I've gotten all kinds of feedback about the car so far and i realise that a lot of the people who proclaim loudly to be 'car enthusiasts' have a tendency to only appreciate the latest, the newest, the fastest etc.
These were generally quick to say, "Why so Ah Pek?" when i tell them what i've switched to.
It's a lot like Rolex and its uncle image; but true collectors who are familiar with the market know that sports Rolexes (vintage and modern) continue to hold their value even in these trying times, when the other 'flash' brands have long fallen by the way-side.
On the other hand, the true 'passionistas' were able to appreciate the car for its racing heritage. This was the AMG car before AMG was officially part of Mercedes-Benz (and with a dog-leg manual gearbox to boot). Of course, its arch-rival at the time, the BMW E30 M3 was available only in LHD (although we hear there's one official RHD conversion around...)
For what it's worth, a 3.2L was later shoe-horned into the W201 190E towards the end of its life, which some speculate was to be a test-bed for the next evolution - the W202 C36 AMG.
some quick and dirty pictures (from before the respray and leather re-upholstery):
(apart from the rims - which are going to be dumped soon - the bodykit is completely stock)
(yes it's a manual transmission! steering wheel to go soon)
(Factory gauges: Voltmeter, Laptimer, Oil Temp)
(Half-leather plaid fabric interior; factory Recaro seats)
(Cosworth engine - you can just see the manifold)
I found this site to be an interesting resource on this Pre-AMG sports Benz:
http://www.mb190e16v.com/Templates/Mercedes_the%20car%20index.htm
Fast Facts : Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16
Engine: 2299cc, 16-valves, in-line 4
Maximum power: 185bhp at 6200rpm
Maximum torque: 235Nm at 4500rpm
Transmission: 5-speed M/T (dog-leg First)
0-100km/h: 7.5 seconds
Top Speed: 230km/h
LxBxH: 4430 x 1706 x 1361 mm
Wheelbase: 2665mm
Kerbweight: 1350kg
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