Mercedes-Benz W201 190E
In 1982 Mercedes-Benz released the production version of more than a decade's research into developing a compact format, efficient and safe luxury car. The name '190' referred back to the 1950 and 60s versions of 'reduced power output' models of their mainstream saloon car range. The 190E specified a fuel-injected 2.0 litre, four cylinder engine, whilst a 190 model, without the 'E' (for einspritz' appellation, referred to the same engine, but using a carburetor.
Further development of the model would see additional engines deployed. A four cylinder of 2.3 litres, six cylinder of 2.6 litres, a a number of four cylinder diesel engines shard with the larger 'mid-range' Mercedes-Benz W123 successor W124 series.
Some special edition versions featuring high-output Cosworth developed four-valve-per-cylinder, twin OHC heads were also created, firstly in 190E 2.3-16 form, and later 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II form. These two cars formed the basis for a return to motor racing by Daimler-Benz, having avoided track-based competition following the catastrophic tragedy at LeMans in 1955 where a 300SLR racer flew into the crowd killing 83 people with a further 120 injured.
The W201 also market the smallest Mercedes-Benz model for decade, measuring a mere 1,680mm wide and 4,448mm long. Nonetheless, the deployment of advanced technologies such as airbags and antilock brakes made this compact Mercedes as safe at the larger models that had forged a reputation for safety excellence.
The single notable advance that saw first service in the 190 model ahead of any other Mercedes-Benz model was a new multi-link rear suspension, featuring five control arms acting in conjunction to produce a finely controlled wheel motion under all dynamic conditions for ride and handling excellence.
For all its virtues, and its luxury intent in international markets, within West Germany the 190 was frequently seen a a beige taxi, deployed with Mercedes ' 'MB-tex' - actually a synthetic vinyl masquerading as perforated leather.
Plain Jane indeed.
The original W201 190 model was replaced in 1993 by the W202, denoted C-Class in Mercedes-Benz's new naming policy, after 1.87 million vehicles had been built.
This Lego miniland-scale 190E sedan has been created for Flickr LUGNuts' 84th Build Challenge, our 7th birthday, - "LUGNuts Turns 7…or 49 in Dog Years", - where all the previous challenges are available to build to. In this case Challenge 56, - "Plain Jane", for vehicles a little bit ordinary, that might be turned into something a little bit special.
Mercedes-Benz W201 190E
In 1982 Mercedes-Benz released the production version of more than a decade's research into developing a compact format, efficient and safe luxury car. The name '190' referred back to the 1950 and 60s versions of 'reduced power output' models of their mainstream saloon car range. The 190E specified a fuel-injected 2.0 litre, four cylinder engine, whilst a 190 model, without the 'E' (for einspritz' appellation, referred to the same engine, but using a carburetor.
Further development of the model would see additional engines deployed. A four cylinder of 2.3 litres, six cylinder of 2.6 litres, a a number of four cylinder diesel engines shard with the larger 'mid-range' Mercedes-Benz W123 successor W124 series.
Some special edition versions featuring high-output Cosworth developed four-valve-per-cylinder, twin OHC heads were also created, firstly in 190E 2.3-16 form, and later 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II form. These two cars formed the basis for a return to motor racing by Daimler-Benz, having avoided track-based competition following the catastrophic tragedy at LeMans in 1955 where a 300SLR racer flew into the crowd killing 83 people with a further 120 injured.
The W201 also market the smallest Mercedes-Benz model for decade, measuring a mere 1,680mm wide and 4,448mm long. Nonetheless, the deployment of advanced technologies such as airbags and antilock brakes made this compact Mercedes as safe at the larger models that had forged a reputation for safety excellence.
The single notable advance that saw first service in the 190 model ahead of any other Mercedes-Benz model was a new multi-link rear suspension, featuring five control arms acting in conjunction to produce a finely controlled wheel motion under all dynamic conditions for ride and handling excellence.
For all its virtues, and its luxury intent in international markets, within West Germany the 190 was frequently seen a a beige taxi, deployed with Mercedes ' 'MB-tex' - actually a synthetic vinyl masquerading as perforated leather.
Plain Jane indeed.
The original W201 190 model was replaced in 1993 by the W202, denoted C-Class in Mercedes-Benz's new naming policy, after 1.87 million vehicles had been built.
This Lego miniland-scale 190E sedan has been created for Flickr LUGNuts' 84th Build Challenge, our 7th birthday, - "LUGNuts Turns 7…or 49 in Dog Years", - where all the previous challenges are available to build to. In this case Challenge 56, - "Plain Jane", for vehicles a little bit ordinary, that might be turned into something a little bit special.