Rare Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II Hits Monaco Auction Block with $400K+ Estimate

Only 502 examples of the iconic Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II were ever produced, making this Monaco-bound car exceptionally rare. Designed specifically to homologate for the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), the Evolution II remains a benchmark in homologation specials.

Chassis 283, one of the few available on the market, will be auctioned in Monaco in the coming days. This particular Evolution II was originally delivered new to Switzerland and saw extensive use by its first owner, who drove it over 79,000 km (49,088 miles) between 1990 and 2006.

Restoration and Refurbishment

Between 2021 and 2023, CarTech Knowledge, based in Munich, restored chassis 283. The team refinished the body in Blue Black Metallic and refreshed the powertrain with new injectors, a revised radiator, an upgraded oil cooler, and a rebuilt differential.

The sedan has seen minimal post-restoration use, now showing a total of 80,598 km (50,081 miles) on the odometer. Despite the high mileage for an Evolution II, RM Sotheby’s estimates the car will sell for between $305,000 and $410,000.

A Race Car for the Road

Mercedes developed the Evolution II to meet DTM homologation requirements. It features a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, co-developed with Cosworth, producing 232 hp and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque. This powertrain allowed the Evolution II to rival the BMW E30 M3 Evolution II, which delivered 220 hp from its 2.3-liter engine.

The car also boasts an adjustable suspension, a bold body kit with flared arches, a pronounced splitter, and an adjustable rear wing—though critics might argue the wing’s utility extends beyond aerodynamics. The Evolution II stands as a testament to an era when Mercedes built four-cylinder engines worth enthusiasts’ admiration, long before the polarizing hybrid C63 AMG.

For those interested, the listing is available for review here.