MERCEDES 190E

Contact: Kim Cairns Classic Cars, Snettisham, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE31 7PF Tel: 01485 541526 kimcairnsclassics.co.uk

Mercedes’ model naming system seems so logical – three digits for the engine capacity, a suffix denoting whether a car had fuel injection or was a diesel an estate or a ‘Sports Licht’ and, in more recent decades, a prefix denoting the ‘class’ . But for such a simple system, Mercedes seems to have managed to stray from it quite regularly.

In the days before the notion of ordering the range by ‘class’ really took hold, this was often to retain some sort of obvious hierarchy between models, or because specific badges had acquired a cachet and significance all of their own. Probably

ONE TO BUY: Year: 1991 Price: £6995 MoT: 12 months

the most famous and prestigious example was the 300SEL 6.3 of the 1970s, which denoted the range-topping long-wheelbase SEL with a 6.3-litre V8 in place of the standard 3.0-litre straight-six. And 20 years later, at the other end of the range, came the 190E 1.8. The 190E was already stretching the naming system a bit, since the standard model used the same 1997cc engine that was badged as a 200E in the mid-size Benzes. But the ‘Baby Benz’ had to be differentiated from its bigger siblings, and so ‘190E’ took on a separate identity of its own, with rather contradictory models like the 190E 2.6, the 190D 2.5 and the sporty 190E 2.3-16V.

Right at the end of the model’s life, Mercedes withdrew the entry-level carburettor-fed 190 (hence no ‘E’ suffix) and replaced it with a short-stroke 1797cc version of the fuel-injected engine making the same power as the outgoing unit, creating the 190E 1.8 we have here.

This is a basic Benz in all its glory. The very-slightly-brown-tinted Smoke Silver paint is set off by immaculate Brazil fabric seats (a multi-shade brown tweed) with brown carpets, door cards, floor trim, headlining and door surrounds. The original owner did at least spring for the automatic transmission on their otherwise base-spec Benz (manual windows, manual seats… but there is an electric sunroof), which is probably a good thing given how notchy the manual gearbox can be. This car has covered only 59,000 miles (backed up by all MoTs from 1993 to 2022) and that’s nothing to a 190E, especially when teamed with comprehensive servicing invoices included in the history file.

Despite their well-deserved reputation for solid longevity, 190Es in this condition are not as easy to find as they once were. While a 1.8-litre automatic Mercedes is never going to be the sort of car you decide to take out for a drive just for the fun of it, it would still be a pleasure to own – cars of this integrity and under-the-skin quality simply aren’t made anymore, and it would be a joy to keep lavishing basic, steady care on this Mercedes and keep it providing good service for many more years and miles.

This is another German compact executive saloon with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. Even in this form the BMW is more engaging to drive and arguably has more ‘classic’ looks, but it also has more ‘classic’ refinement and handling and isn’t as wonderfully solid as the Mercedes.

In 2023 as in 1991, for the price of a Mercedes with a small engine, manual windows and fabric seats you could get a Sierra Sapphire in Ghia spec with all the trimmings. On balance just as stodgy to drive and nowhere near as robust, but the Ford is rarer and would feel more special.

A saloon that proved its robust longevity across the world, the 505 had a 1.8-litre engine as its smallest option and, like the Mercedes, ranged in spec from ‘Lagos taxi cab’ to the badly overlooked GTI. Unlike the Mercedes, there was also an estate option. Hard to find in the UK now.

1978 JAGUAR XJC 4.2 COUPÉ. Finished in Sable over Sand with Black Vinyl Roof. Recently fully recommissioned and has covered 74,000 miles from new with 4 keepers. Comes with the original book pack, handbook, service book with 10 stamps plus invoices and MOTs from 1988 to 2000 when the car was last on the road. One of Sir William Lyons finest in outstanding condition....£42,500 1989 MERCEDES 300 SL. Finished in immaculate Mercedes Classic Arctic White with unmarked Blue Checked Cloth Trim. Matching original Blue Hood and White Hardtop. Warranted mileage of 74,000 with full documented service history. Original Book Pack, Handbook, Service Book with 18 stamps, unused spare wheel and tool kit. Mainly used with the hardtop on so the hood is original. Totally unmolested original car, I don’t think you would find a better one.........................................................................£38,995 1965 DAIMLER 250 V8. Complete restoration to a very high standard. This stunning Daimler is finished in unmarked Old English White, the interior is Jaguar/Daimler old red with the seats being original hide, with very light patina. New carpets and new headlining. All the wood veneers have been restored to a very high standard. The car has recently won several awards at classic car shows. If you are looking for a Daimler 250 and only want the best, don’t miss this one..............................................................£34,995 1966 JAGUAR MK10 4.2 AUTO. Finished in Opalescent Blue with Dark Blue Hide and excellent Walnut Veneers. Only 3 owners from new and 58,000 miles. Restored in the nineties and very light use since. Comes with original sale brochure, original log book, original book pack and hand books etc. MOT’s dating back to 1991 and complete tool kit. Stunning looking car. ...................£24,995

1981 LAND ROVER SERIES III SAFARI 7 SEATER Original Safari (Not a conversion) 7 seats. Finished in Ivory with Black seats and overdrive. Not a restored or modified Land Rover. It still maintains its original chassis and is in very good condition throughout. HARD to find a genuine Safari model in this condition .................£23,995 1974 ROVER 3500S MANUAL V8. Arctic White with unmarked original Ebony Trim and Ebony Vinyl roof. 65,000 miles and now fully recommissioned ready for the road/shows etc. Large amount of time and money was invested in recommissioning the car. With the original purchase invoice, all original books in the original wallet, old MOT’s until 1980 when it was last on the road, even has the Rover Colour chart from 1971. Must be one of the best original un-welded examples in existence....................................... £21,995 1984 BMW 316 AUTO E30 COUPÉ ONLY 14,000 MILES. As featured as one of the NEC Classic Car Motor Shows best buys. Finished in immaculate Henna red with unmarked grey trim. Original white BMW wallet with handbook, service book, services invoices and 2 sets of keys. Spare wheel, jack and tool kit all unused. A rare opportunity to acquire an original BMW E30 with incredibly low mileage and one family owned....... £18,995

1981 MGB GT ONLY 12,000 MILES. Finished in immaculate Pageant Blue with Grey/Black Trim. Purchased in 1981 and only used until 1989 after covering less than 12,000 miles. Now fully recommissioned and ready for the road again. Comes with all original book pack and wallet including service book, new car invoice and original V5. 12,000 mile immaculate car with 12 months warranty. ............................................................................. £16,995

2002 BMW 520I ES SE AUTO. Finished in immaculate Titanium Silver with Full Black Leather. Very rare being the E5 model only 64,000 miles with 7 Hexagon Service Stamps and one main dealer. Full Leather, Electric Sunroof, Climate Control, Split Rim Alloys and BMW Business Entertainment System. With original Books and Service Book in the leather BMW wallet and 2 sets of keys. 3 former keepers a very well looked after original example...............£8,495 1986 AUSTIN METRO CITY 1.0 ONLY 3,200 MILES. Finished in original white Diamond white with Brown/Beige trim. Totally original apart from a new exhaust system. Serviced at 999 miles and 2,505 miles. MOTs from 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1992. With a recent MOT carried out by ourselves on the 1st Nov 22. With all original books, unused spare wheel and tools. An incredible opportunity must be the best in existence. Would credit any collection or museum.......................................................... £12,995

Finished in immaculate Jaguar Topaz with unblemished Light Stone Leather. Electric seats with 3 way control on the drivers side, cruise control and climate control. Full service history. Original handbooks and service book in the leather wallet. The original tool kit is unused and still in its cellophane wrapping. A perfect opportunity to acquire a luxury and original low mileage LWB Jaguar Sovereign ............................................................................................. £15,995 2003 JAGUAR XKR 4.2 CONVERTIBLE Finished in Immaculate Midnight Black with unmarked Ivory Hide, 60,300 miles. Very high spec includes interior compass, premium sound audio and cassette, with CD changer, Brembo brakes, super sport suspension, 20inch Detroit split rim wheels, Sat Nav, cruise control, heated seats etc. Immaculate low ownership low mileage example with original book pack, original purchase invoice and service book. ................................................................................... £18,995

2020 HARLEY DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE 1740cc. Only one owner and only 11,000 miles from new. Supplied and serviced by Sycamore Harley-Davidson with servicestamps. Comes with the optional Le Pera Twin Seat and Side Panniers. This Harley Davison is a very well looked after bike in immaculate condition...........£14,995

PETROL. Finished in immaculate Metallic White/Chilli Red roof with Black leather piped Red. Specifications include climate control, chilli pack darkened rear glass, black headlight reflectors, heated seats, 4 wheel drive, 20 inch cross spoke alloys, radio visual boost, bi-xenon headlamps and mood lighting interior. Only two owners and 69,000 miles with a full service history. Excellent example, not many for sale....................................................................... £14,695

1996 VW TRANSPORTER CARAVELLE. Finished in Snowberry White and Baby Blue an exciting opportunity to purchase a VW dayvan, restored lovingly by Practical Classics Magazine. On “you tube” Practical Classics fixing up in association with Amazon. Drives very well and looks beautiful. Unique furniture including a rock and roll bed and illuminated cosmic headlining. 1.9 Diesel engine with 12 months MOT and ready for next summer getaways *£1000.00 will be donated to Practical Classics for their chosen charitries* .... £13,995 1980 SAAB 99. Only 25,000 miles from new confirmed by a letter from the previous owner, old MOT certificates and the service history. Original Walnut Brown with Tan Trim all in excellent condition. Original Log Book, second and third owners V5’s, 29 old MOTs, original Handbook pack all in the original wallet. A rare find from when Saabs were designed and hand built by their own engineers and none of the GM High volume. A sound investment and show car.. .....................................................................£13,995 1934 STANDARD NINE. Finished in Blue and Black with Blue Trim and a recorded mileage of 77,000. Has been used for a TV adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel. HRH Prince Philip’s first car was a Standard Nine. History file includes current and previous V5’s, various club magazines, various invoices and a selection of MOT’s. Lovely patina, an ideal show car....... £9,995

1991 MERCEDES 190E AUTO Finished in Smoke Silver with Brazil Cloth Trim, only 59,000 miles with 18 service stamps. Extensive History file old MOTs, original Car Invoice and a file of invoices confirming how well this car has been looked after. Exceptionally well looked after example, now becoming more sought after and hard to find in this condition. ................................................£6,995 2009 SAAB 9.3 1.8 PETROL ENGINE Finished in immaculate Snow Silver with Black/Grey interior and Black Electrical Hood. With climate control, Radio/CD Player and cruise control. Full service history and 89,000 miles. Comes with all original books, including a service book with 6 service stamps and a spare key. Stunning car ready to be enjoyed......................................£6,995 1997 MERCEDES SLK 230 KOMPRESSOR AUTO. ONLY 33,000 miles. Finished in immaculate Yellowstone with unmarked Black leather. Carbon Fibre design Facia, electric windows, cruise control upgraded music system. Comes with a selection of MOTs original book pack containing owners manual, service book, radio codes and data card. With 2 sets of keys. Lovely competitively priced car. .........................................................................£6,295