One of my favorite aspects of being the owner of a 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth is the connection to Ayrton Senna. Senna, among other legendary drivers, participated in a one-off event dubbed the “Race of Champions” that featured some of the most significant drivers of the era going head-t0-head in the same car: a Cosworth 190E, which were more or less left in stock condition save for a handful of modifications. It was held at the Nürburgring in commemoration of the track’s opening. The seller of this 1986 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth has built a formidable track car and added some subtle cues in commemoration of one of the participating drivers, Carlos Reutemann. You can find it here on Facebook Marketplace for $16,500.

Now, as a track car, you already know this 190E is far from stock. The actual cars used in the Race of Champions were tweaked very slightly in an effort to maintain a level playing field amongst some of the world’s best drivers. The springs were firmer, the final drive ratio was changed, 4-piston front brake calipers were installed, and obviously an assortment of safety features integrated. The end result was a memorable event with Senna taking the checkered flag, and many historians credit this event with the start of his rapid ascension in the world of racing. It effectively put him on the map.

As such, the Cosworth has always held a special place in racing history, and many owners like this one have converted their vehicles into full-on track cars. This is very similar to the fate that many BMW M3s from the E30 chassis years have experienced, as they were simply used-up enthusiast cars that made excellent track vehicles, long before achieving the high values they enjoy today. The 190E still lags the M3 in this regard, so it’s a bit of a toss-up as to whether an owner will preserve it in stock condition or use it the way Senna did. This car is clearly not returning to road-going use, with a wide array of safety and performance features that give a clear clue as to its intended purpose.

This 190E has been extensively modified with a V8 from a later model Mercedes that the seller claims is good for 300 horsepower. In addition, he is just the second owner, having retained it for the last 26 years. He claims he uses it for Cars & Coffee events, so apparently it can still be driven on the street. This looks like a very comprehensive build, and I based that on the general neatness of the engine compartment and the interior. Plenty of track cars look like they were conceived as such after a night of heavy drinking, but this seller appears to have put a lot of thought into the build. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. for the find.