One of just 562 right-hand drive examples produced
Supplied new to Richard Boyle, Ninth Earl of Shannon
Warranted 39,900 miles from new with supporting documentation
Four-year bare metal restoration documented with photographs
Matching chassis, body and engine numbers
The Appeal
Mercedes-Benz were in a golden era back in the '50s and '60s. Atomic-age aesthetics were beautifully presented across the product range, with subtle curves and sleek shapes providing something irrevocably arty and shamelessly futurist. Karl Wilfert and Walter Häcker took the 190SL under their wing, inspired by a design language created by Fredreich Geiger.
The International Motor Sports Show in 1954 previewed two new designs - the first being the now-legendary 300SL 'Gullwing' - but sat alongside it, smaller yet oh-so-perfectly formed, was the 190SL. This was a car that was eyeing a new market. Car ownership was exploding across the West, and American dealers were beginning to clamour for something a little more sophisticated and creative than the likes of the Corvette or Ford. Mercedes-Benz decided there and then to drop their more upright, stuffy image and work on a sportier, more lightweight convertible.
This was, in truth, the birth of the customer-focused SL Class and set a template for every car Mercedes-Benz manufactured thereafter.
That purity of design can really be felt across the car. The subtle, atomic-age curves, the big, round headlights and the low profile created a car that seemed to have been penned as an art form first and foremost. It's of little wonder that enthusiasts still clamour for this beautiful, simply superb all-rounder.
This particular example stands out as one of the rare right-hand drive models, of which only 562 were produced from a total production run of 25,881 cars. It's a fascinating example - first dispatched to Richard Boyle, the Ninth Earl of Shannon, and has covered a remarkably low mileage of just 39,900 miles, which is fully warranted with supporting correspondence from previous keepers.
The car's history is as impressive as its condition, having been dry-stored for three decades before undergoing a comprehensive, four-year bare-metal restoration. Finished in Silver Metallic with Red leather upholstery, this 190SL retains its matching chassis, body and engine numbers, and comes complete with its factory hardtop.
Ordered on 20th November 1959 and completed on 18th February 1960
First registered in 1960
Supplied new to Richard Bentnick Boyle, the Ninth Earl of Shannon
Remained in the Earl's possession for approximately four decades
Taken off the road in the mid-/late-1970s with 38,431 miles recorded
Underwent a comprehensive four-year bare metal restoration under the ownership of C. Mina Esq
Current MOT valid until May 2026 with no advisories
Comes with V5C Registration Document, MOT certificate, and history file
History file includes copy of the factory order form and correspondence from previous keepers
Serviced by marque specialists Hilton & Moss in November 2018 at 39,597 miles
The Condition
Silver Metallic paintwork presents well following bare metal restoration
Chrome brightwork presents in good condition
Body described as very straight with good panel alignment
Black mohair soft-top and matching factory hardtop in good order
Correct Boucle-style carpets sourced from Aldridge Trimming
Red leather upholstery in fine order following restoration
Dashboard and instrumentation all clear, legible and reportedly in working order
Interior trim and switchgear appear period correct
This handsome example of the 190SL is beautiful at first glance and highly impressive at close inspection. Plenty of work has been undertaken to present this fabulous car at its best. The near-synonymous silver paintwork is free of any obvious chips, dents or dings, and the brightwork is contrasting beautifully.
The colour-matched wheels, original badges and both tops are in good, clean order, nicely presented and without any areas of obvious concern. The underside appears in excellent order, with no clear corrosion. Put simply, this is a magnificent-looking example that's capable of seducing even the most jaded eyes.
Everyone knows that silver-on-red is just about the best colour scheme out there, and on a Merc of this era, it's practically essential. It conjures up beloved Corgi cars from our youth and feels irresistibly nostalgic. The cabin is in exactly the same order as the exterior, with everything clean, nicely presented and free of any significant wear.
The restoration is still gleaming both inside and out - the modernist eye in the car's cabin is represented by shining brightwork, a plush red dash pad and big, clean instruments. We've no reports of any technical faults in the cabin, and with everything from the carpets to the steering wheel so nicely kept, it's bound to be a wonderful place for driver and passenger alike.
Original matching numbers engine (121921-20-016233)
Original bonnet stamped with matching body number
Engine bay recently detailed by the same company that refurbished the record-setting 190SL
Engine upgraded with twin Weber carburettors by Roger Edwards Motors
Received circa £9,000 of mechanical work by Hilton & Moss in 2018 including:
Fuel, coolant and brake system overhaul
Suspension, gearbox mount and steering fettling
Double wishbone front suspension with coil springs
Coil-sprung swing axle rear suspension
Power-assisted drum brakes all round
Recirculating ball steering system
Popping open the bonnet reveals the much-respected M121 straight-four. Introduced with the car in 1955, this replaced an older unit of similar silhouette, but offered plenty of fresh innovation. This new straight-four included a single overhead camshaft design which allowed for more power and efficiency without bloating it up in size, and offered a whisker over 100bhp.
That isn't exactly a record setter, but then that wasn't the intention for the 190SL. This car was intended to be a leisurely, laid-back and mature sort of ride for those who were settling down for a lifetime of dedicated motoring. This means that everything was focused less on chasing teenage thrills and more on offering a car you could rely on.
This fine example maintains that with pride. The original matching-numbers engine looks in excellent order - clean and well-presented. We're told that the car is in excellent working order, and we've no reports of any mechanical faults throughout. By all accounts, this classic is ready and waiting for its lucky new owner.
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