Mercedes-Benz 190E Restomod Racer Calls Back To The Golden Era Of DTM
Giancarlo Perlas July 20, 2023The Mercedes-Benz 190E Restomod Racer stands as a testament to the golden era of touring car racing. Drawing inspiration from the late eighties and early nineties, this thrilling DTM dream resurfaces, capturing the essence of a bygone era of motorsport.
This Mercedes-Benz 190E Restomod is a Marketing Masterpiece
Built with the utmost authenticity, the Mercedes 190E Restomod Racer emerges as a marketing tool crafted by FCP Euro according to Road & Track. This company, known for supplying replacement parts to a range of elite automotive brands, seized the opportunity to breathe new life into the iconic 190E platform to showcase its capabilities.
Modern Meets Classic via Engine Upgrade
In this extraordinary restomod, FCP Euro ventured beyond conventional limits by replacing the original 190E’s inline-six engine with a contemporary turbocharged 2.0-liter M133 inline-four. From the factory, this revamped powerplant churns out the same horsepower and torque as the touring car of the era.
With the added potential to reach over 400 hp, the M133 injects the restomod with an explosive performance. It embraces a modern engine technology found in the AMG GLA 45 to deliver a thrilling ride.
A Symphony of Design and Craftsmanship
Taking visual cues from the touring car glory days, the Mercedes 190E Restomod Racer showcases a kaleidoscope of purple, green, white, and gold. Fitted with an Evo body kit sourced from Europe, the car’s exterior mirrors the iconic design of the past.
Rotiform wheels in a bespoke gold color add to its sporty appeal, paying homage to the era’s racing aesthetics.
Unleashing the Track-Day Weapon
From the moment the engine ignites, the 190E comes to life on the track. Boasting a bomb of torque and weighing just 2600 lbs, the car effortlessly powers through the curves, leaving rubber streaks trailing behind.
The racer’s steering, pedals, and HVAC sliders convey unmatched quality, creating an exhilarating connection between driver and machine.
Precision Crafted for Performance
With a Tilton pedal box, a Sparco three-spoke wheel, and a period-specific single STACK tachometer, the interior exudes a nostalgic charm while providing drivers with essential information. As a race car, it lacks modern driver aids like ABS or traction control, relying solely on the driver’s skill and bravery.
Balancing the Heritage of the Mercedes-Benz 190E and Parts Accessibility
While FCP Euro possesses ample resources, they aimed to maintain accessibility for their customers. The project began with a modest $2,000 base car found in an online ad in California, and fitting it with common components and tuning to make the build achievable for enthusiasts.
Through meticulous engineering, the restomod delivers stunning lap times below a minute even on street tires, rivaling modern track toys like the Porsche GT3 RS.
Final Thoughts on Mercedes-Benz 190E Restomod Racer by FCP Euro
The Mercedes-Benz 190E Restomod Racer stands as an impressive fusion of nostalgia and innovation. FCP Euro’s homage to the touring car era celebrates the spirit of racing while propelling the 190E platform into the modern age.
With its blend of iconic design and explosive performance, this restomod is a shining testament to the enduring legacy of the 190E and touring car racing.
