A one-of-a-kind 1984 Mercedes-Benz 190E developed with help from legendary American tuner Callaway Engineering has just sold for $31,750 on Bring a Trailer. The unusual German sports sedan combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with upgrades from BBS, Bilstein, and Recaro, making it a fascinating piece of 1980s tuning history.
Callaway is best known for building outrageously powerful Corvettes, but the company also experimented with performance upgrades for other manufacturers. This 190E represents one of its less familiar projects, dating back to an era when European sports sedans were attracting increasing attention from performance tuners.
Finished in bright Signal Red with gold BBS wheels, the car looks noticeably sportier than a standard W201-generation 190E. Its modified engine, five-speed manual transmission, and carefully selected suspension upgrades suggest that the project was intended to demonstrate what the compact Mercedes platform could achieve.
The car was offered without reserve by the Tons of Gas Auto Collection in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the auction concluded on October 10, 2026. Interestingly, the seller claims approximately $100,000 was spent restoring it in recent years, substantially exceeding its final selling price.
Callaway Gave The 190E A Turbocharged Personality
The centerpiece of this unusual prototype is its Callaway-developed turbocharged 2.3-liter single-overhead-cam inline-four. Unlike the naturally aspirated engine fitted to an ordinary 190E 2.3, this setup uses forced induction to deliver additional performance, although the auction listing doesn’t specify horsepower or torque figures.
The engine underwent extensive refurbishment in 2022, including a turbocharger rebuild using Garrett ball-bearing components. A custom exhaust manifold, intercooler system, replacement camshaft, replacement valve springs, and MicroSquirt standalone engine management were also installed.
Power reaches the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox equipped with a SPEC performance clutch. The restoration additionally included differential and driveshaft work, while a custom exhaust system terminates in a Sebring rear muffler.
BBS, Bilstein, And Recaro Joined The Project
Callaway wasn’t the only well-known performance company involved in the original build. BBS supplied aerodynamic body components, including a front valance and side skirts, along with distinctive three-piece 15-inch RS alloy wheels.
Those gold wheels have since been rebuilt and wear 205/55-section Yokohama tires. The Signal Red bodywork has kept its period appearance, complemented by European-style headlights and relatively subtle aerodynamic additions.
Bilstein contributed to the suspension development, and the car currently rides on Bilstein B8 dampers paired with H&R springs. During the restoration, numerous suspension components were replaced, while the four-wheel disc brakes received rebuilt calipers, replacement rotors, and other servicing.
A Restored Interior With Some Unusual Details
Inside, Recaro front bucket seats have been upholstered to match the Mercedes’ Palomino-colored cabin. The most distinctive feature is arguably the custom MOMO steering wheel, which incorporates a boost gauge directly into its center pad.
An additional AEM air/fuel ratio gauge is concealed inside the glovebox, providing useful information about the turbocharged engine’s operation. The car also has automatic climate control, power windows, central locking, and cruise control.
Restoration work included replacing the dashboard, refreshing the seat upholstery, and repairing various interior components. However, the seller acknowledged some remaining imperfections, including worn switchgear and an inoperative Becker radio.
A $100,000 Restoration, Followed By A $31,750 Sale
According to the seller, roughly $100,000 was invested in restoring the Mercedes over the past several years. The work extended well beyond cosmetic improvements, covering the engine, turbocharging system, suspension, brakes, interior, and numerous mechanical components.
The odometer currently displays approximately 136,000 miles, with around 500 reportedly accumulated during the most recent ownership period. Accompanying documentation includes service records, restoration photographs, a Callaway Certificate of Authenticity, and a November 1985 issue of Road & Track.
Despite its unusual history and substantial restoration expenditure, the prototype sold for $31,750 at the no-reserve auction. That’s less than one-third of the claimed restoration cost, although the money invested in restoring a classic rarely translates directly into its market value.