The unique Mercedes-Benz 190 E SGS Cityfun, a versatile design from the 1980s, has been restored and showcased decades after its original debut.
After four decades in obscurity, the uniquely designed Mercedes-Benz 190 E SGS Cityfun has emerged from restoration, revealing a fascinating chapter of the 1980s tuning scene in Germany. This exceptionally modified vehicle, originally a product of the Styling Garage, was recently unveiled at the Techno Classica Salon in Dortmund, celebrating its return since first being showcased at the Geneva Motor Show in the early 1980s.
Managed by Chris Hahn, the founder of SGS, the Cityfun was conceived in 1983 and would undergo significant alterations, shortening the standard W201 model’s wheelbase by approximately 45cm. The modifications led to a design with the familiar front styling of the W201 but altered proportions that differentiated it dramatically from its production counterparts.
This transformation wasn't limited to just size; it included a robust roll-over hoop akin to that of the Porsche 914, integrated into the sills for enhanced safety. The vehicle featured a removable targa roof panel and a design that allowed different configurations—including a targa, cabriolet, pick-up, or a compact estate—making it a versatile choice for its time. SGS thus marketed it as a single unit capable of adapting to various functions, which was certainly a bold proposition.
However, the ambitious concept didn't translate to commercial success. While it garnered attention at the Geneva show, it failed to attract buyers, which resulted in only one Cityfun being produced. The innovative Plexiglas estate cover, which played a significant role in its design, suffered damage during press photography and was never replaced, further curtailing its utility.
Styling Garage was already becoming notable for heavily modified Mercedes-Benz vehicles at the time, including stretched S-Classes and custom gullwing models based on the SEC. By the mid-1980s, the company had expanded significantly, employing around 100 staff and serving a diverse clientele across Europe, the US, Japan, and the Middle East, ultimately producing over 2000 modified cars. Despite this success, the Cityfun fell victim to the financial troubles that befell SGS in the later years of the decade, leading to its decommissioned status and fading from public consciousness.
The City's rediscovery began in 2018 when the current owner started posting about it on Mercedes-Benz enthusiast forums after embarking on an extensive restoration journey that stretched over eight years. Initially, the Cityfun had only 1500 kilometers on the odometer, but decades of neglect had resulted in significant work needing to be done.
A primary challenge was reconstructing the roll-over hoop, which had been removed incorrectly in previous modifications. Beyond this, the vehicle's shell needed repairs to restore the shortened structure before any painting could commence. The owner prioritized preserving as much of the original detailing as possible, finishing most of the bodywork and paint by late 2021.
Upon inspecting the engine, the owner discovered corrosion had set in despite the low mileage. Restoration included addressing issues with the engine’s accessories, enhancing the brakes and suspension, and meticulously cleaning the fuel tank. Additionally, since the original dark-green interior trim had been transferred to another SGS model in 1984, matching it became feasible by using the 190 E St Tropez's interior as a reference, which the owner also owned. This facilitated the production of new dark-green leather trim and Recaro seats for the Cityfun.
While some concepts from the original design were not fully realized in the restoration—such as restoring the pick-up function due to structural challenges—the owner took the opportunity to reinforce the rear bulkhead for better stability and practicality, ultimately improving the vehicle's functionality. However, the missing Plexiglas estate enclosure was left unaddressed, both because of its prior loss and complications with compliance to German road regulations concerning any replacement.
On September 10, 2026, the restored Cityfun was officially registered for road use in Germany. Less than three weeks later, it made a prominent appearance at the Techno Classica Salon, capturing attention once again alongside Chris Hahn, who returned to the exhibit to celebrate the significance of his creation.
For those interested in the full history of SGS and its unique automotive contributions, more details are available on their website.
