Over the years, we have seen any number of hotted-up models released with the distinct touches of a company called Callaway. This connection seemingly always has a positive impact on value, as just the parts alone can command a good price these days. This 1984 Mercedes-Benz 190E here on eBay is a former magazine feature car and the only one made with Callaway’s distinct blend of increased performance and style. It’s a non-runner and located in Florida. 

The stock Mercedes 190E was a fairly humble car. When Callaway got their hands on this example, they quickly concocted an almost OEM-like turbo kit, added gold-painted BBS wheels, a BBS front air dam and side skirts, and also fitted gorgeous Recaro seats in the correct MB Tex pattern. Other upgrades include a Bilstein suspension. The seller claims he’s known of this car for years and finally had the chance to buy it, with a connection going back to the first owner who bought it from the well-known Brumos chain of dealerships in South Florida.

In addition, this is a rare manual transmission model. You might expect a Callaway car to be equipped like this, but they weren’t exactly common when the 190E was introduced. Check out the gorgeous three-spoke wheel, complete with a boost gauge in the middle where the horn pad used to be! The interior appears to be in fine shape despite some blemishes to the Recaros. Since it is not running, my guess is it was laid up for several years but thankfully, stored carefully.

Here’s the big problem: that boosted engine doesn’t run, and Callaway never moved forward with a kit for the 190E’s four cylinder. While Callaway is quite supportive of its customers, I’m not sure what this means for parts availability and making repairs if needed to bring this rare 190E back to life. Still, it’s a significant car in the eyes of some collectors and looks like bags of fun, complete with Miami Vice styling. The Buy-It-Now of $7,500 seems reasonable – does anyone want to take this project on?