Car & Classic Premium Dealer

Fast Classics

Unit 12a, Rudgwick Brickworks, Lynwick St, Rudgwick, Horsham Surrey

RH12 3DH

1989 FOR SALE: BRABUS 3.6S LIGHTWEIGHT For Sale

FOR SALE: Brabus one-of a kind // Exceptional Provenance

MODEL HISTORY
The Brabus 190E 3. 6S. Already an evocative moniker, and nick named the ‘Brabus Lightweight’, The story behind the construction is part of its appeal. The mid eighties onward was a hotbed for fast compact German saloons with the Mercedes 190 and BMW E30 fighting for sales and racing supremacy. There were countless iterations of both, each flouting more power and wilder styling than its predecessor – it was an amazing period for German saloon cars.

Brabus wanted part of the action and showed their iteration in 1988, the prototype Brabus 190E 3. 6S. A fantastically pure car that pushed the boundaries of a saloon, it had no air conditioning, less sound deadening, a straight six engine bored and stroked to 3. 6 litres and amazingly, no rear seats. A wild concept, but just a step too far for Brabus customers, who requested that the air conditioning and rear seats be reinstated in the customer cars. That original lightweight prototype was converted into the first Brabus 190E 3. 6-24 with all the seats and air conditioning back in place, which could of spelt the end of the Lightweight.

Luckily, one man fell for it, Sven Gramm, PR Director for Brabus and in 2008 (some 20 years after that fated prototype) he commissioned Brabus to produce another one, staying true to the concept as a two seater with no air conditioning. The build used a donor 190E 2. 6E, as would have been done with the original. Under the tutelage of Sven, who spent many an hour searching for components and blueprints in the Brabus factory and storage facility, the 190E slowly morphed into a Brabus 190E 3. 6S across a 10 month build period. Original parts were used where possible and bespoke components produced when not.

The result is awe inspiring to say the least. Mercedes Signal Red is the colour of choice and the Brabus has a slightly front down attack stance that suits the 80s touring car style perfectly, matching its track brethren. It sits low and hunkered down, courtesy of a set of Bilstein Sports dampers and Eibach springs. The interior is pure race car, yet with the functionality of a Mercedes.

Brabus was founded in 1977 in Bottrop (Ruhr Area), Germany. It is a high-performance aftermarket tuning company which specializes in Mercedes-Benz, Smart, and Maybach vehicles. Klaus Brackman and Bodo Buschmann established the company in 1977, the name deriving from the combined first three letters of their last names. Brabus became the largest Mercedes tuner, other than Mercedes-AMG which became a DaimlerChrysler affiliate in the 1990s.

EQUIPMENT
LHD, Signal red (MB code 564), Brabus fine leather interior, Brabus Special Equipment includes heavily re-worked version of the Mercedes M103 engine with increased displacement to 3. 6 litres, Brabus Front Spoiler, Bonnet, Rear Spoiler, Monoblock 1 Alloys 8. x16 ET35 with Yokohama A 225/ 45 R16 89W tyres, Eibach Pro Kit, Bilstein sport shock absorbers with 30mm rebound, High-performance brakes with 286mm discs, Weichers Aluminium Anti Roll Cage H Strut, Strut Bar, Special paint 040 black for wipers, door handles, luggage space are grill and rear badge, Signal Red colour coding to lower cladding, mirrors, front and rear bumper, Brabus Sport steering wheel type ll black leather with red spoke, Recaro Spa Kevlar bucket seats including Kevlar backs, 4 point safety belts in red, Brabus 300kmh speedometer, Carbon Fibre gear surround, Gear lever in black fine leather with red stitching, additional Temperature Gauges for oil/ transmission/ rear differential, floor matts with red leather edge.

Mercedes factory options include Automatic Locking Differential, 70 litre fuel tank capacity, Emission control system, Battery with extra capacity, Fire extinguisher, Electric front windows, Heat insulating glass, Sliding tilt sunroof.

EXTERIOR
Mercedes Signal Red 564 is a suitable riposte to the usual darker hues found on these teutonic cars and matches the attitude of this one off Brabus Lightweight to perfection. Brimming with confidence and purpose, the black monoblock alloy wheels with their smart silver rims and the glimpses of the roll cage through the rear windows show a proper racing aesthetic. Built into the rear spoiler is the differential oil cooler, a superb bit of engineering design that characterises the complete ethos behind this machine and its purpose.

The paint on this car looks fantastic – deep and rich with none of the associated fading or blemishes normally seen on similar aged machinery. The black trim around the bumper and door surrounds is also in great condition with the car presenting beautifully as a whole.

INTERIOR
The luxury accoutrements of a Mercedes are far from your mind when you view the interior of the Brabus Lightweight for the first time. Your eyes instantly fall onto the hugely bolstered Recaro Kevlar race seats with exposed kevlar backs. The red four point harness draw your eyes to the rear of the interior where you spot a half cage that snakes across the rear of the car, finished in naked aluminium. Of course, there are no rear seats in the back, instantly confirming this as a very special car with true racing aspirations.

Racing red details, such as the steering wheel spoke, red leather trim surrounding the floor mats and even the hazard warning light button set this car apart. A quick glance ahead shows the Brabus speedometer, calibrated to 300km/ h. Clearly a radio would not be in keeping so in its place is an additional gauge pack allowing you to monitor the oil temperature of the engine, gearbox and rear differential.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The Mercedes 2. 6 M103 straight six was a powerful engine of its time, but Brabus required a far more potent motor and executed a raft of engine modifications. Both bore and stroke was increased to a square 92 x 92mm (from 82. 9 x 80. 2mm) a faster road camshaft was fitted plus modified manifolds and sports air filter, a stainless steel dual flow sport exhaust system with 76mm straight tailpipes, 2 dual 100 cell catalysts and the fitment of an array of enhanced cooling systems encompassing a modified engine cooler, modified transmission oil cooler with thermo controlled pump and a bespoke modified differential oil cooler in the rear spoiler. The results were 286 bhp and 269 lb/ ft of torque, an impressive amount for any type of car of the period, let alone a saloon.

The engine presents beautifully, the exposed components on show, unlike modern engines that are forced to hide under plastic shrouds. Brabus dressed the engine to perfection with red cam covers and the Brabus logo on show, matching the Signal Red paint to perfection. The exhaust manifold is an absolute work of art, as it de-constricts itself from the engine block before disappearing under the floorpan.

It should be noted that the modified engine and the additional weight loses program resulted in the Brabus Lightweight out performing the Mercedes 190 Evo ll, the official homologation special from Mercedes themselves. The Brabus hit the benchmark sprint to sixty in 6. 3 seconds before hitting a v-max of 158 mph, three tenths of a second and three miles an hour quicker than the Evo ll respectively.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Monoblock in construction, these Brabus wheels are finished in black with silver rims and evoke memories of Mercedes touring cars fighting and bashing panels for track position across Germany and Europe. They are a period 16 inch in diameter with no marks to report across the alloy rims. The tyres are Yokohama Advan A048s, basically cut slicks, with both front and rear axles receiving the same tyre size of 225/ 45/ 16.

The high performance braking system with 286 mm discs all round has no trouble slowing this lightweight down and feel strong and true on our test drive.

HISTORY FILE
Brabus PR Director, Sven Gramm commenced this project in 2008 and located a donor 190E 2. 6. Sourced locally, it was immaculate, a single owner car, serviced by the supplying Mercedes dealer and in a desirable specification including the 5 speed manual gearbox, heavy duty battery and long range fuel tank. Brabus completed the build in 10 months. Sven enjoyed the car then decided to sell it to its current owner who saw it advertised on the the Brabus Classic website in 2016. It was first registered in the UK on the 01/ 07/ 17 and has driven minimal mileage since and even displayed at Mercedes Benz World, proving its historical importance.

The history file is very comprehensive, and includes the original service book and instruction manual for the 190E 2. 6. A huge photographic record documents the build in great detail. There is also the full Brabus presentation book, the Brabus advert and other literature from Sabelt, Brembo and Zimmermann. A large collection of press cuttings, reviews and articles completes the history file and the spare key is also present.

Please visit our website for a full write up and additional photographs.

The car is supplied having had an extensive intake inspection. Warranty, Finance, Part Exchange and Worldwide shipping are all available on request.

Buy with confidence: we operate from a 10, 000sq ft indoor showroom with the support of a fully functioning 4000sq ft preparation and service centre that includes a professional photo studio that is used by Top Gear, McLaren and Alpine Stars. We have a passionate team that work incredibly hard to ensure all our motor cars go through our rigorous and unique sales process so they are presented in the best possible condition and light, then found homes all over the world.

Keep up to date: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and instagram. Register on our webpage for the latest stock updates.

** SIMILAR VEHICLES ALWAYS REQUIRED**

Selling? Our commission sale or SOR (Sale or Return) program is a great way to utilise and access our services and facilities while still maximising the return from your vehicle with minimal hassle, If you’d like to take advantage of this then please get in touch for further information. Alternatively If you’d like to move your vehicle on quickly and efficiently with minimal delay then we can make an offer on an outright purchase basis with payment and collection arranged soon after.

This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise.
Please see the list below for similar live adverts.

Similar Adverts

Vehicle Specification Year: 1995 Manufacturer: Mercedes Model: 300D External Colour: Blue Doors: 5 Keys: 2 Transmission: Automatic Mileage: 59,638 Power: 134 BHP Max. torque: 210 Nm at 2.200 rpm Engine capacity: 2.996 cc Cylinders: 6 Fuel type: Diesel Extras included: Wood Trim/Dash Electric front and ...

59,638
26 Feb 2024
London

For Sale: Beautifull Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Coupe 3.5 V8 Automatic Year 1970 Imported from Zwitserland in 2004, now the car has a Dutch registration. Perfect color combination, Silver with a black leather interior. Original Barock wheels. Car is in a perfect drivers condition! Price: € 69.950,-<br><br>...

80,442
14 Mar 2024
Netherlands

We are Colin Ferns Ltd, experts in the service and restoration of exclusively Mercedes Benz cars. This gorgeous 280CE has had only two owners over the last 20 years and they only covered 14000m in those 20 years so an average of 700m per year over that time. She's been kept in a garage for all of that time and the condition ...

127,000
28 Mar 2024
Surrey
Verified Dealer (see stock)

West Coast Classics present this 1961 Mercedes 190SL Roadster in White over Black leather interior powered by it's matching #'s 1,897cc/120hp four-cylinder engine with dual upgraded Weber carbs and teamed with a four-speed manual gearbox and a new Black convertible soft top. The 190SL model shares much of the styling ...

68,084
28 Mar 2024
United States

Introducing this 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL with 2 tops that has just emerged from the sunny state of California. Finished in Fire Red complemented with a Black interior. It is worth noting that the factory original color of this example is the highly sought-after Blue Gray (166), adding a touch of exclusivity. One of the ...

27 Mar 2024
United States

Mercedes E220 Cabriolet Registered 15/02/1995 Imperial Red Grey leather interior Electric heated front seats Unmarked diamond cut 15" 8 hole alloy wheels Headlamp wash/wipe Wind deflector Original book pack 2 keys 13 services with invoices All cars come with a fresh MOT & serviced prior to sale See our ...

40,300
27 Mar 2024
Lancashire

2002 Mercedes Benz CL55 AMG (C215) which is fitted with an Automatic transmission, It is finished in Metallic Almandine Black (dark purple metallic) over cream leather and carpets accompanied by walnut trim in the beige and light brown dash. Powered by a naturally-aspirated, 5.4-litre V8, generating 355bhp and 391lb/ft ...

65,000
27 Mar 2024
West Midlands

Introducing this 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL featured with two tops. Finished in its factory color scheme of Arctic White (147) complemented with a Royal Blue (272) interior. Equipped with an automatic transmission, V8 engine, four-wheel disc brakes, power-assisted steering, VDO instrumentation, twin exhaust finishers, convertible ...

27 Mar 2024
United States

Introducing this 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 that is finished in its factory color scheme of Alabaster White complemented with an Ash interior. With its attractive design and luxurious features, it is the perfect choice for those seeking both style and performance. One such feature is the retractable hardtop, which adds ...

27 Mar 2024
United States

Selling my beloved Mercedes L608D D/35/2 with her first registration on 01-01-1982 in Portugal. - Registered a B CATEGORY 3.5T vehicle - meaning, can be driven with a regular car licence. - She has 293xxx KM on a original OM314 Engine. - She's registered on PORTUGUESE REG PLATES - She's ALL ROAD LEGAL with all documentation ...

293,667
5 Mar 2024
Portugal
Private

Introducing this 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL featured with two tops. Finished in its factory color scheme of Astral Silver (735) with a Royal Blue (272) interior, this 380SL exudes timeless elegance. The exterior is further enhanced by its convertible soft top and color-matched removable hardtop, giving you the option to ...

27 Mar 2024
United States

Lovely condition Mercedes SLK350 with rare maual 6 speed box. The 3.5 V6 will cruise along at ease but has plenty of power to get going when you want to.Good Iridium Silver paintwork with only a couple of small blemishes. Black leather interior in very good shape. Electric powered seats and fully folding hardtop which ...

83,000
24 Mar 2024
Norfolk
Private

Oustanding 1988 W201 190E 2.6 Auto with only 126k miles from new! With only 1 previous owner and a FMBSH (Full Mercedes-Benz Service History) to 125k miles. Presented in a beautiful colour combination in black with a full cream leather interior. This car is one of a kind and an example not to be missed, having had a full ...

126,000
20 Mar 2024
Leicestershire
Private

Indulge in the sun with style and elegance! How can you experience this better than in this German classic from the economic miracle years? The car offered here was last owned by the family for 35 years and was treated very carefully after a complete restoration. It was the pride and joy of its owner and was only allowed ...

34,484
15 Feb 2024
Germany

Mercedes-Benz E55 AMT T 11/1998 V8 Motor 355 CV 165.812 kms with Full Service Reckords in Germany and Spain. 050 Black with Black/Antracit exclusiv leather interior. Nice condition. Imported from Germany to Spain in 06/2004. Spanish register. European delivery available. Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Familiar 11/1998 Motor ...

169,000
27 Mar 2024
Spain

Imported From Germany - And Left Hand Drive , This Stunning SEC Is Presented In The Best Colour Combo Of Smoked Silver Exterior With A Tan Leather Interior !! For More Information Please Contact Vasco In South Africa On +2782 879 5205<br><br>

187,000
12 Feb 2024
South Africa

Mercedes E280 Limo 65772 miles 2 owner limo MOT Aug 2024 Hydraulic suspension Smooth 2.8 v6 ULAZ and CAZ COMPLIANT!! see Image Recent engine oil change plus filters Transmission fluid change plus filters Interior MB LEATHER TWIN ORION GRAY (158A) Paint 1 BRILLIANT SILVER METALLIC ...

65,700
21 Mar 2024
City of Bristol
Private