This car’s story pays tribute to the skills of automotive enthusiasts from at least three nations. More about that later, but take a virtual walk to the listing here on eBay  where this 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 2.3-16 in Daytona Beach, Florida seeks a new owner. With over 206,000 miles on the odometer, this interesting classic should be thoroughly enjoyed, and the recently rebuilt Cosworth engine and excellent overall condition should make enjoying it a joy that can begin immediately. Bidding has eclipsed $12,500 in a show of respect for this tribute to the collaboration of Mercedes-Benz, Great Britain’s Cosworth, and Brazil’s Aryton Senna.

By the mid-1980s, manufacturers were starting to master the art of making power while still satisfying emissions and fuel economy requirements. Mercedes-Benz’s 190, their smallest vehicle, also benefited from its light weight, tipping the scales at a sprightly 2712 lb, less that the contemporary Fox-body Mustang. Unlike today, when everything this side of a lawn tractor has double overhead camshafts, “DOHC” was something to brag about in the ’80s, and Mercedes-Benz took the extra step of engaging British Formula One engine wizards Cosworth to design the sporty 2.3-16’s 16-valve cylinder head. Check out the fascinating history of its development here at https://mb190e16v.com.

From an era where German cars were known and sometimes criticized for presenting their controls in a featureless grid of rectangular buttons, only a trio of round instruments disrupts that esthetic. The seller reports that everything works except the cruise control and driver’s seat height adjustment. Though “never raced,” even the buyer should hope that it has been vigorously exercised occasionally. Many German cars will experience fewer maintenance issues if properly thrashed from time to time. Performing superbly at speed is their birthright and purpose in life. One time years ago my friend Matt decided to drive his 1985 Volkswagen Rabbit, a rather speedy specimen with (optional) fuel-injection and (optional) five-speed gearbox, as rapidly as possible to a town about 17 miles distant, and he specified that this experiment would involve driving with his foot on the floor as much as possible. Driving as if we were late for a very important date, the little white Rabbit relished stretching its legs, happy to continue. Most American cars of that era would have left us on the side of the road with one or more fluids and steaming vapors escaping if subjected to the same treatment.

Considering the recent professional engine rebuild, buyers might question why the nifty high-tech four and its engine compartment escaped any sort of cleaning or restoration. So why the “Senna” stickers? Mercedes-Benz decided to draw attention to the 185 HP “Baby Benz” (about 50 more than base models) first by setting top speed records of 153 MPH and then with a star-studded spec-race at Germany’s famous and newly redesigned Nurburgring road course. Twenty legends including Niki Lauda, Phil Hill, and Jack Brabham raced identical 190-16s and none could top the F1 rookie from Brazil, Ayrton Senna, who won the race and established himself as a force to be reckoned with (thanks to hemmings.com for some details). Of course this is not the car Senna drove that day, but the recreated letters pay homage to his accomplishment, and driving with them demonstrates the owner’s respect for a day that gave enthusiasts in many time zones something to celebrate. Isn’t that worth more than $13,000?