1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E — LS1 V8 / Tremec T-56 6-Speed | Race of Champions Tribute | Roll Cage | Never Tracked - Street Legal.
A well-executed, professionally built 190E restomod. LS1 powered, 6-speed manual, roll-caged, and sorted for street use. Used for Cars & Coffee, never tracked. A thoughtfully built 190E V8 tribute. Street-comfortable.
The Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 is one of the most storied homologation specials of the 1980s. To prove the car’s racing credentials at its 1984 launch, Mercedes organized the now-legendary Race of Champions at the Nürburgring — inviting 20 of the world’s greatest drivers, including Ayrton Senna, Carlos Reutemann, and Niki Lauda, to race identical 190E 2.3-16 cars. Senna won. The event cemented the 190E’s motorsport reputation and remains one of the most celebrated exhibition races in history.
This build pays tribute to that legacy. The previous owner — a long-term California enthusiast who kept the car for 26 years and carried out the build, completed about 2,000 miles ago — transforming this 1986 190E into a V8-powered, 6-speed, caged street machine.
Engine & Transmission
The LS1 V8 has been built to stock specification — 300 hp on 91-octane pump gas — with approximately 2,000 miles since the rebuild. It starts well, pulls strongly, idles perfect, and does not run hot in traffic. The engine and transmission were professionally installed by a shop in Orange County.
The transmission is a Tremec T-56 6-speed sourced from a 1999–2002 Trans Am application, rated to 450 ft-lb of torque. Gear ratios are: 1st 2.66, 2nd 1.78, 3rd 1.30, 4th 1.00, 5th 0.74, 6th 0.50, reverse 2.90 — a wide spread that gives strong acceleration in the lower gears and relaxed highway cruising in 6th. The conversion was carried out using a complete Modern Driveline package (September 2020), totaling $4,439, which included the Tremec T-5z gearbox, aluminum bellhousing, Quik Stik shifter, cast iron flywheel, MDL clutch set, hydraulic master and slave cylinders, speedo cable and gear, crossmember, Hurst shift lever and boot, forged steel slip yoke, and all associated hardware. The pedal assembly has been set up correctly for heel-and-toe technique.
Suspension
Suspension is fully adjustable with Koni shocks on all four corners. A professional wheel alignment was performed at Capistrano Alignment & Auto Repair (March 2015), with all four corners brought to within specified range.
Steel-braided brake lines are fitted throughout. Tires are Hankook Ventus R in 255/45/15 — a meaningful step up from the 205/55/15 of the original 190E 2.3-16, with no observed rubbing or clearance issues reported.
Interior
A full roll cage has been fitted. New sound deadening, padding, and new black carpets have been custom installed throughout the cabin. All gauges are functional. All lights are functional. Electric windows are operational and the original door cards remain intact.
The seats and cabin are considerably comfortable. The ride is not overly harsh, and the car is tractable on the street. The Tremec T-56 service manual and full Modern Driveline documentation are included with the car.
Exterior
Magnaflow exhaust mufflers are fitted. No rust anywhere in the chassis or body. A fuel cell is installed. The body is in excellent condition with no signs of past accident damage. There are many chips, scratches, and flaws throughout the paint, however the paint does present well overall.
Notes
Clean California title in hand. Clean Carfax report. This vehicle is not available for sale to California residents due to emissions regulations. The Tremec T-56 service manual and alignment documentation are included.
