Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II Will Auction

An original Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II will conclude its auction on September 24, 2026.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Performance Vehicles

A rare 1990s Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II, one of only 502 produced, is scheduled for auction on September 24, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A rare Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II, numbered 401 of 502 units produced, is currently listed for auction on Bring a Trailer. Bidding for the collectible vehicle has already surpassed $400,000 as the auction nears its scheduled close on September 24, 2026.

Why it matters

The vehicle represents a sought-after piece of motorsport history as demand for original homologation specials remains high compared to modern tributes. This specific auction highlights the sustained valuation of the Evolution II platform within the collector car market.

The vehicle features a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 232 hp and has 58,735 km on the odometer. This unit is one of only 502 total Evolution II cars ever built by Mercedes-Benz.

The players

Mercedes-Benz

This is a German luxury automotive manufacturer that produced the limited-run 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II for homologation purposes.

HWA

This engineering firm develops high-performance tribute vehicles and has started customer deliveries of its own modern iteration of the Evolution II priced at $760,000.

Bring a Trailer

This is an online automotive auction platform that specializes in collectible and enthusiast vehicles.

The details

Originally sold in Japan before being exported to the United States, this vehicle utilizes a Getrag five-speed dog-leg manual transmission to route power to the rear wheels. The engine employs upgraded camshafts and a revised throttle body to achieve its performance specifications.

The vehicle previously sold for $425,000 in mid-2022.
The current auction is scheduled to end on September 24, 2026.

Roadmap

The original Evolution II serves as a benchmark for the DTM-era homologation specials that have become foundational assets in the luxury car collector market. Its sustained valuation underscores the industry shift toward prioritizing rare, analog mechanical heritage over contemporary performance metrics.

Prospective buyers should note that competition for original Evolution II examples remains intense, often trading at prices approaching $400,000 to $500,000. Maintenance for these specialized performance engines requires access to parts and expertise specific to the 190E platform.

The takeaway

Collectors of vintage performance machines should carefully vet the provenance of homologation specials given the recent emergence of high-cost modern tributes. Maintaining the original mechanical components of an Evolution II is essential for preserving the vehicle's long-term market valuation.