Some cars are rare. Some cars are special. And then there’s this: number 23 out of just 502 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16v EVO IIs ever made. But before you start polishing your monocle and muttering about “investment grade classics,” let’s get one thing straight this isn’t just any EVO II. This is the EVO II that snuck out of the factory, hit the gym, and came back 300kg lighter than its siblings.
While the standard EVO II tips the scales at 1,340kg, this one weighs in at a featherweight 1,030kg. How? By going full track-day hero: the interior has been stripped bare, leaving only two racing bucket seats and a roll cage. No plush carpets. No sound deadening. No back seats for your friends. Just pure, unfiltered motorsport.
And let’s be clear: this isn’t a show pony for concours lawns or a garage queen waiting for the next auction. This is a car built to be driven hard. Forget about investment portfolios and collector bragging rights. This EVO II is a full-on track tool, engineered for apexes and adrenaline, not velvet ropes and champagne.
But here’s the kicker: it’s still running the original engine setup. No turbo wizardry, no Frankenstein swap. Just that glorious, high-revving four-cylinder, now with even less weight to haul around. The result? A car that feels like it’s been mainlining espresso and watching old DTM footage on repeat.
And the best bit? It’s road legal. Yes, you can drive this track weapon to the shops, terrifying pensioners and confusing small children as you go. It’s the kind of car that makes you want to take the long way home, every single time.
With a more aggressive and purposeful wheel fitment than the original EVO II, the stance is absolutely spot-on. The wheels fill the arches perfectly, giving the car a planted, ready-to-pounce look that matches its hardcore intent. It’s not just functional; it’s downright photogenic.
This EVO II has just 27,900 km on its original engine, which is incredibly low for a car of its age and pedigree. That mileage puts it in a rare category: collector-grade condition, but with a track-focused setup that makes it even more unique. I do wonder what the price will do considering this has had a hard life.
What would you choose? The investment grade classic EVO II or this hardcore track version?