• In current ownership 7 years • Regular but light usage since purchase
• Has passed the Spanish MOT each year
• Lovely condition throughout
• Drives very well • Original Barcelona car from new!
The Appeal
Introduced as a more affordable alternative to the similarly-styled 300SL, the 190SL gets you much of the glamour at a fraction of the price. Brought to market the year after its pricier sibling in 1955, the pretty and stylish roadster has long been renowned for its build quality and effortless cruising abilities.
It’s been perfect for the current owner to enjoy the Spanish sunshine but isn’t getting the use it deserves and, with the administrative overhead of a substantial fleet wearing a bit thin, he’s reducing his collection and has decided to let a new owner take this one on.
In current ownership since 2015, it was selected for its fabulous condition and, one minor bump aside, remains in fine fettle, having had to pass the Spanish equivalent of the MOT each year. The cosmetics will be an easy fix and, once addressed, the new owner will be able to arrive in style wherever they go.
• Lovely original condition with very good black leather
• Transverse rear seat
• Pristine dashboard
• Radio believed to be original
Very much like its bigger brother, the 190SL’s interior is, in our view, a masterpiece of understated design. The body-coloured dashboard is fronted by a delicate-rimmed steering wheel with a chromed ring that you might imagine is to sound the horn but is actually how you operate the indicators.
It’s all in great condition here with everything working as it should and it’s all original, too, aside from the patron saint of travellers making an appearance on the glovebox lid.
The seats are also very well preserved with just a little fading to the top from the strong Mediterranean sun and a crease on the base that the owner, who has owned at least one other example, has seen on numerous other 190SLs. The boot is very clean and tidy and trimmed with rubber matting. In all, there’s very little here to find fault with and the new owner should just be able to get on with enjoying the ride.
• One minor bump to be addressed with €1,000 estimate to fix
• White wall tyres
• Hood in excellent condition
With white wall tyres and a striking red colour, set off by the chrome accents, this SL is dressed to impress and presents very well. The paintwork is described as being in very good condition but the owner admits to one small indiscretion involving reverse gear and a lamppost which has seen the bumper dented on the right hand side and the paint chipped below the rear light.
He’s had a thousand Euro estimate to have it sorted but hasn’t had the time to get it addressed and it should be an easy fix for the new owner.
Sadly there isn’t any paperwork predating the current ownership and it isn’t known if the car has previously been restored but, if not, it looks like a quality job and it’s certainly been very well looked after since; the wheels show no sign of kerbing and wear white wall tyres with good tread all round, the chrome is all in very good condition and the underside looks very tidy with a healthy amount of underseal.
The hood is also said to be in excellent condition, not that it’s seen much action in the current location.
The seller has previously owned a properly concours example of a 190SL and insists that looks can be deceiving as this car is much better to drive. He reports that although there is no power assistance, the steering is light and responsive, the gearchange very sweet and the brakes strong.
He does stress that it’s not lightning quick, but says that it can quite happily be driven in modern traffic. Having been maintained to the needs of the annual Spanish check, it’s ready to go.
A lovely example of this stylish roadster that just needs a small cosmetic repair and then will be ready to be enjoyed to the full.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here
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More about buying with us
1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL LHD
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