There's something special about photographing a car that represents pure passion and dedication. Recently, I had the opportunity to shoot with TJ (@Magnacars) and his incredible custom Mercedes 190E that he's transformed into an Evo 2 replica.
The Build
The Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II is legendary in motorsport circles – a homologation special that dominated DTM racing in the early '90s. TJ's replica captures that aggressive spirit perfectly, with the iconic wide body kit, dramatic rear spoiler, and period-correct details that make this build truly stand out.
Something that really impressed me about this vehicle is TJ’s willingness to bring it out to all of the car events and meets, showing people how a build like this can be done for around $20,000 CAD.
The Shoot
Working with TJ was great – his enthusiasm for the build was clear, and it really comes through in the final images. I focused on capturing both the aggressive styling details and the overall presence of the car, highlighting the craftsmanship that went into this conversion.
The 190E platform provides such a great foundation for this type of build, and TJ's execution really showcases why these cars have become so sought after in the enthusiast community.
Follow the Journey
Be sure to check out @Magnacars on Instagram to see more of TJ's work and follow along with future projects. It's always inspiring to connect with builders who are keeping the spirit of these iconic machines alive.