1962 MERCEDES 190SL "SOLD"

Vehicle Description

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER THIS 1962 MERCEDES-BENZ 190SL. EXCEPTIONAL RESTORATION OVERSEEN BY FASTIDIOUS OWNER WITH FINAL PREPARATION BY PARRY CHANA OF LUX CLASSICS.

DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 1962 | COLOUR: IVORY DB608 | INTERIOR TRIM: LIGHT RED LEATHER | PRICE: SOLD

MODEL HISTORY & PRODUCTION
In 1954, Mercedes displayed a concept version of the 190SL at the New York Auto show alongside the 300SL ‘Gullwing’. This concept came to market in 1955 as the 190SL.

A more approachable, less intense sports car compared to the record-breaking 300SL ‘Gullwing’. The factory offered for the causal weekend racer a Rennsport package, options of an aero screen, cut down doors which one could convert, removal of bumpers to lighten the 190SL. While the 190SL features a carburetted 1.9 litre in-line four cylinder engine compared to the 300SL’s direct-injected 3 litre slant six, they share basic engine design, suspension system, and level of detail and craftsmanship that defines Mercedes-Benz.

The new engine, which shared the same bore and stroke of the 300SL, was paired with dual Solex carburettors and produced 120 horsepower. This powerplant was paired with a fully synchronized 4-speed transmission that sent power to the rear swing axle. The 190SL implemented the same suspension systems as the 300SL, all be it with a much stable low pivot point assembly, affording it confident handling and drivability without the tail happy nature of the 300SL ‘Gullwing’.

The 190SL is immediately recognisable as a Mercedes, featuring dramatic curves and restrained use of brightwork that defined this era of Mercedes. Many styling cues are borrowed from the 300SL ‘Gullwing’ as well, notably the massive three-pointed star in the grille, head lamps, bumpers, dash, early 190SL bucket seats as well as ‘eyebrows’ over the wheels, all it be finished with chrome.

While the 190SL did not quite offer the performance of other sports cars of the era, the impeccable quality and attractive styling made the 190SL a massive success – selling 25,881 units before production ceased in 1963. Many of these models were delivered to the United States, where its driving demeanour and elegant styling were highly valued. The 190SL is an important part of the culture of small roadsters in the 1950s, as it demonstrated how luxurious the platform could be. Now much sort after and highly collectible due to its ‘Style and Beauty’.

THIS ACTUAL CAR
This Mercedes-Benz 190SL was restored to an exceptional standard whilst retaining full matching numbers, including exterior paintwork and interior trimwork. The original engine was fully rebuilt together with every other component, seen or unseen to an exacting standard whilst retaining originality.

First delivered to Mercedes-Benz main agent in Brentford, Middlesex England on 18th April 1962, with a manufacture completion date of 27th March 1962. An original buff coloured Registration Book exists showing its first owner as Jennifer Walpole, with a further four owners named, two of whom were car dealers, before being registered in it’s current owners name in a current V5 registration document.

History file exists with past and current MOT certificates and a selection of restoration invoices.

Last documentation indicates this vehicle may have been on the road in 1975, as an original insurance certificate exists on file, located by its current owner. A full restoration was commissioned by a specialist classic car restoration company with renewal of every outer panel and floor panel replaced with Mercedes-Benz panels where available, in effect ending up with a totally remanufactured and rust-free bodyshell. Restoration cost was in excess of £100,000 which at today’s cost may well exceed the value of a donor car and cost of restoration.

Presented in the nicest original period Ivory (DB608) exterior paintwork and Light Red leather interior, complimented by black mohair soft-top. A numbers matching car restored to a very high standard with final commission and setup to be done as part of the sale by marque specialist Parry Chana of Lux Classics Ltd and his team.

Driving is exceptional, with ease of use and light steering, aided by period correct modern 6.40 13 Radial tyres. Original Solex PHH44 carburettors restored and tuned allows the car to drive as it was designed. With only some 600 miles since restoration, the vehicle will come with all post restoration run down adjustments and setup.

With 25,881 190SLs produced from 1955 to 1962, this represents one of the last 1,600 batch manufactured with the uprated engine and final edition modifications and improvements.

This vehicle will represent a good acquisition opportunity for a collector, investor or first-time classic car buyer, as being a most desirable model reminiscent of the much valued 300SL W198 Roadster and Gullwing coupe. It's available for viewing in the UK near Stansted Airport on an appointment basis.

WARRANTY & FINANCE AVAILABLE