Mercedes Benz W121 190 SL (1956)

Highlights and general information

For sale is a Mercedes-Benz W121 190 SL from 1956 in the color silver metallic and a wine-red leather interior.

Highlights:

• German first registration, with TÜV and H license plate in a well-kept condition
• Expert opinion from 08/2017 with a grade of 2
• Owned by the seller since 2009
• Matching numbers are given
• Has only been used as a "fair-weather vehicle" in the past
• A total of almost €18,000 was invested in the current ownership, in the course of which the vehicle was repainted and a glass wind deflector (without drill holes) was retrofitted
• The following information is available on the history and work on the 190 SL:
• 1956: Original gift from a Mercedes dealership owner to his daughter, who hardly used the vehicle due to difficult steering and brakes.
• 1956-1980s: Vehicle was stored unused in a garage on the dealership's premises and was largely forgotten.
• 1980s: Rediscovered when the garage was demolished, but in poor optical condition.
• 1980s-2000: Employees of the car dealership carried out occasional and sometimes unsuccessful restoration attempts.
• 2002: The car was sold to the owner of a body and paint store, who initiated a comprehensive restoration. The engine and gearbox were overhauled in a specialist workshop in Flensburg.
• 2009: New owner carries out continuous maintenance and optimization work on technology and mechanics (carburettor settings, camshaft, brake system, etc.) by a specialist classic car workshop.
• 2019: Complete repainting in original paintwork by specialized body and paint store in Husum with special emphasis on precise gap dimensions.
• With folding roof and radio

General information about the vehicle

• Year of construction: 1956
• First registration: Germany, 07/1956
• Location: 25813 Husum, Germany
• Number of owners: 5 (owned by the seller since 2009)
• Restored
• Accident-free in current ownership
• Licensed
• H license plate
• TÜV until 09/25
• Immediately ready to drive

Model history

The Mercedes-Benz W121 190 SL is a roadster that was produced between 1955 and 1963 and revitalized the sports car segment of the traditional Württemberg brand after the war. The W 121 B II model was produced alongside the slightly more powerful W 198 from the GT class and was technically based on the "Ponton" Mercedes from the upper mid-range. In contrast to the saloon, the 190 SL had a specially developed engine that produced more horsepower with the same displacement, thus underlining the dynamic character of the vehicle. The sporty design was similar to that of the 300 SL, while at the same time the 190 SL impressed with its outstanding driving characteristics and is today regarded as the forerunner of the SLK.

The facts

Exterior & interior:

• Exterior color: silver metallic
• Interior with wine-red leather upholstery
• Black folding roof
• Completely repainted, color application directly from the surface metal in original color by a specialist company

Engine and gearbox:

• 1.9-liter in-line four-cylinder engine with 105 hp
• Manual gearbox
• Last maintenance service: 05/2024

Mileage:

• 11,500 km (read off)
• The mileage is not traceable
• No checkbook available

Documentation:

• (German) vehicle documents, TÜV and service reports, invoices, expert opinion (08/2017, grade 2-)

Tires, brakes, body & underbody:

• Tires: 70-90 %
• Brakes: 70-90 %
• Bodywork: good condition
• Underbody: good condition - rust-free, preserved
• Please take a look at the photo gallery and videos to gain further insight into the condition of the vehicle

Known defects

• There are no known defects
• Please view the photo gallery and videos for further insight into the vehicle's condition

Summary of the car

This Mercedes-Benz 190 SL from 1956 combines elegant design with first-class care and history. Finished in metallic silver with a wine red leather interior, the vehicle has been meticulously restored over the years, including a repaint and the retrofitting of a glass wind deflector. The 1.9-liter 105 hp engine and manual transmission have been professionally overhauled for a driving experience worthy of Mercedes-Benz classics. With a current MOT until 09/2025 and an expert opinion (grade 2), the 190 SL is in a well-maintained condition both visually and technically. An exciting vehicle for enthusiasts who want to experience the charm of a true classic.