Homologation Specials: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II
In the 1980s and ’90s, Mercedes-Benz produced nearly two million units of the 190 compact sedan, but these were not created equally. The variants of the entry-level Merc ranged from beige Moroccan taxi cabs with workhorse diesels under the hood and fewer amenities than a room at the YMCA, to the homologation specials with Cosworth-and-AMG-developed engines wearing aero kits shaped by wind tunnels and phDs.
The ultimate road-going iteration, the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II featured in today’s film driven by none other than Alain de Cadenet, was born to support Mercedes’s battle with BMW and Audi in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), homologating the competition version that went on to win the manufacturers’ championship in 1991 and 1992, besting its rivals during one of the headiest periods of touring car motorsport.
But even without the achievements of its racing relative, the street legal version was fated for infamy. The almost egregiously tall rear wing and the rest of the bodywork augmentations are emblematic of the era it was born into, and although its styling has been polarizing car enthusiasts for three decades and counting, there is no denying that this car has presence. It’s a lot to look at, but what’s it like to drive? Is there a better way to answer that question than to put one in the talented hands of Alain de Cadenet on a winding mountain road in Portugal? Not likely.
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Still one of the most beautifully proportioned sedans ever made, in my opinion. Modern and timeless, nearly 40yrs later. Incredible engineering.
Lol-) that's quite the stretch
Alain De Cadenet is a great personality. Yes, a bit old-school but we need people like him. As far as grandads go, he is up there. We also need homologation specials today,more cars like GR Yaris. I could listen his automotive stories al day.
I'm astonished by the fact that the Yaris GR it's the first car that I though too!
We needs lots more like him. Old school is the proper school. Other than Harris, the new generation is disgusting.
@@Doncan0823 Yes,not only people who appreciate manual gearboxes and NA engines but also aren't afraid to get CASTROL on their fingers. Proper petrolheads,not pu***ies!!
right - I love his Victory by Design work
Alain is awesome.
Filmed in Gerês, Portugal, beautiful car in a beautiful place indeed
Pqq eles filmam ca, sao tugas? Abraço
@@MrRX75 penso que os realizadores não são portugueses mas o dono do carro sim.
This car is stunning. I've got one like this, but is in a box on a shelf on the wall inside my house. You can see it here: kzhead.info/sun/YK2Rld6BhIxohKM/bejne.html
The 190 was my favourite car when I was a kid. Still looks great today.
I 100% agree. The design is timeless (depending on the year and spec)
Such a handsome car. Have been very tempted to get one but they're become impractical as a daily (where I live, anyway). I compromised and got a 202 instead!
Ah, anything with Alan in is worth watching. Love his work in presenting cars🤗😎
Its Alain not Alan although he Briticizes it ,....
@@richardsmith9509did he briticise it?
I used to love watching Victory by Design with Alain de Cadenet! What a pleasant surprise!
What an amazing series that was
Same!! I used to watch it while getting ready for elementary school back in the day haha
Oh yes, I concur with that🤘
My favorite series about the best automobiles the world has to offer. I could never get bored with it.
This car is stunning. I've got one like this, but is in a box on a shelf on the wall inside my house. You can see it here: kzhead.info/sun/YK2Rld6BhIxohKM/bejne.html
I have a simple 190E 1.800cc and i drive it every Summer in Greece. That feeling of freedom when i drive it is amazing! Great car 💯💯
After they won the 1972 Championship they should have immediately taken it back to 1955 to race Doc's DeLorean.
This car is stunning. I've got one like this, but is in a box on a shelf on the wall inside my house. You can see it here: kzhead.info/sun/YK2Rld6BhIxohKM/bejne.html
Despite i miss the old format, having this Merc, Petrolicius, Mr. de Cadenet and Portugal in the same video is superb. Thanks for this Christmas gift 😁👌🏽
This car is stunning. I've got one like this, but is in a box on a shelf on the wall inside my house. You can see it here: kzhead.info/sun/YK2Rld6BhIxohKM/bejne.html
"It all came right in 1972". I can't sleep it haunts me, what came right in 1972?
Should have been 1992, not 72.
Yeah I think Alain meant 1992, when Klaus Ludwig won his 2nd of 3 (iirc?) DTM titles. Interesting side note, one of the 502 Evo II's is for sale right now on Bring a Trailer.
Slip of tongue - 92
Never enough content of the 190e
This car is stunning. I've got one like this, but is in a box on a shelf on the wall inside my house. You can see it here: kzhead.info/sun/YK2Rld6BhIxohKM/bejne.html
I was lucky enough to hitch 2-3 rides in the Grimstad EVO 2 during the early 00's. Crazy days, indeed.
My first car was a 190E 2.3. I wanted the 2.6 but the fuel consumption was just too much to afford at the time. I had that car for almost 3 years. 243.000km when I bought it and I didn't have a single issue with it. Was almost at 290.000 when I sold it. The 190E will always be in my heart, it was amazing getting my first car who was both more comfortable and more powerful than what my friends bought for at pretty much the same price. I learned to drive in a W123 2.4D and a 190E 2.5D so Mercedes was always in the cards. But God I would love to try a 2.5 Evo. I have so many happy memories from the 190E.
I would completely believe this was recorded in the 90's as a new review.
This car is stunning. I've got one like this, but is in a box on a shelf on the wall inside my house. You can see it here: kzhead.info/sun/YK2Rld6BhIxohKM/bejne.html
Alain's old show "Victory by Design" was such a great series.
Yes yes yes! Incredible series with significant global race cars and Alain’s wonderful stories! Is that show on YT?
I like this guy, this reminds me of Top Gear before it became a childish family show.
Top gear is 100% the worst. Clapping and cheering tards in the audience it's such a terrible format
Top Gear has always been a fun show, especially the original ones with Hammond, Clarkson and May, it's what made the show so amazing it was fun and accessible and could be enjoyed even by non hard-core car folks, you need to get your head out of your ass you stupid hipster
So you mean fifth gear then.
Top Gear thrived as a fun, family show. It suited its audience as intended.
@@axioms22 obviously you know fuck all about Top Gear. The Original ones like Clarkson, May and Hammon? Top Gear was running decades before these guy joined.
I’ve grown to love 90s cars the past 2 years. This car is stunning 🤩
Im a proud owner of a 93' 190E 2.0. Yes its no evo 2, but its def a classic. Ill be making my own replica of the 190E evo 2. Since the real one costs over 500k here.
You, my friend, have an amazing car in your possession. I have a 89' 190E 2.0 4-speed manual which is my first car and couldn't be more honored and proud every time floor the gas pedel. No evo 2 indeed, but shes quick nontheless and the happiest between 150-170 km/t! (I don't condone speeding lol). Cheers mate!
i bought my first car 3 years ago,it's a 2.3 8v with zender kits,and i love it.it's my daily drive car and it's a blast :D Love to go to the classic shows and car meetings with it.
@@ryn0287 tens fotos disso amigo?
@@brunoGRful photos.app.goo.gl/2tYCLaSqwrvzt8Z47 neste momento assim,indo arranjando aos poucos :)
@@ryn0287 wauw she’s a beauty!!!
Alain De Cadenet is a class act when coming to this sort of content. Spectacular. Absolutely singular.
I could listen to this man review a microwave and still enjoy it. Thank you sir!
I always learn something so interesting from Mr. de Cadenet’s videos and this was no exception. Thank you so much, Alain, for enriching my day.
my father used to work on a replacement mercedes benz part company... i was used to see many mercedes models in the company... but there was one special day, i remember seeing this car i it amazed me how different it look, i was like 16years old im 40now.
One of the most beautiful sedans
These cars are so cool! some of the best looking flares that came out of this era and WHAT AN ENGINE!
It is always a pleasure to hear Alain De Cadenet talking about cars. Victory by Design was an amazing series. I'd love to see episodes like this one but longer.
Petrolicious dropping an exquisite (chef's kiss) video right when we need them most.
Beautiful film... in Portugal - Gerês! And, of course... The Mercedes 190 🙌🏾
I'm glad to know that there is an incredible car like that one in my country, Portugal!!
Massive fan of Alain De Cadenet!! Still have my full box set of the Victory By Design series from the early 2000s. Awesome video.
🇵🇹 Gerês... How beautiful this country is.
Great cars! I raced against Alain in the 1990 and 1991 Carrera Panamericana. He is a real nice chap, Cheers!
Grew up watching them fight on the track it was beautiful. Gave me a lifelong passion.
Willem Dafoe is looking really good lately 👍
Another great story / video from Alain ! one of the BEST.
Looks a Portuguese car license plate going around in Braga, not Spain!!
Serra do Gerês, actually ;)
Also luv the 190E. Owned a standard 1989 for a few years. Purchased from family friend who purchased it in Austria new. Used it there, then had it shipped to the US. He moved back to Austria in 2004 sold it to me then. Such a enjoyable car to drive. Not fast but the ride quality was excellent. What stunned me was what he paid for it new. He had the original window sticker when I purchased it from me. List was $43K US dollars. That’s insane for 1989. Now it’s was no 2.5 16v Cos but for a weekend way but a great touring car. Great vid and beautiful car.
C’mon Alan, get your own channel up & running, we need more guys like you on here 👍🏻
One of the coolest cars ever made
This and the M3 Evo II were my dream cars as a kid, the Mercedes a bit more so I had a big poster of it in my room looking and lasting over it every single day. They still are to this day!
THIS was amazing, I absolutely loved it, huge fan of Alan already
This car is stunning. I've got one like this, but is in a box on a shelf on the wall inside my house. You can see it here: kzhead.info/sun/YK2Rld6BhIxohKM/bejne.html
Love this channel! Plus when Alain de Cadenet is driving and narrating? Keeps me coming back for every history lesson in Motorsport! Bravo!
um parabéns ao proprietário por pôr uma matrícula portuguesa na Petrolicious. Que exemplar! E que grande máquina
Tem matricula holandesa
It really sits nice on the road by the looks of it. This car must be epic to drive for sure.
Gorgeous. A classic. One of my dream cars.
One of the best looking late-80s early 90s car out there
This is definitely my dream car!!! And such a great documentary film!!!
Ver um carro desses deve ser incrível uma lenda dessas DTM incrível 👍👍👍👍👍👍
I have a replica version of the Evo 2. I had one in a billion chance to park it next to a real Evo 2
what engine?
@@evenkristoffersen6501 2.3-16v you can see videos on my page
I saw it. Plz take good care of it
This car always reminded me of the "Sentinel" or the "Mafia car" from Grand Theft Auto 3. On a less silly note; I've just discovered this Alain fellow, and my goodness, I could listen to him talk about cars all day long.
Good to see him on the web. Great driver and presenter.
Excellent info, dialogue, editing, cinematography and angles! Not too long and not too short in length either, fantastic! Always loved this car and its boxy aggressive shape and of course the dog-leg shifter (weird he didn’t mention it?). Just wish the video featured more exhaust note at WoT and redlining to hear that Cosworth engine scream!
First one of your vids ive watched and so glad as i now have something great to watch.... Many thanks 🚘👍
One of my most prized dream cars. Beautiful! 😎👍👍🥰🤑🍷
Ah the legendary Pommes Theke. Superb car.
One of best classic sedans
Loved this, I have always loved the 190E, but man they’re pricey these days!
Brilliant stuff! Always loved the 190E!
Absolute otherworldly car cleaning skills must have played a part at the shots around 03:15 - so stunningly smooth! edit: And very nice grading at around 06:58!
Another magnificent car to show, great video.
This car is so beautiful. Timeless.
Thanks for the video, Merry Xmas!
Alian was a real treat and surprise!!
Throwback to Alain's "Victory by Design" show that aired on Speedvision back in the day (here in the US).
Love these cars! Hardly see them (as expected), but when I do, they stop me in my tracks!
Alain De Cadenet, what a pleasant surprise.
С него и началась ваша история спортивных машин мой любимый из мерседес ❤❤❤
Man. This car worth so much money now! Evolution!
Alain you're a great driver a wonderful spokesman and keep it up you need to be here more 100%
What a machine. Also, those pre-1992 Portuguese numberplates...
Perfeito. Felizmente o proprietário não aderiu às matrículas novas!
Este carro foi importado, tendo em conta a ‘numeração’ da matrícula.
@@ruiduarteoliveira pois é, só a partir de meados de 92 é que começaram a ser atribuídas as matrículas com as letras no final...quanto mais as letras PI, que são de 2000
One of the most beautiful cars of all time
190190 E 2.5-16 on Rio Caldo more specifically on Praia fluvial de Alqueirão. Just amazing
Amazing car, amazing place! I’m from Porto, and i love to go there no summer!
De Cadenet is the man!Remember seeinghim driving a car and pulling G's on a turn.
What a car and what history!
Thank you, great video !
Great! Nice to see the potent Mercedes again. This content was so much more listenable! Thanks for listening to feedback, Petrolicious!
Had an 86 2.3-16 in silver. Great DD that was fun on a back road.
Awesome car, man and story. Petrolicious. Thank you!
Top car and very well presented by Alain, please Petrolicious keep this Quality up.
Same as comments below... HUGE fan of Victory by Design!! Haven't seen him in years. More Alain please!!! 😃
10/10 video this is going in my best of yt offline underground capsule.
Proud owner of a 190D 2.5 88mod. Never let me down.
👏🏽 please bring in more videos like em. Classic video this. 👌🏽
Great presentation !
Alian just made my 2020...... 🙏🏾🙌🏾
I just love the 190E it’s a superb car
I saw the E30 rally, I bought one, I saw the 190E Racing, I lusted after one, I saw the new Aygo or whatever it is hybrid on some dirt roads and I couldn't care less. So I still search for a 190E.
You can get a 190E for rather cheap! Just not the Evolution or the Cosworths.
The most beautiful Mercedes in my opinion
more of this guy please!!!!!
My all time dream car, love the video!
What an absolute legend.. superb as always. And the cars not too bad either. 😁😁
(3:46) 1972? Evo II? Way ahead of its time, eh?
I hate those kind of mistakes when talking about any subject. It makes me wonder do they even know what the fuck are they talking about!
Yeah.
1992 it was, but this car was indeed ahead of its time ;-)
Slip of tongue happened even to the best in the industry. We're all mortals and this is an imperfect world. We'd be driving homologation specials today if it is.
@@BMWM3GTS92 Yup. Alain knows what he's talking about.
A very special car that I love.
Just simple, straightforward, sensible review, devoid of the usual idiotic "music" so prevalent on KZhead videos these days. Thanks so much for this breath of clean air.
Alain De Cadenet is the man! Loved me some Victory by Design when I was a kid.
Everything he said was very true 👍, I love all the accomplishments of Mercedes-Benz.
Pure class. All of that era
Lovely to see it beiing driven Around, great car
I remember seeing the W201 190's in 1983 of course being 16 at the time I was all about cars. I really wanted a 190 E 2.3 or 2.5 but couldn't afford a turn signal lens let alone the whole car, so I did what any young enterprising 16 year old would do,...I improvised. a 1972 Audi 100ls 4spd with a set of knock off BBS Wire Baskets and a rubber lip on the rear deck and I was any rally driver you pleased!! I loved that old car.
Great car and Great narration; thank you for sharing it with us. I have always liked that tall rear spoiler, I must add.
This car is stunning. I've got one like this, but is in a box on a shelf on the wall inside my house. You can see it here: kzhead.info/sun/YK2Rld6BhIxohKM/bejne.html