Description
Mercedes-Benz 190 Wahnsinn One | 1986
Highlights:
- Professionally restored, customised and tuned to 500 Hp
- Mercedes OM606 3.0-liter inline-six turbo diesel engine with a BorgWarner AirWerks S200SX-E SuperCore turbocharger
- EVO II body kit, the unmistakable silhouette of the DTM legend
- KW Variant 3 coilovers, H&R components, and Brembo 330 mm 4-piston front brakes with ABS integration
- 6-speed Mercedes 716.6 manual transmission and 210 mm limited-slip differential (3.23)
- Restored leather interior with Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB, heated seats, electric sunroof, and custom VDO gauges
The seller offers for sale a 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 that has been transformed into the “Wahnsinn One,” a bespoke interpretation of the W201 platform configured for performance and driver engagement. Originally built on February 2, 1986, and delivered as a 190D 2.5 with the OM602.911 engine, this sedan has since been comprehensively reworked. The current powerplant is a Mercedes OM606 3.0-liter inline-six turbo diesel, supported by a BorgWarner AirWerks S200SX-E SuperCore turbocharger and a Dieselmeken Mechanical Superpump paired with an Ultraflow fuel injection pump. Thermal control is addressed by a Hoogste Motorsport aluminum radiator, while a custom high-flow exhaust manages backpressure and sound. Engine stability is supported by Kangeroos Team engine mounts and RPM Depot rubbers, and the engine bay was repainted prior to installation. The drivetrain features a Mercedes 716.6 6-speed manual transmission, a 3.23 ratio 210 mm limited-slip differential, heavy-duty axles, a 260 mm organic clutch kit, and a short shifter. Chassis tuning includes KW Variant 3 coilovers with adjustable rebound and compression, H&R 40 mm lowering springs, a 28 mm H&R front stabilizer bar, Strongflex polyurethane bushings, and motorsport-grade uniball bearings. Braking is handled by a 330 mm Brembo 4-piston front system integrated with the original ABS. Rolling stock consists of Maxilite 17-inch EVO II–style wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 245/40/17 tires. The exterior presents a full EVO II body kit with an original EVO II front splitter and a two-piece rear spoiler with adjustable upper element; most components are mounted in a detachable configuration. The car carries a deep black metallic respray and custom purple brake calipers. Inside, the W201 cabin is retained and enhanced: a Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB head unit adds modern functionality, leather upholstery has been professionally restored, the headliner renewed, and performance-focused VDO gauges display oil temperature, oil pressure (bar), and turbo boost. A Silberpfeil original Mercedes steering wheel, a custom-machined shift knob, and select carbon-look interior panels complete the cockpit. Additional equipment includes electric windows front and rear, heated front seats, electrically adjustable side mirrors, a rear window defroster, and a fully functional electric sunroof. According to the submission, the mileage is verified at 3 km.
The bodywork of the Wahnsinn One has undergone a complete professional respray in a deep black fi nish with a subtle metallic fl ake, creating a rich, dynamic surface that shifts beautifully under changing light. The paint was expertly applied for maximum depth and clarity, enhancing the car’s bold lines while preserving the essence of the Mercedes 190 EVO II.A fully custom EVO II body kit has been installed, with over 500 hours of craftsmanship invested by a seasoned professional to ensure perfect fi tment and symmetry. Most components are mounted in a detachable confi guration, allowing for fl exibility in maintenance or future modifi cations all without compromising structural integrity.An original EVO II front splitter sits beneath the bumper, off ering both visual aggression and aerodynamic function. At the rear, the iconic two-piece spoiler with adjustable upper element provides the unmistakable silhouette of the DTM legend, serving as the fi nal fl ourish and true centerpiece of the exterior.As a subtle yet distinctive signature, the original EVO II badge location on the front wheel arches has been fi tted with a custom Wahnsinn emblem, blending factory styling cues with a personal identity.In a nod to its heritage, the original door trims were intentionally preserved. Time has given them a distinct bronze-copper patina, adding contrast and character that blend past and present in a subtle but powerful way.The door handles were cleaned and polished to restore their original shine, while the grille was tastefully refi ned to match the updated look.To bring in the Wahnsinn identity, the brake calipers were custom-painted in purple, adding a sharp visual detail behind the wheels. Finally, the entire vehicle was professionally machine-polished, ensuring a deep gloss and showroom-level fi nish worthy of the build’s ambition.
Inside, classic Mercedes elegance meets modern performance and personalization. The original layout of the W201 cabin has been carefully preserved, but elevated through a series of refi ned upgrades that refl ect both the car’s motorsport inspiration and bespoke character.A Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB radio serves as the centerpiece of the dashboard, blending vintage 1980s styling with modern features like Bluetooth and high-fi delity audio. This head unit captures the timeless spirit of the era while off ering seamless integration with today’s technology.A custom-machined shift knob replaces the factory item, off ering a tactile, motorsport-inspired touchpoint that perfectly complements the raw, mechanical feel of the drivetrain. Behind the seats, a rare Techart parcel shelf with built in speakers adds a distinctive visual accent to the rear cabin a subtle nod to German tuning heritage.The leather upholstery has been professionally restored, bringing the seats back to their original level of luxury and craftsmanship. The headliner has also been renewed, restoring the clean and premium atmosphere that defi ned the W201 interior in its prime.This car comes equipped with a full suite of factory luxury features, including:•Electric windows (front and rear)•Heated front seats•Electrically adjustable side mirrors•Rear window defroster•Fully functional electric sunroofAll electrical systems are in full working order, showcasing the level of care taken during the vehicle’s restoration and modernization.For performance monitoring, a set of custom-mounted VDO gauges has been integrated into the cabin, providing real-time readings for oil temperature, oil pressure (bar), and turbo boost pressure essential data for spirited driving, displayed in a way that complements the car’s classic design.The driver is met with a Silberpfeil original Mercedes steering wheel, adding sharper response and a motorsport-inspired aesthetic that ties directly into the vehicle’s identity.To fi nish the look, key interior panels have been wrapped in a carbon-look fi nish, adding a contemporary, high-performance edge to the otherwise classic environment. These subtle motorsport cues connect the cabin’s aesthetics to the car’s aggressive stance and upgraded capabilities, without overwhelming its original charm.The result is a driver-focused cockpit that blends original Mercedes-Benz luxury with modern functionality analog yet precise, timeless yet unmistakably Wahnsinn.
Suspension & Braking – Precision and Control in Every MovementPerformance is only as strong as the chassis that supports it. That’s why the Wahnsinn Wagen has been equipped with a carefully tuned suspension and braking setup, designed to balance agility, comfort, and control whether on the street or the Autobahn.Handling Setup: Engineered for PrecisionThe foundation starts with a set of KW Variant 3 coilovers, off ering adjustable rebound and compression damping to dial in the perfect balance between road compliance and track-readiness. To further enhance cornering stability, the car is fi tted with H&R 40mm lowering springs and a 28 mm H&R front stabilizer bar, reducing body roll while preserving everyday usability.Strongfl ex polyurethane bushings throughout the chassis sharpen response and eliminate excess play, translating steering input into immediate chassis feedback. Motorsport-grade uniball bearings provide long-term durability under extreme load ensuring the suspension geometry remains tight and predictable, lap after lap.Braking Power: Built to Rein In the BeastTo match the increased performance, a 330mm Brembo 4-piston front brake kit has been installed, off ering outstanding stopping power and thermal stability. The setup provides a signifi cant upgrade over the factory system, delivering fade-resistant braking force under all conditions.This braking package is fully integrated with the car’s original ABS system a rare and sophisticated feature for a vehicle of this era. The ABS ensures controlled, stable deceleration even in low-grip situations, working in harmony with the upgraded components to enhance both safety and driver confi dence.Contact Patch: Where It All Comes TogetherAll of this rides on a set of Maxilite 17-inch EVO II-style wheels, which combine authentic DTM aesthetics with modern strength and fi tment. These are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 245/40/17 tires, providing
exceptional grip, precise steering response, and high-speed stability completing the car’s transformation into a truly driver-focused machine.
The buyer of Wahnsinn One is not just acquiring a unique and brutally capable machine they are supporting the birth of something much bigger. At Wahnsinn Wagens, we are committed to reinvesting 100% of the proceeds from this car directly into the next project: Wahnsinn Zwei.This means the new owner becomes part of the origin story the spark behind a growing, independent performance brand. If desired, the buyer will be invited to stay closely involved in the development of future builds, shaping what comes next and witnessing the growth they helped ignite.This is more than a car.It’s the beginning of a legacy.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
5. Excellent: No typical bodywork or paint adjustments needed.
Condition of the Interior
5. Excellent: All parts are intact and in perfect condition; no replacements needed.
Technical Condition
5. Excellent: Mechanically perfect, no leaks, no work or service needed.
Overall Condition
5. Excellent Condition: Impeccable and original condition. Ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in North Brabant province, the Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Dutch registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.