Lot 115 - 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 16v Cosworth

• First Owner, His Majesty King Hussein of Jordan
• Unusually highly specified example

This high-performance model was known as the 190E 2.3-16 and debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 1983, after its reputation had already been established. Three cars, only slightly cosmetically altered, had set three world records in August at the Nardo testing facility in Italy, recording a combined average speed of 154.06 mph over the 50,000km endurance test and establishing 12 international endurance records. This was later updated to the 190E 2.5 16v in 1988. Apart from the performance increase over the standard 190E, there were other notable changes. The body-kit on the 2.3-16 reduced the drag coefficient to 0.32, one of the lowest CD values on a four-door saloon at the time, whilst also reducing lift at speed. The steering ratio was quicker and the steering wheel smaller than that on other 190s, whilst the fuel tank was enlarged from 55 to 70 litres. An oil cooler was also fitted to ensure sufficient oil cooling for the inevitable track use for which many of these cars were destined. The strictly four-seater interior had Recaro sports seats with strong side bolsters for front and rear passengers. Three extra dials, an oil temperature gauge, stopwatch and voltmeter were included in the centre console. The 190E 2.3-16 was only available in two colours, Blue-Black metallic or Smoke Silver. The suspension on 16-valve models is very different from the standard 190, as well as being lower and stiffer - it has quicker dampers, larger anti-roll bars, harder bushes, a limited slip differential and hydraulic self-levelling suspension (SLS) on the rear. This allows the rear ride height to remain constant even when the car is fully loaded.

This fantastic, rare and desirable righthand drive Mercedes-Benz 2.3 16V Cosworth is presented in Smoke Silver with black leather interior. With only four previous owners, the first being His Majesty King Hussein of Jordan, this well cared for example shows an impressive 15 stamps in the service book and has been garaged for most of its life. Unusually highly specified from new, this car benefits from key options including electric driver and passenger seats , outside temperature display, Becker Mexico radio, electric sunroof , automatic transmission , driver airbag , illuminated vanity mirrors , and air conditioning. It is offered to auction with a valid MoT test certificate and V5C registration document. Good examples of this model are a firm favourite with both collectors and investors alike.