Debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1983, the Mercedes-Benz 190e 2.3-16V Cosworth was originally built as a homologation special for rallying competition in Europe. It was later developed to enter the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), or German Touring Car Championship. This cars development preceded its main DTM competition rival, the iconic BMW E30 M3, by three years. By the end of the Mercedes-Benz Cosworth's production in 1993, it had won 42 DTM Races compared to the BMW E30 M3's 48.

Mercedes-Benz imported the 190e 2.3-16V Cosworth to the United States for two years, 1986 and 1987. It was only available in two colors, Blue-Black and Smoke Silver and could be purchased with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission 

This 1986 190e Cosworth was purchased in March 2017 in Atlanta, Ga from a Craigslist ad. The 190e was in near basketcase condition with failing paint and thrashed interior. The paint on the hood, roof and trunk lid were absent, basically worn down to primer. The car however had zero rust and did run and drive.

Over the next five years, the body and paint were restored by the owner and the original 2.3 liter 16 valve Cosworth engine was fully rebuilt. During the engine rebuild, the original US spec engine power output of 167 HP was increased to Euro spec 185 HP. Compression ratio was increased from US spec 9.7:1 to Euro spec 10.5:1. The car maintains the original close ratio Getrag dogleg 5-speed manual transmission and limited slip differential.

This 190e 2.3-16 remains in a state of restoration with the completion of the interior and seats remaining. The original Recaro front and rear seats will be recovered in black leather with Euro spec cloth inserts. The car is currently using comfort seats from a standard 190e interior.

Despite it's collectibility, this 190e is driven regularly. The owner drives the car to work 3-4 times per week and frequently enjoys weekend mountain drives.