Description
Mercedes 190 SL 1961
Silver grey DB 180/ red leather interior
Hard top silver grey / Burgundy soft top
Chassis 121040-10-022186
Engine 121921-10-014498
Origin France: Royal Élysées
Complete restoration at FM Classicos between 2014 and 2016
Iconic roadster from the German marque from 1955 to 1963, the 190 SL still captivates! And for good reason it borrows many elements from the 300 SL, the so-called “Butterfly”, considered an automotive masterpiece.
Driving comfort, elegance and interior space make it, today, a reference in collectible cars.
Under the bonnet, a home-built 4-cylinder engine fed by two Solex 44 PHH carburettors developing 105 hp, making the 190SL a good long-distance traveller.
Rather focus on elegance and refinement than raw performance.
Delivered new on 01/ 08/ 1961 by the famous Royal-Elysees distributor in Paris, this example underwent an incredible restoration that today makes it one of the finest models on the market.
It was, moreover, exhibited by the restorer FM Classicos and by the Mercedes 190 SL club at Retromobile.
The club’s vice-president, one of the best experts of the model in France who had become passionate about this vehicle, contributed greatly to its near-concours presentation, supervising post-purchase work with the current owner.
And it is in this sense that it is a benchmark in the market.
Its asset? A quality restoration that pays homage to one of the marque’s best models from the 60s.
For 2 years it benefited from a complete overhaul of the bodywork and chassis, paint, full upholstery and electrical system. The engine itself was inspected and checked in 2016, having been rebuilt by the previous owner. A complete photo dossier is available.
Since then, the owner has kept it in the proper condition and some things have been reviewed and improved:
- complete overhaul of the carburetion system by B2H in 2018
- overhaul of the braking system in 2019
- major service, wheel cylinders, ignition timing and carburation at Étoiles collection in 2020
- routine maintenance and oil change in 2024
An inspection was carried out with compression testing to confirm the mechanical health.
Today the car presents in a state close to factory-fresh in 1961! The bodywork is of very high quality with no defects. The soft top as well. The red upholstery exudes rare elegance. The instrumentation is functional. As for the engine, the meticulous refurb and adjustment of the original Solex carburettors have been performed to the standard of the art, so no adjustment has been necessary for years, the owner has thus preserved the model with Weber carb kits, more thirsty and not original. A sacrilege for true connoisseurs! And thanks to the Club 190 SL’s sharp knowledge this car meets all its standards.
For enthusiasts of authentic vehicles, road-trippers or sixties nostalgics, this example is for you.
Let us not forget that only 26, 000 units were produced and nearly half are still on the road. A choice indeed but not unlimited!
View by appointment only
Collection registration
Restoration photo dossier
Expert appraisal
Hard top
