20 Mercedes 190E 2.3/2.5-16

If ever there was a sleeper in the classic marketplace, then surely this discreet compact rocket is it. When you look at the crazy prices being asked for its contemporary arch-enemy on road and track, the E30 BMW M3, the fact that you can still get a usable 2.3-16 or 2.5-16 for less than our price limit seems incredible.

Sadly, however – and just like its big brother 500E – the 190 Cosworth is a sleeper that is beginning to wake up, with dealers asking up to double our budget for minters. It’s hardly surprising: here we have a comfortable, rapid and great-handling saloon from a golden era of Benz build quality, fitted with a sweet-revving 185bhp (or 197bhp in 2.5-litre form) twin-cam ‘four’ courtesy of engine guru Cosworth. Yes please.