Comprehensive body restoration, including new floor pans and boot floor.
Recently renewed soft top and hood cover.
The Appeal
The mid-20th century was a bit of a golden age for automotive design. This was an era of impressive, sweeping shapes and curves, of subtle design cues alongside bold chromework and distinctive front-faces. Every marque could claim a level of success in this field, but few could hold a candle to Mercedes-Benz, which commissioned Walter Hacker's design team to create some of the most elegant roadsters on the market.
With its distinctive Bosch headlights, big chrome smile and sweeping, curvaceous bodywork, the 190 SL is a triumph from top to bottom. Renowned for its smooth-running and butter-smooth silhouette, the 190 SL became the stuff of legend.
This particular example represents one of the rarest variants - a factory right-hand drive model, of which only 535 were produced from a total production run of approximately 14,600 cars. Having received substantial investment from its current owner, including comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic work, this 190 SL is a wonderful example.
Bodywork presents in very good condition throughout
Metallic gunmetal grey respray (originally white) in a very high standard
Underside reported to be in very good condition
Features numerous new or restored chrome components, though some items show signs of patina
Interior presents in very good order throughout
Leather seats show no tears or excessive wear, with good colour and finish
Recently renewed soft top
New hood cover fitted
The 190 SL's iconic lines perfectly suit this car's attractive gunmetal grey livery. Originally picked out in White, we'd say this is a much finer colour scheme for our money. The bodywork, restored some time ago, is still in fine order, with clean lines and well-presented paint. The underside is clean and well-kept, as is much of the car's chromework - although we note that some elements carry a gentle patina.
The interior is nicely presented too, with excellent upholstery, clean instruments and a very pleasant executive-style finish that felt right up to date in 1961 and now feels utterly characterful and evocative. Perfect for the enthusiast seeking a bit of a time capsule.NB8A7026.jpeg245.93 KB
The Mechanics
1.9-litre M121 SOHC I4
Four-speed manual fully synchronised transmission
Recent Weber carburettor conversion (original Solex carburettors included in the boot)
The original air intake system has been refitted
The vendor reports excellent oil pressure
Gearbox, clutch, brakes, steering and suspension all reported to function as they should
All lights and electrical systems tested and functioning correctly
The mechanics of the 190SL will prove very familiar to anybody well-tuned to the marque. This versatile little unit saw application in everything from the Ponton to the Unimog, and has become synonymous with the company's then-blossoming reputation for rock-solid engineering. This particular one has been very well kept, with a recent conversion to Weber carbs and a fair bit of investment in recent years to keep it running at its best.
This fine example is reportedly running as it should, and thanks to the excellent parts availability for the M121, it's a deeply usable, eminently drivable classic.
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