Highlights
- Astounding restoration
- Rare optional factory hardtop
- Matching numbers engine
- One of only 3,792 built in 1961
The Appeal
The 190SL is an interesting car - designed to be a sort of everyman’s version of the incredible 300SL, which was often described as the world's first supercar. Featuring very similar styling based on a more basic chassis shared with more pedestrian Benzes of the era, and fitted with a more modest 1.9-litre inline four cylinder engine instead of the dramatic space-frame and six cylinder of the much more exorbitant 300 series.
The example we have presented here has undergone an exquisite restoration with tremendous attention to detail completed by the renowned classic car dealer Daniel Schmitt & Co, featuring the correct specification of the vehicle from the factory so as not to take away from the car's originality. Living in the USA for most of the vehicles life and staging under the careful custodianship of the previous owner for the last 25 years, it remains an enviously pampered example. Imported into the UK in December of 2017, from a very prestigious classic car dealer, Daniel Schmitt & Co in St. Louis.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in the USA in 1961, being one of only 3,792 examples built for that year
- The last American owner kept the vehicle for 25 years, giving it the utmost care and attention
- Completely restored between 2015 to 2017 by Daniel Schmitt & Co with tedious attention to detail
- Sold in the USA by Daniel Schmitt & Co at the cost of $159,900
- Sale advert information as well as sales images present in a binder with the vehicle
- First registered in the UK on the 1st of December 2017
- V5C present and correct, ready for transfer of ownership
- Original 190SL instruction manual present
- Registered as a historic vehicle, MOT and road tax exempt
- Last MOT was carried out in 2017 after vehicle import, ensuring the car was up to standard for British roads
The Interior
- Restored correct red leather interior
- Beautiful brightwork
- Becker Europa radio
- Showroom condition throughout
As if standing outside of the car and drooling over the exterior wasn’t enough of a treat, it gets arguably even better when you step into the cabin flooded with stunning new correct red leather, white dash panels paint-matched to the exterior and spotted with some excellent brightwork to finish it all off.
Thanks to the extensive and careful restoration process the car underwent in the states, it remains entirely in factory specification - the look and feel of the interior hasn’t been taken away by careless upgrades or swapping specification for something else; it remains remarkable. Both front seats are in excellent condition, no wear or damage is to be noticed on any of the leather and the stitching remains completely intact. Directly ahead of you as you sink down into the driver seat, the steering wheel is in impeccable condition with a beautiful brightwork horn bar. Behind the steering wheel the gauges remain in excellent shape, with some very gentle patina just above the gauges on the white fascia, as well as some light spotting on the brightwork surrounds. Handsome little additions, though, for an otherwise showroom interior.
The dashboard itself appears very well maintained with all of the switchgear reported to remain entirely operational, and includes the original Becker Europa radio which appears wonderfully. The passenger side of the dash houses the glove compartment as well as an analogue clock for passenger convenience, the glove box door does show a couple of very gentle marks in the centre just under the locking mechanism but remains purely cosmetic, and all of the brightwork trim is reportedly in excellent condition. The upper leather portion of the dash appears to be in good condition with the owner reporting no issues.
Both door cards are in lovely shape too, with the leather remaining damage-free and absent from the usual low-down scuff marks we’re all guilty of creating on our doors. There is some marking under the driver side armrest which we’re unsure what it’s been caused by, and some light traces of where the window winders have been swung round. The handles and window winders remain operational and wear excellent brightwork, too. Floor carpets all appear in excellent condition with only very light signs of use in the driver side, no damage to be noted however and all of the edging appears intact.
The inside of this 190 is a remarkable place to be - stunningly presented everywhere you look with just some very gentle hints of age to remind you this vehicle has a long and loving history. If the exterior wasn’t so beautiful, you’d probably never want to step foot outside again.
The Exterior
- Excellent white paintwork
- Beautifully maintained brightwork
- Rare and desirable factory hardtop
- Period correct white-wall tyres
Astounding. It doesn’t matter how many of these models we see, we never get sick of the sight - and how could you? Evident styling cues of the 300SL, with unmatched class and sheer beauty. When you think of a classic Benz, this is probably what pops into your head.
At the front of the vehicle, everything remains excellent with lovely paintwork seemingly absent of any stone chips or marks. The brightwork trim on the lights, the grill and also on the bumper all look to be in excellent shape with no blemishing present and great clarity. The headlights and indicators are in great condition too, with no cracks or damage and no signs of fading from age, and the bonnet looks fantastic with good panel gaps all the way around.
Moving around to the side, those lovely 300SL styling cues come more into view with the arches sculpted beautifully featuring stunning brightwork trim above every wheel. All of the panel work along both sides of the vehicles is excellent with no dings or dents to be seen and wonderful shut lines around both doors. Paintwork appears to be in great condition too with no damage reported. All four wheels are in wonderful condition with no curb rash to be seen, and all are shod in period-correct tyres which we’re told are in good condition.
At the rear of the lovely roadster, the story remains as you would expect with lovely paintwork, outstanding brightwork throughout and good shut lines around the boot compartment wearing the appropriate badging and designation. Both rear lights are damage-free with excellent clarity, too.
The factory hard-top is in lovely shape, and remains a rare and desirable option which on its own is worth an eye-watering amount of money, not to mention they’re basically gold dust in this day and age!
This 190SL is a stunning example, the restoration undertaken here really shines through, this wouldn’t be out of place sitting on a Mercedes showroom floor.
The Mechanics
- 1.9-litre inline-four cylinder
- Rear-wheel drive configuration
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Excellent mechanical health
- New exhaust system fitted in summer
By modern standards, very little of what was made in the 60’s is considered to be ‘quick’, and this car is no exception. Making a stout 105bhp from the twin carb’d four banger to propel an 1,100 kg car, it’s certainly usable, but by no means will it pin you back into your seat - you’ll have to forgive its devilishly sporting looks for fooling you. But! The 190 was never meant to be a strict and purpose built racing car like its bigger brother, it’s a genuinely fun drive with some gleeful intent.
Fitted with Weber carbs to give the vehicle a much smoother ride over its original Solex variants, it really is a joy to be behind the wheel of. But purists fear not, the original Solex carbs will be included alongside the vehicle.
Mechanically the 190SL is reported to remain in great condition, with a happy four-banger up front which will start up and come to a steady idle without any hiccups, mated to a four-speed transmission which remains easy to sail through the gears with no unwelcome noises or feelings throughout. As for the suspension, it remains comfortable and free from the stiff and jarring performance-car traits we all know too well, it really is a great little tourer that will keep a smile on your face.
The vehicle's relatively high weight (for the 60’s) and tank-like construction keeps everything very well composed and smooth at speed, making long road trips an absolute breeze, and the handling is engaging and well managed with swing axles at the rear and double wishbones up front. You won't find underseal hiding any anomalies here, with the usual problem area floors and wheel arches showing completely clean and painted metal.
Summary
The 190SL needs no introduction in the world of classic car collecting, arguably one of the most rewarding investment vehicles with the prices soaring an unprecedented 395% over the last 10 years. It’s no secret that the price isn’t slowing down either, which makes these an attractive and enjoyable investment for anyone with money sitting doing nothing. Grab the keys, go for a stroll, and let everyone enjoy the sight of a true appreciating classic rolling through the town.
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