Highlights

Distinctive SLR-style build completed over four years in the US during the 2010s
Custom bodywork and low-profile windscreen fabricated by Runge Cars
Aluminium bonnet, doors, and boot lid
Engine overhauled in 2022 with further cylinder head and oil channel work
Sold with service records on Belgian registration

The Appeal

While the 190SL was, and still is, praised as one of the most beautiful roadsters ever built, it was never quite the powerhouse. Offering only 105hp or so, the car's remarkable curves and muscular shape may have proven a bit of a disappointment to the aspiring high-octane motorist. It's for this reason that some underwent a programme of modifications to eke out more of that sporty personality; many going on to dub them 'SLRs' - Sports-Leicht-Rennsport.

This 1959 190SL was modified in the USA over the course of four years to evoke that racing character, combining the 190SL's inherent charm with a stripped-down, competition-focused personality. Finished in light silver-grey with blue racing stripes and bearing the competition number "05," it's a remarkably evocative car. Runge Cars fabricated a low-profile windscreen with shaved glass and a modified brass frame, along with a custom hinged headrest fairing, lending the car a distinctly competition-flavoured silhouette. The factory bumpers were removed in favour of rear bumperettes, and aluminium panels - bonnet, doors, and boot lid - were fitted to reduce weight. Under the bonnet, the 1.9-litre M121 inline-four breathes through dual Weber carburettors, while Bilstein dampers sharpen the rear end.

Inside, red leather bucket seats and a custom "190 SLR" dash plaque housing dual stopwatches set the tone, while VDO instrumentation and a white two-spoke steering wheel complete the cockpit. The vendor reports that the car drives very well indeed, feeling every bit like a prepared 190SL.

For those seeking a classic Mercedes-Benz with a racing aesthetic, this 190SLR evocation is sure to stand out.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1959; subject of a four-year SLR-style build in the US during the 2010s
Imported from the US to Europe in 2020
Engine overhauled by Henri's Classics of Belgium in March 2022
Cylinder head and oil channels serviced in August 2022
Five-digit odometer shows 68,855 kilometres (~43,000 miles); total mileage is unknown
Sold on Belgian registration, which serves as the ownership document
Chassis number: 121042109500558; registration uses the last seven digits as the VIN
Belgian vehicle inspection expired June 2024
Service records present
No soft top included

The Condition

The vendor rates the bodywork as very good with few imperfections and light signs of wear
Bead-blasted and refinished in silver during the build
The vendor describes the paintwork as like new
Aluminium bonnet, doors, and boot lid fitted during the build
Low-profile windscreen with shaved glass and modified brass frame fabricated by Runge Cars
Custom hinged headrest fairing by Runge Cars
Factory bumpers removed; rear bumperettes fitted
Custom open grille, dual wing-mounted mirrors, and yellow-lensed driving lights
Red tonneau cover that snaps over the passenger compartment
Runge Pegasus decals on front wings and driver's headrest fairing; Runge crest on rear panel
Blue wing stripes and Mercedes-Benz crest bonnet graphic added in Europe
No soft top included with the sale
Silver 14″ steel wheels with Mercedes-Benz centre caps and chrome knock-off-style spinners
185-section Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres fitted
Interior shows age-commensurate wear
Low-back bucket seats upholstered in red leather with colour-coordinated door panels and lower dashboard trim
Grey square-weave carpeting on the floor
Dashboard-mounted rearview mirror, analogue clock, and dual stopwatches on a custom "190 SLR" dash plaque
White two-spoke steering wheel with chrome horn ring
VDO instrumentation comprising a 210 km/h speedometer, 7k-rpm tachometer, and supplementary gauges for oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level

The handsome, curvy frame of the 190SL is hard to improve - it's undeniably a simply gorgeous car. This example has been developed upon with a handsome, specially-made low-profile windscreen, a driver's headrest fairing, wing stripes and knock-off spinners. It all suits it down to the ground, and creates an effortlessly impressive, track-ready vehicle.

Still gleaming following this extensive rebuild, this is an evocative car indeed, with impressive age-commensurate patina to the handsome cabin and all manner of eye-catching modifications.

The Mechanics

1.9-litre M121 inline-four engine
Fully synchronised 4-speed manual transmission
Dual Weber carburettors with Redline air filter assemblies
Electric fuel pump and custom aluminium fuel tank
Engine overhauled by Henri's Classics in March 2022
Cylinder head and oil channels serviced in August 2022
Double-wishbone front suspension with rear swing axles and coil springs
Bilstein shock absorbers fitted at the rear
Power-assisted four-wheel drum brakes
The vendor reports the car drives very well and feels like a prepared 190SL

With an aim to bring out more of the character deep down in the M121, this 190SL is running better than it would from the factory. It's all looking in fine order, too, with a good, clean engine bay and an impressive underside. We're told that it's driving very well and has been pampered throughout - ready and waiting for its lucky new keeper.

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.

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