1989 Mercedes 190 Auto

Description

• Unsold at auction December 2023
• Time warp Condition
• Immaculate rare Windsor Grey Paintwork
• Stunning Interior
• Low warranted mileage
• Comprehensive service history
• Probably the best example on the market right now
• Dry stored for the last six years

From January 1974 to January 1982, Mercedes spent over £600 million researching and developing the W201, subsequently saying it was ‘massively over-engineered’. The company began testing early prototypes in 1978, with final styling approved on 6 March 1979. The first prototypes based on that design were tested later that year, with pilot production beginning in February 1982, following engineering sign-off. The W201-based 190 was unveiled on 8 December 1982, and launched in Germany on 9 December 1982. It was marketed in right-hand drive for the UK market from September 1983.

Originally supplied to Mrs P Maguire by Mercedes dealer Rose and Young of Caterham. She was effectively the only real previous owner of this stunning example. Unfortunately, during a house move to Dorchester all the documents were misplaced. She then sold the vehicle to a trader who had to apply for a new V5 before selling to our current vendor. Our vendor who added the 190 to his small collection was so impressed with his purchase that made the sensible decision to not add to the now two previous owners on the V5. Now six years later he has decided to let a new custodian take ownership of the car.

Going back to that lost paperwork, our vendor shared that he has now replaced the owner’s manual, sales brochure and workshop directory. Importantly, he has also managed to convince Mercedes to check their electronic records and transfer all the previous service information to 2 new duplicated service books. Now that is a task in itself. Fantastically this now warrants the mileage of 46k.

The eagle eyed of you will notice that the odometer currently reads 32,163. There is a perfectly good explanation in that the speedo was replaced under warranty at 13,803 and as such is documented in the doc pack, it even has a lovely letter of authenticity from Mrs P Maguire, the original owner.

The 190 will also be supplied with two keys, the V5 in the dealerships name, a current MOT that expires in 11 months plus the toolkit and first aid kits that look to have never been opened.

Exterior

As you would expect from this era of Mercedes, the build quality was exceptional. The rare Windsor Grey paintwork can only be described as immaculate it is that good. We suspect you have already seen the condition that this super example is in but if you haven’t, we advise you to go and have a look at the image gallery now. You really won’t be disappointed; it really is that good.

For those of you who frequent our auction pages you will be fully aware that when we describe the paintwork as immaculate, we genuinely push our vendors to state any blemishes that they know of and after further scrutiny our vendor shared that there is a small mark on the a pillar that is as big as a pinhead. Wow!

There is a very light scuff on the textured section of the offside front bumper that can be seen in the images but again the rest of the plastics are as impressive as the paintwork.

The lamps, glass and grille can only be described as perfect, even the hubcaps look brand new. We described the car as in time warp condition and we are happy to stand by that; the proof is in the image gallery.

As previously mentioned, the 15-inch wheel trims look brand new, and the tyres can be described as excellent with loads of tread available.

The underneath, already very tidy when our vendor took ownership, is very tidy indeed. Our vendor shared that the underside was showing lots of white residue from our previous owner’s white gravel drive. Considering the immaculate topside of the vehicle he decided to clean most of it off, in fact he went to town cleaning and treating any surface rust he could find, and the results are impressive. Again, just have a look at the couple of images in the gallery.  Front and rear suspension components are all that good.

Interior

We mentioned that this era of Mercedes cars were built with exceptional quality, in fact it is our belief that they were somewhat over engineered, with the interior not being overlooked in that department. Although this 190 is not blessed with gadgets and extras, it was even supplied without a stereo just the original Mercedes blanking plate, everything works and is in that “Just left the factory” condition.

We already mentioned that the first aid kit looks to have never been opened but look at the cargo nets on the rear of the front seats. We have genuinely not seen them without a slight sag in them, not so with this example; they look like they have never been used. To be fair the rear seats are the same and with that aforementioned build quality, you would be forgiven for thinking the front seats haven’t been sat in either.

The roof lining is as it was when it was produced, the dash is perfect, as are the door pads. The lush carpets are just that, still lush. Covered by the original over mats we can see why.

We can also share that we’re told that everything that was fitted to the interior of the car works perfectly and all the switches and knobs are in great condition.

Engine

What to expect from the bonnet area of a car that is this good you ask. Well, we can tell you straight away that you won’t be disappointed. It would be unbelievable to say that this area is probably the most impressive of any part of the car, especially if you have read the earlier parts of this article.  Well yes, we said it and are not worried about saying it; just look at it. It is phenomenally clean and tidy. You will even find all the factory stickers in place and still presenting perfectly.

Fitted with the 2.0 litre petrol model mated to an auto box, our vendor shared that it drives as well as it looks. Starting immediately and settling into a smooth and constant tick over. Slide the auto box into drive and it pulls away effortlessly and climbs through the gears just as smoothly as you would expect it did when it left the factory.

The fantastically well-designed unit was built on the changeover year but is fitted with the more sought-after duplex chain drive engine so no worrying about timing belts snapping. Our vendor explained that over the six years of ownership he has literally put just 100 miles on the odometer, predominantly getting it MOTd, so he hasn’t got loads of service history – but assures us that the oil looks as new now as it did when he got it. Either way those in the know are aware that these engines really are bulletproof. Did we mention that Mercedes of this era were over engineered?

Suspension and other

As previously mentioned, the suspension all round has been removed, cleaned up, and refitted after careful inspection. The brakes were all checked and needed nothing doing. After all that work the 190 was then treated to a four-wheel alignment check and adjust. As mentioned earlier, the tyres are all excellent.

This, our vendor has shared, leads to a stunning drive with no issues whatsoever. No knocks, clunks, or squeaks to mention. The brakes work as they should, and it really is a fantastic drive.

Our view

Out of all the classic cars you could buy to use as a daily driver, the Mercedes-Benz 190 is one of the most relaxing and reliable. It’s not the sort of car you buy for weekend hoonery, but it is the sort that’ll take the stress away from sitting in traffic on the way to work. Especially with the smooth auto gearbox.

As mentioned over and over, this example is absolutely stunning in its rare Windsor Grey paintwork and is probably the best example you will find on the market at this time. A true collector’s example of the bulletproof Mercedes 190 if we ever saw one.

Vehicle Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Mercedes 190 Auto? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.