms.
For classic fans, this is not just a purchase, but the acquisition of a piece of the soul of Mercedes-Benz. And although the price is not publicly announced, one thing is certain - an investment in such a legend is more stable than any cryptocurrency.