Rare and desirable Homologation Special, Swiss delivered example, Pristine collector condition, Only 92,350 km from new
The Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution I is a rare gem in automotive history, a car born out of Mercedes’ ambition to dominate the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) in the late 1980s. To meet the strict Group A racing regulations, Mercedes had to produce at least 500 road-legal versions of their race car. They ended up building exactly 502 units, each one a distinct piece of motorsport engineering. Under the hood, the Evolution I packed a 2.5-liter inline-four engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth. While its road-going form delivered 195 horsepower, this engine was built with racing in mind, capable of much higher outputs when tuned for competition. The car’s suspension was upgraded with height-adjustable settings, giving drivers the flexibility to tweak performance for different racing conditions. Larger brakes were fitted to ensure it could handle the extra power, while a lightweight construction improved both acceleration and cornering. The Evolution I’s aggressive styling wasn’t just for show. It featured a bold body kit with flared wheel arches, a prominent rear spoiler, and a redesigned front air dam — all meticulously crafted to improve aerodynamics and keep the car stable at high speeds. Wider wheels and performance tires rounded out the package, ensuring grip and control on both road and track. The 190E Evolution I was a pivotal step in Mercedes’ DTM journey, paving the way for the even more extreme Evolution II. Today, it stands as a prized collector’s car, celebrated for its engineering brilliance, racing pedigree, and undeniable presence.
Our Example
Our 190E Evo I was delivered new in 1989 to Switzerland through Mercedes-Benz Schweiz. Through TÜV and service documents, it is traceable that, as late as 2007, the car was owned by a DaimlerChrysler official dealership in Ratingen, Germany, named SAHM GmbH. The car showed just 88,687 km at the time. Fast foward to 2010, the 190E was owned by a gentleman in Leverkusen, Germany, registered under the tags LEV-CD 19. Regular TÜV reports show the mileage of the Evolution I increased slowly, from 89,501 km in 2010, to 90,193 km in 2012, 91,759 km in 2014, and 92,107 km in 2019. To this day, the 190E is still owned by the same person. Today, with just over 92,300 km from new, the car presents in "time capsule" condition. It remains almost entirely in its original first paint, showing only the minor marks of careful use. The interior is virtually indistinguishable from new, and the chassis remains entirely free of corrosion. The active suspension works perfectly. As one of only 502 units ever produced, this Evo I represents a rare opportunity for the discerning collector. It is offered by Schaltkulisse with a fresh service and a brand-new set of tires, ready for the open road or the concours lawn.
