Reviving the Glory: Mercedes 190e Project Car

In Larry Chen's latest video, he takes us on a journey into the world of the Mercedes 190e project car. Now, this is a car that they had high hopes for, hoping to finish it in time for the Circuit Legends event. But alas, it wasn't meant to be. So, they decided to pivot and showcase their plans for the car instead. And let me tell you, it's a project that oozes with ambition and nostalgia.

The team's goal was to build a car that paid homage to the golden era of DTM racing, where the likes of the E30 M3 and the feisty Mercedes battled it out on the track. But here's the twist: they wanted to achieve this using readily available parts, without going overboard. They wanted to capture the essence of those legendary cars without breaking the bank. And boy, did they succeed.

They started with a humble $2,000 Mercedes 190, a car that had seen its fair share of grandmothers behind the wheel. But they had a vision, a vision that involved fitting a modern AMG engine into this unsuspecting chassis. Now, finding a suitable transmission was a challenge, but they persevered and problem-solved their way through it. That's the beauty of working on a Mercedes, you see. There's no manual telling you what to do, no established path to follow. It's a blank canvas, waiting for the team to unleash their creativity.

To achieve the desired look, they sourced body panels from the Netherlands, using a kit that was built off the molds of the actual DTM race cars. This meant that every contour, every line, was authentic to the golden era. And let me tell you, it transformed the car from something tame to something truly awe-inspiring. The team had to make some modifications to ensure everything fit perfectly, but that's all part of the fun.

But it wasn't just about the exterior. The team wanted to create an experience inside the car that would transport you back to the glory days of DTM racing. So, they kept things simple, with no power steering or brakes, just a tilt and pedal set. And that shifter, oh boy, that shifter right next to the steering wheel is a classic DTM feature that brings back memories of quick shifts and adrenaline-fueled racing.

Under the hood, they fitted a 2L direct-injected AMG engine that can easily churn out upwards of 380 horsepower. Now, that's some serious power for a car that started its life as a humble $2,000 find. And to ensure everything stayed cool, they stacked the cooling system with a radiator and an air-to-air intercooler. It's a setup that not only performs but also looks the part.

All in all, Larry Chen and his team have created something truly special with this Mercedes 190e project car. It's a testament to their passion, their ingenuity, and their love for the golden era of DTM racing. And as a fan of their channel, I can't wait to see what they have in store for us next.

Watch Reviving The Golden Era of DTM w/ This Mercedes 190e "Evo II" on Youtube

Viewer Reactions for Reviving The Golden Era of DTM w/ This Mercedes 190e "Evo II"

Love for old school DTM and Larry's coverage
FCP Euro wants Larry to come back East and try out the car
Nostalgia for owning old Mercedes models
Excitement for the car and memories of watching DTM races
Recommendation for where to rewatch old DTM races
Mention of a video showing the building process of the car
Appreciation for the car and its coolness
Comment about the height of the car
Mention of the Supra passing by in the video