1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 E MTS | Global Icons: The Patina Collective
Chassis No. WDB2010241F100723
MTS emerged from the fevered creativity of 1980s German tuning culture, the same movement that gave the world AMG, Brabus, and Gemballa-an era when independent houses raced to reimagine Mercedes-Benz's offerings with bolder aerodynamics and sharper presence. The arrival of the compact W201 handed these specialists a fresh canvas, and MTS answered with one of the period's most cohesive treatments that gave the 190 E a purposeful, ground-hugging stance years ahead of the factory's own efforts. Complete, surviving examples are now coveted artifacts of that golden age of tuning.
According to previous research, chassis 100723 was ordered new through the Coblenz, Germany branch and imported to the United States as a grey market example by F.R. Kassler on 5 August 1985. Originally finished in Diamond Blue Metallic over Blue Velour upholstery, this 190 E wears one of the more exciting period interpretations of Mercedes-Benz's compact sedan. The car carries a full MTS body kit featuring sculpted front and rear bumpers, fender flares, and side skirts, complemented by a FOHA rear spoiler and a set of color-matched 15-inch Rial mesh wheels.
Power comes from the familiar 2.0-liter inline-four, factory rated at 120 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. Complementing its outwardly sporting appearance is an engaging five-speed manual transmission, fitted under previous ownership in place of the original automatic reportedly using all OEM components. A 2022 suspension refresh brought new Bilstein B8 dampers, bump stops, top mounts, and ball joints, while a new EHA valve and a tune-up were reportedly carried out around 90,000 miles shown.
The seating surfaces have been neatly reupholstered in blue vinyl and the carpets professionally cleaned under current ownership. It is also well equipped with a sunroof, central locking, a power driver's seat, air conditioning, and power windows. Although the tachometer and cruise control are presently inoperative, the previously repainted exterior benefits from a paint correction by Satin Auto Details under current ownership, and the car is presented as an honest, well-preserved survivor of its era.
Now showing 91,923 miles at the time of cataloging, the car is accompanied by its original first-aid kit, spare tire, jack, warning triangle, and a clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report which shows prior ownership in Oregon from 2019 before its acquisition by The Patina Collective in 2024.