***Vendor supplied images***
Highlights
- One of only 562 right-hand drive 190SL's supplied to the UK
- Highly original and ready for restoration
- Driven to Norway in 1987 and never used since
- Same owner for the last 36 years!
- Back in the UK & taxes paid
- Original buff log book with records back to 1977
The Appeal
One of Mercedes-Benz’ best-remembered roadsters, the 190SL may well be a contender for one of the most beautiful cars to ever roll out of Stuttgart. The softened, curvy frame and affordable specs made for a true mid-century masterpiece. Only 25,881 were built, and of those, only 562 right-hand drive examples ever arrived in the UK.
This particular car is exactly that - and has, since 1987, been based in Norway when the current owner moved there from the UK. Many parts have been already been overhauled, and the engine is still turning by hand. It’s the perfect opportunity for a dedicated mechanic, and there’s no doubt it’s worth the effort. This is a truly scarce, but utterly essential European classic.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in 1957 for the UK market
- The VE.60 logbook covers the car’s history from 1973 onwards:
- Sold to one Mr. Smith of Uplawmoor, Ayrshire, in 1977
- The vendor, based in Norway, purchased the car from Mr. Smith in 1987 and drove it home
- Since then, the car has been sat in the vendor’s garage, awaiting restoration
- Numerous parts have been dismantled and removed, but it is highly complete and the parts are still with the car
- Currently indicates 99,474 miles on a five-figure odometer
- Considering the car’s history, this may well be genuine
- Save for the log book, we’re unaware of any history provided with the car
- Has just been brought back into the UK
- Ready to be registered in the UK
- Taxes paid
The Interior
- Highly original interior that, to our eyes, hasn’t been fiddled with
- Brown leather seats and door cards
- These have been sporadically treated to maintain the leather
- We do note some discolouration and wear commensurate with nearly forty years in storage
- The dashboard is highly original throughout
- Some levels of dust and marks, in line with the car’s life in storage
- All tactile instruments are in situ and look in good order
- Period radio is still nestled into the dash
- The cream contrast steering wheel is complete with only minor discolouration
- Door cards are in good order
- Carpets could do with a good clean but are otherwise in good condition
- Round the back, the boot is in excellent condition with no clear corrosion
- A spare wheel and an un-unused Connolly leather kit sits inside
- The car also comes with a new speedometer cable and new water temperature gauge
Having been in storage for so many years, it’s of little wonder that this car has gained a gentle layer of dust. However, it’s remarkably complete and original, with all of that 50s-era charm fully in situ. Every instrument is clean and well-kept, and once the car is reassembled, you’ll still be able to make use of much of the cabin’s original material.
The Exterior
- Friedrich Geiger-designed bodywork
- Highly original throughout
- Painted in red with a black-contrasting soft top
- The vendor reports that the car was originally black, according to the car’s paint tag
- The vendor notes that earlier in the car’s history, the car received some shoddy welding work
- This was reportedly covered with glass fibre and polyester resin
- It has been applied largely to the front and rear inner wings
- The vendor has removed this to the best of their ability
- Inside outer wings are similarly sealed and will need to be cut out
- The aluminium bonnet has some damage to the left-front hinge mount and a dent
- We also spot some chipped paint around the driver’s door
- Some brightwork has been rechromed, however, the rear bumper will need a full overhaul
- Some brightwork is missing, including:
- Winglet chrome strips
- Lower valence chrome strips
- Bumper overrides for the back and front
- The mohair soft top has a tear but is in good condition, and has been kept ‘up’ during storage
- The car also has a leather tonneau cover and a black canvas cover included in the sale
- Underneath, the front suspension has recently been dismantled and reassembled
- The rear chassis legs have rusted through at the spring mounts
- The car has a gentle list towards the driver’s side that will need attention
This 190SL has had plenty of work engaged with over its time in storage, mostly dedicated to removing low quality work and returning the car to original condition. However, it’s still in need of plenty of restoration. We’ve no doubt it’ll make a fabulous project for the dedicated enthusiast.
The Mechanics
- 1,897cc M121 SOHC I4 powerplant
- 4-speed fully-synchronised manual transmission
- The dynamo, starter motor, carburettors and exhaust have been dismantled and refurbished
- The suspension has recently been reassembled
- Brakes are still disconnected
- The rebuilt exhaust has been temporarily mounted
- The overhauled carbs are ‘finger tight’ on the engine
- The refurbished dynamo and starter motor have not yet been fitted
- The engine has been turned over sporadically by hand and still does so
- A leak-down test of all four cylinders show moderate pressure loss
- The cylinders have been injected with RedEx fuel additive on an ad-hoc basis
- The car, naturally, does not start, but is highly complete
While the restoration is yet to be completed, it must be said that this marvellous car has undergone some substantial work, and is still turning with some substantial parts overhauled and ready for remounting.
Summary
Ideal for the ambitious mechanic, this 190SL is a scarce survivor, and is a fabulous project that’s bound to be very rewarding.
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:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
