** This listing is part of our Collection Edition 2 Preview event taking place on Saturday, 14th March. Register to attend here. **
Highlights
Museum quality presentation
Beautiful Petrolblau Metallic over lipstick red hide
Complete and thorough restoration with documentation
Engine rebuilt to a high standard
Drives exactly as it should for a car restored to this impressive level
The Appeal
Designed as a more accessible, comfortable grand tourer sibling to the 300SL Gullwing, the Mercedes-Benz 190SL (W121) was produced from 1955 to 1963. It is an elegant luxury roadster featuring a 1.9-liter inline-four engine, delivering 105 hp and a top speed of ~112 mph, only 25,881 units were ever built, primarily for worldwide markets. Renowned for its beautiful styling and exceptional build quality, it remains a highly desirable and iconic classic car.
This stunning example was built in 1959 for the US market and brought to the UK by renowned 190SL specialists Redcastle Classics. Registered in the UK in 2019 by the owner of that famed company and put through an incredible restoration process. Meticulous time and detail has been invested in this restoration. The chrome presents as new and the bodywork is fantastic. The chassis and engine bay are as near to factory fresh as you’re likely to find. The jewel-like interior is a true thing of beauty and a wonderful place to be.
Finished in the achingly beautiful combination of Petrolblau Metallic (DB-877) over Lipstick red leather (1079), the color complements the 190SL lines beautifully. It truly sets this roadster apart from those finished in more mundane hues.
If you’ve been looking for one of the very best available on the market today, rest assured you’ve found the one to bid on and hopefully make your own.OUL_6231 Luke Papworth.jpg6.69 MB
The History & Paperwork
Factory built in 1959
A dry state car from Ohio
First UK registered in 2019
One registered keeper since arrival
Subject to a no expense spared restoration by Redcastle Classics
Bodywork similarly well kept with straight panels and good fit
Chromework is bright with no tarnish
Lights are in good condition with bright lenses
Underside is virtually as new
Engine bay virtually as new
Interior is exquisite with beautifully natural hide
Features period radio
Red leather dash top roll and painted body color dash fillet, all pristine
Ivory bakelite two-spoke wheel in good order
Black Fabric soft top and headlining are as new
Tyres with steel rims, all in good order
The metallic paintwork and red leather colorway of this 190SL is one of the most sought-after combinations for these cars. It’s easy to see why. It enhances the chrome detailing beautifully outside while the interior is almost jewel-like in its detailing. Indeed, the closer you look the more you appreciate the staggering condition on display here.OUL_6276 Luke Papworth.jpg11.45 MB
The Mechanics
1,897cc M121 100hp 4cyl engine
4spd manual gearbox
Upgraded to the superior Weber carburettors
Original Solex units are supplied with car
Engine rebuild by Redcastle
No reported running or driving issues
Many sports cars of this era are as fragile as they are beautiful, not so the 190SL. This is a Mercedes-Benz after all. The 1.9L M121 engine, good for 100hp, is renowned for its durability.
The engine in this car was recently extensively rebuilt and you can tell as soon as you are on the open road. One could be fooled into thinking this was 1959 and you were collecting a new one from the factory!
The car has covered very few miles since its restoration, and the quality of which has to be seen to be believed. All is factory correct including the running-in sticker on the windscreen! The only variation from originality is the fitment of more reliable Weber carburettors. The original pair of Solex units are included with the car if the buyer wishes to return it to standard.
Some cars are restored to impress, others to sell; this example has been brought back to an incredible standard by a master restorer for himself. The pride taken and attention to detail make all the difference. If you’ve always coveted a Mercedes-Benz roadster to invest in and enjoy—look no further, you’ve found the very best.OUL_6335 Luke Papworth.jpg12.33 MB
** Interested parties should note this lot is currently on view near Winchester, Hampshire. Vehicles must be collected by 28th March 2026 (subject to payment of the lots). From 28th March, vehicle storage charges apply to the buyer.
Charges: £ 14 + VAT for the first 14 days. Thereafter, £ 50 + VAT per car per week.
Buyers should satisfy themselves that they have collected all relevant log books, documents and keys relating to their lot(s) at the time of collection. **
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
You have made an offer on this vehicle. Our team will be in contact when your offer has been reviewed