This car was believed to be the first Evolution 2 imported into the United States ever!
These cars were never imported to the U.S. by Mercedes and most of them found their way into collectors hands in Japan and Germany. Because of regulations, the EVO 2 wasn’t allowed to be imported until 2015, when it qualified under the 25 year rule, which allows cars previously not sold in the U.S. to be imported. This car in fact came to America by way of Japan. Below is the description that Mercedes issued on the cars 25th birthday:
25 years ago, the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II thrilled professionals and the general public alike when it was unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show. The touring car developed for Group A racing on the basis of this sports saloon went on to acquire legendary status. Mercedes-Benz took the first three places in the DTM championship in the 1992 season with this vehicle, which was referred to succinctly as the “Evo II”. Today, the Evo II presents a fascinating spectacle as a works racing car from Mercedes-Benz Classic competing in historic motor sport events.
The Evo II did justice to its appearance by virtue of a further development of the vehicle. The engine’s output had been raised once again in comparison to the first Evolution model from the previous year, the Evo II now generating 173 kW (235 hp) of power as opposed to the previous 143 kW (195 hp). The top speed was 250 km/h, and the Evo II accelerated from a standing start to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. The body had also undergone further refinement on an aesthetic and technical level. In all, 502 units of the Evo II were produced - available exclusively in blue black metallic.