Back in the early ’80s, Mercedes envisioned entering a hot version of their “baby benz” 190E  into WRC competition. What they didn’t envision was the all-wheel drive competition from Audi and Lancia, which dominated the class. Realizing the error of their ways, Benz took their little Autobahner, with its Cosworth-modded mill, and attacked the DTM circuit. The Touring Car series required that competitors  be based on a car available to the public, and hence Mercedes homologated a number of 190E 16Vs for you and me. And here’s one that’s one that’s for sale, and while it’s quick, who knows if it’ll go fast.
This dark blue 190E 16V is parked on our favorite curb-side used car lot, and looks a bit innocuous from afar as the model identifying badges have been scraped off. The AMG-inspired body cladding is still there, although, sadly, the OEM alloys and grill have been replaced with some vulgar aftermarket items.
Still there is the 5-speed stick, and the twin-cam, 167-bhp 2.3-litre four cylinder, which is an oversquare design at 95.50/80.25 mm bore/stroke.  The seller is claiming that there’s only 5,000 miles on the rebuilt motor, and 159K on the car as a whole. At an asking price of $8,500 obo, there’s a lot to like here. Do you think, for that price, would it be Cosworth it to you?
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