Highlights
- Documented restoration by Don Mertz in California
- Largely original, reconditioned interior
- Comprehensive history file including servicing, restoration and import documents
- Lovely condition throughout
The Appeal
Introduced in 1955, the 190 SL offered an open top alternative to the legendary 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ upon which it was based. Utilising the same all-round independent suspension system and a cut down 4-cylinder version of the 300’s straight-six, the 190 SL was nothing short of a technical marvel.
This 1958 example has spent most of its life in America before being imported to the UK in 2005. It is a well presented, restored Mercedes-Benz that retains much of its original interior and reportedly drives really nicely.
As one of the most elegant and beautifully engineered cars of the 20th century, it is certainly not one to be missed…
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in Georgia on 1st January 1958
- Apparently changed hands within the family in April 1993, moving to California
- Documented restoration by Don Mertz Restoration in California c.1994-1996
- Transported to Florida pending UK import in 2005
- Matching numbers
- Arrived in the UK with 74,999 miles displayed on the odometer
- Current mileage is 79,125
- Now resides in central Scotland
- Numerous invoices for previous work and servicing
- UK V5C present
- Contemporary road test material
The Interior
- Original seats and door cards
- Restored dashboard top and trimmed door cappings
- New carpets throughout
Inside, this 190 SL has a delightfully original look and feel. The vendor informs us that the seats are the original, unrestored items from 1958. With a smattering of light patination, they are in wonderful condition for their age and remain without significant blemishes.
The original dashboard has been restored, with the leather top having been retrimmed. The same goes for the door cappings which present really well. Like the seats, the door cards are apparently the original, unrestored items and they appear to be in excellent condition.
It appears as if no radio has ever been fitted and the dashboard fascia is in good order. The vendor reports that a hand from the clock has become detached.
The carpeting has been replaced throughout the cabin and is in excellent shape. Inside the boot, all looks to be in good order and it is lined with ribbed rubber matting. There is also a spare wheel and tool kit.
The Exterior
- Smart red paintwork
- Some trim rechromed
- Evidence of some welding work underneath
The red paintwork looks really smart all over, the only notable blemish being a little bubbling on the offside front wing. This was apparently present when the car was imported and reportedly hasn’t worsened since.
The bodywork all appears to be straight and corrosion free and the same goes for the underside which looks to be in good order. There is some evidence of prior welding work, highlighted by a little surface corrosion in places, although the vendor states that everything is in fine shape.
Apparently, some rechroming work has been carried out to sections of the bumpers. As a result, the brightwork all has a good lustre.
The fabric hood is in really fine condition, with only a couple of small areas showing any discoloration. According to the vendor it operates smoothly and does not leak.
The wheels present well and the tyres are in good condition with ample tread remaining.
The Mechanics
- Clean and tidy under the bonnet
- Twin Weber carburettor conversion
- Starts, runs and drives well
During the restoration in California, the original carburettors were replaced with Webers - a common conversion on this engine.
The vendor informs us that it starts, runs and drives really well, with no leaks, smoke or untoward noises to report. It accelerates well through the gears and brakes well, pulling a little to the left when cold although the vendor is currently investigating this.
The comprehensive history file apparently details the mechanical work carried out during the restoration and any subsequent servicing and repair.
Summary
This is a charming example of the coveted Mercedes-Benz 190 SL. Retaining many original features and weathering nicely following an older restoration, it is a most usable example that is sure to delight its next owner.
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