While it never truly reached the mythical status of the E30 M3, the 190E 2,3-16 is arguably one of the greatest cars we got from the ‘80s.
Meet Del Necessary, proud owner of this 1983 Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 who recollects his childhood memories reading about it in the magazines of the era in the latest Petrolicious film.
Despite having had serious machinery in his garage, Del used his 2.3-16 as his daily driver at first, showing his love for the German nemesis of the original M3. It may only make 167hp on this side of the Atlantic, but back then it was enough for it to be considered one of the sportiest sedans in the market.
“Sixteen valve engines were kind of peaky, you know, until it got up on the cam,” he says, “but it definitely kicks in at about four grand, and comes alive.”
With the daily commute off its schedule these days, this beautiful Mercedes is used now only for Del’s early morning drives through the mountains – and who can blame him.