Highlights
- Highly presented matching numbers W121
- Only two UK keepers since importation from the USA in 2013
- Former concours entrant in the US (2010)
- Rare Virginia/California specification with conventional indicator stalk
- Weber carburettor conversion while retaining original air intake system
The Appeal
It all began here. The W121 190SL set the template for all the SL models that would follow, namely a sporting, stylish and supremely comfortable two seater perfect for long or short sojourns.
Most 190SLs went to America for a life amongst celebrities and rich folk. This car was one of them, spending its life there until 2013 when it arrived in the UK. It is notable for being a very rare Virginia-registered car, which has a conventional indicator rather than the more common and complicated system used in other states.
It is not surprising to learn that this car was a concours entrant in 2010 whilst in the USA. its white paintwork, bright homework, blue roof and matching interior are in a very high state of preservation.
The car has had just two keepers since arriving in the UK, the current one since 2016. The vendor tells us that it is a matching numbers example. It is standard except for a useful conversion to more reliable Weber carburettors, but using the original intake.
This car is a show-standard example and would grace any discerning collection.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 1959 in USA
- Imported to the UK from Virginia, USA in 2013
- Only 2 former registered UK keepers since importation
- Current keeper since 2016
- Former concours entrant in the US in 2010 (indicated by dashboard sticker)
- Original handbook and wallet included
- Supplied with UK and US title documents
- Service history includes invoices for work and servicing in the UK
- Old MOT certificates included
- VIN number 12104210014866
- MOT and tax exempt
- Last MOT to March 2021 with no advisories
The Condition
- Pretty car in white with blue roof and interior in very good condition
- Paintwork presents at a high standard as can be checked in photos
- Bright chromework including bumpers and fittings as shown
- Blue folding fabric roof with clear rear screen and good material condition
- Sits on steel wheels with matching body colour chrome hub caps
- Fitted with quality Uniroyal tyres in good order with plenty of tread
- Underside can be checked in photos
- Blue leather interior with darker blue carpets as shown
- Interior presents at a high level and includes original factory Bakelite two-spoke wheel
- Classic-style radio cassette fitted
- Boot area is in very clean condition with fitted rubber mat and unused steel spare
- Rare Virginia/California specification indicator stalk system, which automatically cancels after turning (unlike standard 190 SL models)
- Dashboard features a concours event sticker from 2010
This is one really well presented 190SL. The combination of white paintwork and blue trim works well and neatly accents the brightwork. It is all in very good order, the paintwork clearly finished to a high standard and the body showing flush panel fit with even gaps.
Inside the interior is trimmed in blue with darker blue carpets. It retains the lovely original features like the Bakelite wheel. A sticker on the dashboard confirms the 2010 concours provenance.
The Mechanics
- 1,897cc 4cyl M121 engine
- 4spd manual transmission
- Matching numbers example says vendor
- Weber carburettor conversion while retaining the original air intake system
- The vendor reports good oil pressure
- Gearbox and clutch reported to be in very good order
- Brakes and suspension reported to work correctly
- Electrical systems are functioning well we are told
The ‘Sport Light’ 190SL adopted the firm’s highly durable 1.9L 4cyl engine and a slick 4spd manual gearbox. This car is largely factory standard apart from a desirable conversion to Webers, which is a common switch for these cars. The revised system uses the original air intake. The vendor tells us that the car is matching numbers and the photos provide various chassis and body plates for assistance.
The car is said to run and drive well with good oil pressure and all functions performing as expected.
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