Three world records and nine class records for the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 (W 201) -- 1983 at the Nardo Track

 

World record drive on the high-speed track in Nardò/Italy with the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 (W 201), 13 to 21 August 1983. The vehicle covered 50,000 kilometres and set a total of three world records and nine class records. In the photo, a service stop. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archives: 83F167)

Nardò: Three world records and nine class records for the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 (W 201)

• Full-load drive over 50,000 kilometres in just under eight and a half days
• Impressive proof of reliability for the sports version of the “Baby Benz”
• Daytime temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius, and more than 50 degrees inside the vehicles

The Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 was a star of 1983, setting several world records at the same time on the high-speed track in Nardò, southern Italy, from 13 to 21 August. In 201 hours, 39 minutes and 43 seconds, it covered a distance of 50,000 kilometres. The average speed was 247.9 km/h. In addition to this achievement, two other world records over 25,000 kilometres and nine class records were set. The record-breaking runs on the 12.6-kilometre circular test track took place in outside temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius during the day and more than 50 degrees Celsius inside the vehicles. They provided impressive proof of reliability over an extreme long distance for the cars – and especially for the then new four-valve engine. In all, three identical vehicles of the sporty version of the Mercedes-Benz 190 (W 201) were used in Nardò, which were then presented to the public for the first time four weeks later at the 1983 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main. The standard 2.3-litre four-cylinder engines with 136 kW (185 hp) ran like proverbial clockwork during the almost eight and a half days of full-load driving.