Arun Bilkhu – 1993 Mercedes 190E

We love seeing a classic Mercedes here at the show, but this fine example is a little unusual as it’s owner is just 15 years old. Bought in 2021 to help him learn engineering skills, he’s really enjoyed working with his father to bring it back to the condition you see here.

His father, Narinder, says he’s always had a keen interest in cars and that Arun was exactly the same. “Although the Mercedes was located a long way from home it was a sound example that had been well looked after, and that made it ideal for the project we had planned.”

Arun has really enjoyed working on the car, undertaking repairs with the help of a Haynes manual and professional advice where necessary. The once-dull paintwork has been restored with extensive polishing, and the mechanicals have been serviced with plenty of parts replaced.

A decision was also made to retain the classic styling with no ‘boy racer’ modifications, and the keen enthusiasts have fitted a number of genuine extras that were found on the 190 in-period. These have included mudflaps, wooden interior trim and a car phone kit and this compact executive car is now very well equipped.

All of the effort certainly paid off as the car passed its MOT test with no advisories, so now Arun and his father can certainly enjoy their drives in the local countryside. There might have been concerns at the beginning, but Narinder says the car has been a really worthwhile investment. “It’s given my son a sense of pride, and that’s been great to see.”

The 190 was launched at the 1982 Paris Motor Show and almost two million were made before production ended eleven years later. Intended as a rival to the BMW 3 Series, it has plenty of fans today.