Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3-16 W201 "Senna" Nürburgring(diecast 1:64, Mini GT)
- Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3-16 W201 "Senna" Nürburgring (from 1987)
- Mini GT
- 1:64
- Showcase model / No engine
- diecast
- gold
- Perfect mint condition
- Original packaging exists
- Not for sale
Mini GT Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Senna in 1/64 scale
The die-cast collectible shown here from Modelly member “modelmax” is a model car in 1/64 scale, made by Mini GT. The real car it’s based on is the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 W201 “Senna” Nürburgring, the sporty 16-valve version of the Mercedes-Benz W201 series. The first generation of the Mercedes-Benz 190 was built from 1982 to 1993 and marked Mercedes-Benz’s entry into the compact sedan class below the W124 series. In the strict sense, the W201 didn’t have a direct predecessor, since Mercedes-Benz hadn’t offered a smaller series like this before. So the W201 was really a fresh start in a new market segment. The body was designed under the direction of Bruno Sacco; as Mercedes-Benz development chief, Werner Breitschwerdt shaped the technical development phase of the series.
Technology of the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 W201
The Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 W201 “Senna” Nürburgring is technically based on the 190E, but it got a heavily revised four-cylinder engine. The 2.3-liter inline-four from the M102 series was fitted with a Cosworth-developed cylinder head with four valves per cylinder. In the European production version, the engine made 136 kW (185 hp), and later, with a catalytic converter, 125 kW (170 hp). Maximum torque was up to 235 Nm, depending on the version. Other typical features included a five-speed sport gearbox with first gear down to the left, a limited-slip differential, a firmer suspension setup, and rear self-leveling. With the aerodynamic add-ons, the drag coefficient was about cw 0.32. Fender flares, front and rear spoilers, and the raised rear wing made the 16V stand out visually from the regular W201.
The 1984 Nürburgring race and Ayrton Senna’s win
The name Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 W201 “Senna” Nürburgring refers to the opening race of the rebuilt Nürburgring GP circuit on May 12, 1984. Mercedes-Benz put together a one-make race using identically prepared 190E 2.3-16 cars for the event. The field included famous Formula 1 drivers and former world champions such as Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Keke Rosberg, Carlos Reutemann, James Hunt, and the then-24-year-old Ayrton Senna. The race was held on a wet track, which made driver skill and the setup of these near-production sedans especially obvious. Senna won the race ahead of Lauda and Prost. His starting number 11 later became closely linked with this appearance.
Motorsport career of the 190E 2.3-16 and 2.5-16
The Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 W201 “Senna” Nürburgring was mainly tied to the Nürburgring race itself; the long-term racing career of the model line later took place mostly in DTM. Starting in 1988, Mercedes-Benz entered the 190E 2.5-16 and later the Evo versions against the BMW M3 and Audi V8. Drivers of the 190E race cars included Klaus Ludwig, Kurt Thiim, Roland Asch, Bernd Schneider, and Ellen Lohr. Ludwig won the 1992 German Touring Car Championship with the 190E 2.5-16 Evo II. The motorsport cars used widened bodywork, adjustable wings, racing suspensions, and, depending on the rules, powerful 2.5-liter 16V engines. That turned the production sedan into a base for touring car racing under Group A rules.
Mini GT die-cast model from the modelmax collection
This model car in 1/64 scale, made by Mini GT, is built as a die-cast piece and shows a silver-gray metallic paint finish. You can spot black number 11 markings on the hood and rear side panels, plus large “SENNA” lettering on the sills and a white “SENNA” banner across the black windshield strip. The livery is clearly inspired by a Senna-related Nürburgring version and not by a DTM setup with multiple sponsors. No clear brand sponsor logos are visible in the photos; “SENNA” here is a driver reference, not a sponsor. You can also make out the separate rear wing, black bumper sections, grille detailing, door handles, mirrors, light inserts, and silver multi-hole wheels. The W201’s proportions — short notchback shape, straight shoulder line, and angular front end — are pretty well captured in this small format. The combo of a subtle metallic tone, black contrast areas, and cleanly separated race numbers gives the model a neat, collector-friendly look.
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