The compact Mercedes-Benz 190 Series was launched in December of 1982 and would remain in production over the following ten years with nearly two million examples sold. It was a conventional front-engine, rear-drive, four-door saloon with a variety of engines ranging from a 1.8-liter four to a 2.6-liter six, plus 2.0-litre and 2.5-liter diesel engines. Interior accommodations rivaled the firm's larger models despite the 190's compact overall dimensions. Mercedes-Benz engineers fitted it with a new computer-designed five-link rear suspension system with conventional McPherson struts at the front.

A Cosworth-developed 2.3-16 joined the expanding 190 range in the autumn of 1983, having made its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. By the time of its introduction, it had already set numerous world records at the Nardo circuit in Italy in August, including t24 hours at an average speed of 153.3 mph.

by Dan Vaughan