Back in January 2024, a one-owner 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 showed up on Bring a Trailer. That same exact model showed up two years later — and it was completely unrecognizable.
When the Mercedes first showed up on Bring a Trailer, the one and only owner’s biggest changes included things like replacing the head gasket. It was completely original and had only one owner, making it pretty desirable in some circles. However, the winner wasn’t one of them.
The highest bid went to KingOfKustom for $5,570. And if you can tell by his username at all, he had ulterior motives for the seemingly quaint 190E 2.6 model.
A 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 gets reborn, and some don’t like the change
The winner of the 2024 auction brought the 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 back to Bring a Trailer, this time with a divisive new look. He added a widebody kit, white paint, lowered suspension, color-keyed 19″ Rotiform wheels, and a cat-back exhaust system. The widebody kit includes custom bumpers, flared fenders, rocker panels, door cladding, and a rear wing. Tinted windows, LED fog lights, and a hood ornament show an obsessive attention to detail. It’s a lot more than the previous vehicle’s maintenance-style upgrades.
The powertrain and interior are largely the same, including its 2.6 liter M103 inline-six with a four-speed automatic, as well as an interior with Creme Beige MB-Tex upholstery with wood trim. It also has a power sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and a Kenwood stereo. In its original form, the Mercedes traveled 77,000 miles (possibly more, since the speedometer was replaced in 2022). In its final evolution, just 400 miles.
The new look was met with mixed feelings on Bring a Trailer. It ultimately reached $13,100, which didn’t meet KingOfKustom’s reserve. This had some people scratching their heads, wondering what the reserve would even be for such a heavily modified car. What’s it even worth? It’s sort of subjective.
Some comments said it should have been reverted to stock, with one even adding that “originality has won.” However, a lot of car enthusiasts noted its over-the-top style was very 1980s, and others just “had to be there.” Said one comment: “This car screams late 80’s / early 90’s flashiness! Remember seeing modified ones like this around my area growing up. Not for everyone, but definitely modded to period-correct standards. Cool throwback for sure!”
A lot of custom connoisseurs were disheartened by the backlash KingOfKustom received from viewers. While it may not be everyone’s taste, drivers still felt the work put into this car was quite impressive and claled KingOfKustom a “legend” For his vision. The seller responded himself, saying that the vehicle gets a ton of attention all around Miami and beyond, calling it a “one-of-a-kind Mercedes.” He isn’t wrong, no matter if you like the styling or not.
During the last few hours of the auction, KingOfKustom said, “I want to thank everyone for making this another great experience on BAT. Of course, we will always have the not useful commentary but, even for those I want to thank you for still keeping things respectful as we all share a love for cars.”
A lot of times, you can’t really tell what will be a hit at auction or not. The strangest and rarest things will lead to insane bidding wars. You can’t always predict people’s tastes at every given time. I’m sure this interesting build will reach the right people eventually. Meanwhile, it makes for a very fascinating story to go from a one-owner stock sale to an auction for a heavily modified, unrecognizable version.
