Mercedes-Benz W121 190 SL restored in collector's condition Engine and technology revised since then 400 Km (1961)

Vehicle description

The 190 SL of the 1950s visually followed the large SL, but had to make do with a small four-cylinder engine. And as a "cheaper" SL, it only cost a good half of the big one – which still corresponded to the price of 3 standard Beetles. Therefore, it was nevertheless regarded as the economic miracle car of the higher-income society. It also owes its creation to the importer Max Hoffmann, who wanted to offer a cheap variant below the expensive 300 SL. It was the right decision: the Americans tore the car out of his hands and the Mercedes-Benz brand gained an extremely good reputation in the USA with the Roadster 190 SL.

In the case of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL from the year of construction 1961 to be purchased in this auction, which was registered for the first time in Germany. It is a car that according to the German letter has 2 registered previous owners. It is therefore likely that he has at least one other previous owner. According to the seller, there is a partially maintained history of the roadster, whereby the mileage of the car can be approximately proven. The so-called matching numbers are assumed, the 190 SL already has an H approval and the last main inspection carried out runs until August 2024. The VIN of this vehicle is 12104010022672. A current report from 2021 is available. As part of the restoration, no effort was spared. In 2020-2021, the SL was almost completely overhauled. Here, the SL was rated by an expert with the condition grade 2 and a value of 130,000 €. You immediately notice that this collector has maintained his SL extremely well, so that it is always in excellent condition and remains. Regarding the history, the current owner says that the vehicle was completely rebuilt by his father (car master) and him (car master) from 1987-1992 and has been in its current possession ever since. In the last 2-3 years, another 25,000 € have been invested.

A Mercedes-Benz 190 SL stands on the shortened frame floor system of the W 121 model series ("Ponton-Mercedes"), and over the course of the almost 8-year construction period, various detail improvements were incorporated into the roadster. The exterior of this Mercedes-Benz 190 SL offered here is classically decorated in "silver metallic" – over the years, the 190 has been restored and is therefore in a very good state of preservation. Over the years, the roadster was also subjected to a complete paintwork, external defects except for a small bump on the front fender are not to be listed. Also color differences in the paint image or matt chrome on the car can not be objected to. No damage can be removed from the soft top or rear window of the Mercedes-Benz. In addition, according to the seller's statements, this 190 SL has no modifications deviating from the original condition. The seller can confirm that there is no accident in the current possession. Overall, this 190 is in extremely good condition, which can be quickly recognized in the photos and videos.

According to the current holder, the whitewall tyres of type 6.40 SR 13 have 50-70% of their new condition, in the area of the brake system 70-90% are available, according to the seller. The rims are original steel rims with chrome hubcaps in excellent condition. Chassis technical complaints can not be made.

Luxuriously equipped is the interior of the 190 SL, which in the case of this car is characterized by a red interior with an ivory-colored steering wheel. The red leather seats are thickly upholstered and in minimally patinated condition, and the door panels, the dashboard, the footwell carpet and all the controls in the interior of the Mercedes-Benz also impress with their very good condition. Nowhere can damage or even missing parts be detected. In addition to the glamorous two-spoke steering wheel with chrome horn ring, the equipment of this 190 SL includes a Becker Europa car radio and a hardtop, as well as a matching red cover. The soft top presents itself in fantastic condition, is taut and without cracks and the rear window is also not milky. An eye-catcher is always the small analog watch in the glove compartment.

The dashboard of the 190 SL has a relationship to the 300 SL (gullwing): tachometer on the left, speedometer on the right, including 3 additional instruments. The SL has been driven about 400 km since the engine was revised. This also means that the engine has been ground and equipped with new liners. New pistons etc. were also used. Furthermore, the entire rear axle was dismantled and overhauled. The carburetors and the gearbox were revised. The brake device, the master brake cylinder, the fuel pump, the water pump have been renewed. The wheel bearings and the wheel brake cylinders as well. The speedometer has been overhauled. Thus, the vehicle has driven about 400 km since the revision. The engine was driven about 350 km with inlet oil and now provided with special oil. Invoices and receipts exist for all parts or repairs. The mileage read is 77,310. All instruments and displays in the interior of the Mercedes-Benz Roadster work flawlessly.

The OHC four-cylinder engine, which has a displacement of 1.9 litres and a Solex twin-carburettor system, delivers 105 hp. The power of the 190 SL is transmitted to the rear wheels via a fully synchronized 4-speed manual transmission. The seller mentions that in 2021 a final service took place and defects in the powertrain are not present.
The underbody of this roadster is rock-solid, rust-proof and extremely healthy. A Mercedes-Benz 190 SL exudes glamour and glitz, it developed into a robust classic early on. Formally, a 190 SL is just as attractive as a 300 SL. The red interior of this roadster for purchase harmonises perfectly with the exterior colour in silver: obviously here is a 190 SL model in almost perfect condition, waiting for its new owner, who is looking for a restored, exceptionally good SL.

Subfloor Part 1

Subfloor part 2 (all other pictures can be found in the gallery)

Vehicle videos

Why Kickdown? The NDR summed it up well!