Niki Lauda's Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 Nürburgring Race Car Is Up For Grabs

The Grand Gathering of Formula 1 Champions in 1984

In the annals of motorsport history, May 12, 1984, stands as a remarkable date when Mercedes-Benz hosted the "Nürburgring Champions' Cup." This event remains etched in memory as the largest gathering of past and present Formula 1 World Champions ever assembled. The high-profile congress culminated in a thrilling 12-lap exhibition race, marking the debut of Mercedes-Benz's groundbreaking 190 E 2.3-16 sport saloon and the inauguration of the Nürburgring's latest Grand Prix circuit.

Photos: RM Sotheby's

The Birth of the Mercedes-Benz 190 E: A Compact Class Legend

The star-studded field featured nine of the 12 living Formula 1 champions, alongside current and former Formula 1 drivers and Nürburgring aces. Each driver piloted a modified 190 E 2.3-16 prepared for competition by Gerhard Lepler of Mercedes-Benz Sport-Technik. Notably, the event included two future Formula 1 World Champions - Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, who were yet to become rivals.

A Star-Studded Lineup at the Nürburgring Race of Champions

As the race began, rain-soaked tarmac added drama to the competition. Alain Prost, starting from pole position, was swiftly challenged by Elio de Angelis. The race took an intense turn when the young Brazilian rookie Ayrton Senna made an aggressive move to seize the lead from Prost, foreshadowing their future rivalry. Niki Lauda, a three-time Formula One champion, closely followed, setting the stage for a gripping battle. In the end, Senna emerged victorious, leaving Lauda and the distinguished field behind by a mere 1.58-second margin.

Senna vs. Lauda: The Legendary Duel in the Rain

Mercedes-Benz Sport-Technik modified 21 units of the new 190 E 2.3-16 for the event, adding features such as a revised exhaust system, upgraded suspension, four-piston front brakes, and racing tires. Interestingly, documentation reveals that these cars did not race with the engines listed on their factory data cards.

Mercedes-Benz Sport-Technik: Crafting Racing Legends

After the Race of Champions, all but two of the modified cars were returned to their original specifications and sold as used vehicles. Senna's winning car remains in the Mercedes-Benz Museum, while Niki Lauda's car, the only privately-owned race-configured vehicle from the event, is set to go up for auction.

Iseli Collection

This iconic 190 E 2.3-16, originally registered by Mercedes-Benz in April 1984, eventually found its way to Austrian collector Jochen Holy. It underwent comprehensive recommissioning in 2017 at Mercedes-Benz Classic headquarters in Stuttgart and is now part of the Iseli Collection. In 2016, Niki Lauda personally autographed the car's roof during a reunion with the vehicle.

The Lasting Legacy of Lauda's 190 E 2.3-16 at Auction

Today, the Niki Lauda-driven Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16, clad in Smoke Silver livery, is set to be auctioned by RM Sotheby's as part of the Iseli Collection. With an estimated price ranging from 400,000 to 500,000 Swiss francs (approximately $450,000 to $565,000 USD), this historic machine represents a piece of motorsport history that continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.

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