1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL (W121) |

Sold

1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL (W121)

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£95,400

Mileage~94,100 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.9L
LocationMarket Rasen

SOLD

1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL (W121)

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Isaac Wass

Professional Consigner

One of the original models that has arguably made the SL the go to car when it comes to roadsters.

The Mercedes 190 SL was first produced in 1958 as a luxury roadster that presented a more affordable alternative to the exclusive 300 SL, whilst sharing the same basic styling, engineering, detailing, and fully independent suspension. Powered by a new, 1.9 L straight-four engine based on the 300 SL's straight six, it was fitted with twin-choke dual Solex carburetors, and produced ~104hp.

This particular example comes to market from 5 years ownership, having spent a figure he estimates at well north of £100,000 putting the car back to an ‘as new’ condition. The vehicle has had all possible works carried out, including engine and gearbox rebuild, all new bodywork, chassis restoration, full interior re-trim, respray, and all mechanical aspects of the car and running gear completely restored. Presented in nigh on perfect condition, this is an original RHD matching numbers car, you’d be hard pushed to find a better example we think.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Isaac after meeting David the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I wanted the car to be the best of its kind, you see a few for sale that are like new, but I wanted my car to be as new, as it would have been from the minute it rolled out of the factory.

David originally purchased the car ~5 years back, the vehicle originally having started its life in Kenya, and when purchasing the car he had every intention of restoring the car to its former glory which he proceeded to do over the following years. Choosing to employ specialists to work on the car under his watchful gaze in workshops on his estate, the car was rebuilt from the ground up, with the only work carried out outside of the confines of his workshop being the engine, gearbox, subframe, rear axle work, and interior re-trim, all of which was carried out by Redcastle Classic of Caerphilly.

Once complete the car began its new life as part of David's collection, being driven moderately in the time since completion, and always with great care. Looking to relocate and retire, David is now looking to find a buyer for his beloved 190 SL who will see the value of the work he has put into the car and cherish it for what it is; a meticulously restored example of an iconic Mercedes classic. He'll be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

David

Vehicle Owner

David saved £17,100* when they
sold their Mercedes with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

With its illustrious and curvaceous design, gleaming brightwork and immaculate grey paintwork, this is a perfect example of classic automotive history.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels and tyres are both in excellent condition, the chrome accents and grey colourway match the exterior of the car perfectly.

With no visible marks or damage present during our visit, both wheels and tyres are bound to pass scrutiny given the limited mileage both have seen since the car first left David's workshop.

Bodywork

Having spent countless hours obsessing over the finest of details, David praises his panel beater for his attention to detail when it came to fit and finish of the bodywork. When documenting the car, you can see that the panel gaps are all incredibly even, and the panels are all as you would expect to see on a car that has seen extensive restoration. The majority of panels have been replaced and/or repaired, straightened, and refurbished, leaving no doubt as to the condition of the bodywork.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The grey paintwork is, David tells us, a facsimile of a factory colour available at the time of purchase. Originally the car was red, however the red exterior/black interior was not what David wanted and so he had the whole car painted in a very smart and popular colourway for this model. The paintwork itself is in remarkable condition, with not a single stone chip, scratch, scuff, or defect spotted.

Again, we have taken high resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves. The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

In keeping with the rest of the car, the glass is all in excellent condition, with no visible cracks, chips, or scratches to any of the panes. The chrome trim is all in excellent condition too with most, if not all, the brightwork having been replaced, refurbished, or renewed there is not a spot of corrosion or oxidation present on any of the chromework.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

With its bright red leather, chrome switchgear, colour matched grey panelling, and contrasting ivory steering wheel, the 190 SL’s interior lives and breathes luxury.

Seats and Carpets

As part of the restoration the full interior was replaced and re-trimmed, with new wooden floor panels, new red carpets, new seat bases and seat backs trimmed in matching red leather.

This leaves both the seats and carpets in pristine condition, with no visible signs of wear on either article, and the door trim matching too.

Dashboard

The dashboard has undergone as extensive a refurbishment as the rest of the interior, painted a matching grey to the exterior, and fitted with all new chrome switchgear the dashboard looks brand new and certainly fits the feel of the rest of the car's interior.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The ivory steering wheel matches the cream gearstick, both articles looking untouched in their appearance and adding a splash of well balanced neutrality to the otherwise bright and colourful interior.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Powered by a 1.9L straight-four, based on the 300SL's straight six, this car has a fully rebuilt engine, and is backed up by the plethora of mechanical work that has been carried out on the vehicle.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine and gearbox were both sent away to Redcastle Classic in Caerphilly to undergo extensive refurbishment, where both items were stripped, rebuilt and fully reconditioned. A full list of works carried out can be seen in our paperwork gallery.

You can see the car ticking over from cold in our "On The Road" video, and you can also see the car being driven, during which there are no untoward noises, nor was the car struggling for power in the slightest, what you'd expect given the work that has gone in to the this restoration.

Suspension and Brakes

As to be expected from a restoration of this magnitude, the suspension and brakes were replaced and are as new in their condition. We noticed no grinding or squealing from the brakes on the day and they managed to stop the car quickly, efficiently, and smoothly.

The Drive

The Mercedes 190 SL is undoubtedly a luxury roadster, with its plush leather seats, convertible roof, and all the class that comes along with it, there is no better place to be on a sunny Sunday than meandering down country lanes or a nice coastal road in the 190 SL.

The ride is smooth, soft, and comfortable as you would expect from a car of this calibre, and the engine pulls reliably throughout the rev range ensuring you can get up to speed as required without holding up the traffic around you.

Electrics and Other

The car has had a complete electrical overhaul as part of its restoration, and everything works as you would expect. There was a slight hitch with the indicator getting stuck on during our visit, but before we’d left for the day David was on the phone with his auto electrician arranging for the problem to be rectified, demonstrating not only David’s own desire for perfection, but also the efficacy of which he has conducted the restoration - no job left undone no matter how big or small.

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History and Paperwork

This immaculately presented example leaves nought to be desired, this matching numbers RHD 190 SL comes to market from ~5 year ownership, having had a no stone unturned restoration completed.

Since purchase this car has seen a better life than most vehicles have or ever will, with every inch of the car meticulously restored, rebuilt, refreshed, and refurbished, there can be no doubt that this is one of the best examples available to purchase today. Included in our paperwork gallery is invoicing and details of mechanical refurbishments from Redcastle Classics, full interior re-trim including convertible hood and sundries totalling, body panels, and many other invoices for parts running into the tens of thousands of pounds. Notwithstanding, David hired a team to complete the restoration, and so his costs extended to panel beaters, auto electricians, and other in house labour carried out on the vehicle throughout the course of his restoration. Now finished to the spec of "as new" as instructed by David, this matching numbers RHD car is a sight to behold.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in high resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.