1960 MERCEDES-BENZ W121 190SL RIGHT HAND DRIVE

DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 19560 | COLOUR: ANTHRACITE GRAY METALLIC DB172 | INTERIOR TRIM: MID Red

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER FOR A SECOND TIME THIS EXCEPTIONAL RHD MERCEDES-BENZ 190SL RESTORED TO CONCOURS LEVEL OVERSEEN BY OUR PARRY CHANA

ORIGINAL UK DELIVERED CAR OWNED IN PERIOD BY MR R H JOHNSON (REGISTERED SECRETARY AND ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF THE MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB). SOURCED SPECIFICALLY FOR MR DAVID GANDY & RESTORATION PROJECT MANAGED BY HIM TO AN EXCEPTIONAL STANDARD.

THE APPEAL

The Mercedes-Benz 190SL evocative of the mighty 300SL represents an era when cars were seen as a statement of style, rather than just a means of transportation. Its timeless beauty makes it a hugely desirable roadster of its era, still evoking a sense of elegance and charm today. With its user-friendly nature, elegant stature and superb build quality, it's the Mercedes that started the SL model bloodline as we see today.

THIS VEHICLE

- FULL COMPONENT OFF RESTORATION

- HARDBACK RESTORATION BOOK, DIGITAL IMAGES & FULL DOCUMENTATION

- 1,450 MILES SINCE FULL RESTORATION

- LOW NUMBER OF OWNERS & ALL KNOWN

- LOW MILEAGE (ALTHOUGH CAN NOT BE GUARANTEED)

- RECENT POST-RESTORATION ROUTINE SERVICE, MAINTENANCE & DETAILING

- ORIGINAL NUMBER PLATE CURRENTLY ON RETENTION AVAILABLE

- UK DELIVERED RARE RIGHT HAND DRIVE

- BELIEVED TO BE ONE OF 562 RIGHT HAND DRIVE 190SLs

- LOVELY HISTORY FILE WITH ORIGINAL MERCEDES-BENZ DATACARD (FAHRZEUG-DATEN)

- LOW NUMBER RIGHT HAND DRIVE PRODUCTION MODEL

- MATCHING NUMBERS (EXCEPT COLOUR COMBINATION)

A delight to offer this lovely Mercedes 190SL Germany manufacture with a completion date of 18th August 1960. First UK delivery & registration to Mrs E Croft 14th October 1960. Next owners documented within history file which includes Mr R H Johnson. Later owned by his daughter & husband, Joan & John. Sourced from them by our Parry Chana with a view to a full restoration completed in August 2015. Carefully stored & maintained by Lux Classics with some 1,450 miles since & still looking fresh out of restoration.

The restoration was headed by Parry Chana & his then team with a fully documented restoration hard back book, invoices, restoration specification & restoration task list included in file. Every component see or unseen fully stripped & restored, retaining as delivered new PHH 44 Solex carburettors. In our opinion Solex carburettors provide an uncompromised drive & best way to enjoy its drive as Parry has experienced in restoring & owning a concours winning 190SL for the last 20 years.

The factory large window hard top was restored retaining its period Webasto roof conversion. Additional restoration bespoke touches included a colour change from its original Fire Engine Red paintwork to period correct Anthracite Grey Metallic & Mid-Red soft shine leather interior complimented by a bespoke five piece leather luggage as original (three sit withIn the trunk & two behind the rear seats with original bespoke straps). Mid-Red soft top while retaining lovely period feel of factory correct five-piece rubber footwell mats & a set of two to the boot. Subtle bespoke upgrades to make it usable. "We decided to retain a couple of original un-restored items which in our opinion is the connection to its originality & its original owners, that steering wheel & bonnet badge. The signature blue on the Mercedes bonnet badge is unparalleled, naturally other items during the restoration nevertheless were restored or renewed carefully selecting the best parts & materials available.

It has been maintained regardless of cost by its current owner with recent £20k cost by Lux Classics. Now ready to be enjoyed.

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 Roadster & Gullwing coupe. It's available for viewing in the UK near Stansted Airport CM3 1QX strictly on an appointment basis.

On sale on behalf of its owner as a consignment sale.

FINANCE & WARRANTY AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

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 & lighten the 190SL. While the 190SL features a carbureted 1.9 liter inline four cylinder engine compared to the 300SL's direct-injected 3 liter 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 carburetors and produced just over 100 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 it be 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 recognizable as a Mercedes, featuring dramatic curves and through yet 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 demeanor 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 & highly collectible due to its “Style & Beauty”.