Killer deal on a clean 1986 Cossy 190E

We’re familiar enough with the Mercedes-Benz AMG 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth, a car who predated the current fancy-car trend of verbose hyphenated names by 25 years.  Overshadowed by BMW’s E30 M3 response 2 years later, it’s still a hot piece of 80s German race machinery.  What really struck me about this ad is the offer from the seller to take it to a mechanic and knock the cost of whatever mechanical repairs are needed off the price.  Essentially a guarantee that you’ll get a 2.3-16 in great running shape for the advertised $5800, a low price to start with.

1986 Mercedes-Benz AMG 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth for sale on Craigslist SF

Seller’s description:

1986 Cosworth Mercedes 2.3-16 valve. 134 k mi, one of the 1800 legally imported in1986-87, second owner, no rust or accidents, good condition, new head gasket, fuel pump, timing chain, clutch, exhaust including preconverters. Getrag 5 speed manual. A lot of assorted new parts. Runs well. Rear shocks new, but not OEM. Ambient air gauge and cruise control don’t work. $5800 or BO. We can take the car to the dealer for inspection, any cost of mechanical repairs (if needed) I will gladly subtract from asking price.

There aren’t a ton of pictures to get an idea of the overall superficial condition, but with the list of recent maintenance and mechanical guarantee, I see this as a pretty mind-blowing deal as Cosworth’s regularly go for $10-15k.  It’s not as sexy as an Evo and doesn’t stray to far from a standard 190E, but that’s ok with me with the racing pedigree and money that will be left over for upgrades should you choose to go that route.  If anyone out there is actually in the market for one of these, I’d highly recommend contacting this seller.

-NR