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Development for the W201 or ‘Baby Benz’ started in the first half of the 1970’s and was Mercedes first attempt to make a small saloon to compete with the Audi 80 and BMW 3 Series models in its home market. Taking a total of 8 years and a huge $750 million dollar investment to create. The car was designed by Bruno Sacco, notably responsible for developing the first S-Class model, introduced in 1979 and designated W126.
The first road-going prototypes underwent extensive testing in 1978 and the final version was unveiled to the public at the Paris Motor show in 1982.
From September 1983 the Mercedes 190E was exported to Britain, priced to compete with the 320i and 323i models from BMW’s E30 range.
In 1985, Britain got its first new engine – a 2.6-litre six-cylinder unit shared with the larger W124 260E. The Mercedes 190E 2.6 took the fight to the new BMW 325i, offering comfort and performance in one compact package.
It is worth remembering that at this time, Mercedes had a reputation of over engineering their cars which did make them feel very special to own and drive. The engineers it would seem were very much in control, something that changed with the Chrysler merger in the mid 90’s and the accountants keeping a close eye on costs. Something to this day that still remains very much the case.
This particular Arctic White E 2.6 was manufactured in September 1989 and delivered to its first long term owner residing in Richmond, Surrey on the 13th October. Supplied by Mercedes-Benz Great West Road, the options fitted consisting of: Automatic transmission, Front armrest, Alarm system, customer’s audio unit and electric aerial. The total invoice value amounting to £23,942.76
The car was kept safely garaged and correctly maintained over the nineteen years of ownership, all invoices and service stamp entries being kept and supporting average servicing intervals of just over 4,900 miles.
In December 2008 the car was sold to its second owner, an avid Mercedes enthusiast and resided for a further nine and a half years in Ramsgate. Safely garaged, used sparingly and averaging less than 600 miles annually during this time, the continuation of care being evident with the documentation on file.
In June 2018, its third and last owner purchased the car as a retirement treat and due to ill health, used the car very sparingly, covering less than 2,900 in the last seven years.
The years of caring ownership are evident when you see the overall condition of this wonderful example. The paintwork maintaining its factory fresh shine and the interior as original and clean as a car much younger in years.
The underside is a treat to behold for a 190 that is approaching 36 years of age, coupled with an EXCELLENT MOT history which can be viewed on-line. All MOT’s dating back to 1995 are contained within the vehicle file along with its original new car invoice, factory data build sheet, complete tool kit, first aid kit and 3 original keys.
Overall, a great driving analogue compact executive saloon that sounds fantastic with its torquey straight six engine. A car that can be easy to maintain and absolute joy to own.
