1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL (W121)

Highlights

Comprehensive restoration between 2004 and 2012
Original colour combination of cream exterior and red interior
Significant history file with original data card and build sheet
Recent maintenance by marque specialists

The Appeal

Designed as a more accessible counterpart to Mercedes' legendary W198, the 190SL was an immensely pretty car - loaded with subtle curves and sweeping lines that would set up much of the company's design language for the years that followed. Elegant design, spirited performance and comfortable top-down driving would quickly become a hallmark of the company.

This 1958 example of a 190SL comes to us in rare order, having seen significant work from 2004 to 2012. The voluminous paperwork file documents all of this to a high standard. Factor in that beautifully matched cream livery and the deep red leather cabin, and you've got a truly spectacular car.

Everything here is very much a mark of mid-century motoring, and for our money, we've no doubt it'll be a head-turning package. It's not often we see a W121 come to us at C&C, and this example's fabulous presentation makes for a particularly tempting investment.

History and Paperwork

1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL
Registration: 298 UYU
Chassis: 1210428500516
Engine: 121.920.7500565
Odometer: 8,748 kilometres (likely reset following restoration)
Delivered new to Sweden
Originally dispatched to Philipsons Automobil AB, Sweden on 14th February 1958
Purchased by its first owner, Mr G. Hellqvist, on 6th May 1958
Later resided in Alvesta, Sweden with owner Mr A. Axelsson
Extensive restoration work between 2004 and 2012 by Mr Axelsson
Sold by Classix By Schiebler in 2016 to the most recent UK owner
Maintained by PKF Engineering with bills amounting to £3,198
Sizeable history file including original data card, build sheet, invoices, and receipts
Copy of a 190SL workshop manual
Recent maintenance invoices
MOT valid until May 2025
Current UK Registration document

The Condition

Presented in its original colour combination of cream paintwork (Elfenbein 608) over a red interior (Rot 1074)
Restored condition, taking place between 2004 and 2012 to a cost of around 38,000 euros
Bumpers and chrome work restored
Engine and body have benefitted from comprehensive detailing
Interior, hood, and engine bay remain in very presentable condition with few minor blemishes

Taking in the attractive lines of this pre-Pagoda really lets you take in that evocative period of mid-century design. It's a curvaceous, stylish - incredibly pretty. This is really where the future of Mercedes-Benz was cemented, and for all intents and purposes, it's one of the prettiest 'small cars' they've ever manufactured. This example still looks superb post-restoration and carries only the very gentlest signs of use since the job was completed.

The car is sitting on colour-matched wheels, and is adorned with gleaming chrome that carries only gentle signs of use.

Interior and hood renewed to a very high standard
Leather carries gentle blemishing but is free of any rips or tears
All instruments are clear and legible
Period radio still in situ
Floors are clean and solid

Taking in the car's brightly presented leather cabin, that evocative language is still beautifully presented. There are no rips or tears to the leatherwork, the instruments are all still clean and legible, and the period radio still embedded in the dash. It's just as curvy and fluid in its presentation as the bodywork, and we're not aware of any technical issues.

It's a superb place to be - a cabin that defies its years.

The Mechanics

1,897cc (1.9-litre) M121 SOHC I4 engine
Manual transmission with 5 gears
Left-hand drive
Recently treated to a new electronic ignition and new carburettors costing in excess of £1,800
In running condition but used sparingly in recent years
Would benefit from further mechanical recommissioning before use

Popping open the engine bay reveals a clean, nicely presented example of the M121, recently treated to new electronic ignition and carbs.

However, the vendor notes that it's been static for quite some time, and may need recommissioning before it's ready to return to the asphalt. If you're after a solid, nicely kept mid-century roadster, this is a simply superb example.

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