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Curated Auction

1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (W121)

At a Glance

UK RHD Car | Family Owned Since ~1973 | Renovation Project | Optional Third Seat

  • Mileage~11,396 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.9L
  • LocationBrentford

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£12,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£12,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Consigner and Editor

The car that kicked off the Mercedes Benz SL lineage.

With every Mercedes-Benz open-top SL roadster comes a promise of a beautifully crafted, elegant and usable experience, and it all started with the W121 190 SL. Pitched as a more affordable alternative to the 300 SL, the 190 SL offered a well-mannered prestige car with an even temperament.

While there was something for those persuaded by the comfort, quality and refinement of the 190 SL, the motorsports heritage was also evident in the make-up of the monocoque chassis and its potential on the race track. To most, the first generation of the SL offers a decadent glamour of the 1950s. With just ~562 RHD examples built, the 190 SL also offers genuine head-turning appeal and exclusivity.

Naturally, genuine RHD UK market 190 SLs are hard to find, and Trade Classics presents you with the perfect candidate for those looking for a solid and complete project. Owned by the same family since 1973, this dark blue example has a black interior and is fitted with the optional third seat. It has been in dry storage for over 20 years.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Steve 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.

Video #2

Meet the owner

I don't have the space, energy or depth of knowledge to bring her back up to scratch.

The car has been with the family since 1973, first by the sellers late brother, and then inherited by Steve in 1994. Used into the 1990s, it was then parked up in a garage for over 20 years, and is currently stored in professional car storage in Brentford, West London.

Steve admits the car needs a complete renovation, which due to a lack of space means he chosen to sell the car to someone he hopes will get it back on the road. He will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Steve
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Solid and complete, the car is a sound foundation for a renovation.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels and their trims are in presentable condition, but likely a candidate for refurbishment along with the rest of the car.

All of the tyres are over 20+ years old, they show signs of age and wear.

Bodywork

The exterior shows no major damage, and the panel fit and shut lines seem decent. The passenger door requires a bit more force to shut, but the rest open and close with ease.

The underside of the car is in good condition with no issues in the wheel wells, chassis rails, or engine bay, which is a positive sign for the structural integrity of the car. There is a presence of corrosion, especially around the wings and outer sills. The boot floor has a small amount of corrosion in the spare wheel well but the whole section is in good shape.

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 of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The car has had a repaint in the 1970s from its original grey/blue to dark blue, which has held up fairly well but now shows signs of ageing. The colour hasn’t faded but peeling and cracks, and some bigger chips show across the panels.

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

The glass appears to be intact and free of cracks or lamination damage. Their seals show signs of age. The headlamps and tail lights are presentable.

The canvas roof is in decent condition, with no rips however, the mechanism is stiff and we didn't want to risk folding it down. It’s quite possible with some care and attention it will free up.

The chrome work seems complete, but much of the exterior brightwork has pitted/dulled. The bumpers are well mounted but would need some TLC to bring back to glory.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

While needing upholstery renovation, the rest of the cabin stands up well.

Seats and Carpets

The seats show advance signs of wear and will need refurbishment. It retains its optional traverse third rear seat.

The carpets should be considered candidates for attention as well, as you'd expect for a total renovation that we feel this car deserves.

Dashboard

The dashboard is well presented with some signs of age of the metal, the facia padding is free of cracks but displays imperfections under the leather. The gauges and dials are complete, some show pitting bezel wear but are all legible. The switches and controls also demonstrate similar signs of age but the overall impression is positive.

The door cards are decent with some damage noted on the driver side armrest. The headlining and rear trim are tidy with minor surface marks.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever shows the expected signs of age, cracking to the plastic as pictured, typical patina.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Sold as a non-runner, it's positive to see the engine has not seized over time.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine presentation reflects the cars lack of use but there are no signs of fluid leaks. With the car being stored for over 20 years without use, the engine was seized but has been free'd up and does turn over on the starter motor. The starter motor itself will require rebuild as it was staying on. The ancillaries and hoses appear to be in decent shape. The original Solex carb set-ups have been replaced by a pair of Webers.

The gearbox and clutch was not tested.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension and brake components are in tidy visual condition. The car seems to roll freely, but we can only imagine that the brake system will need attention as part of the renovation.

The Drive

The SL placed the open-top tourer foundations for the future by making the 190 SL smooth riding, durable and a well-considered machine by the virtues of its excellent steering, full-synchro gearbox and up-to-date suspension. That sense of security and driving perfection allowed the lucky few in the UK to experience the attributes that became praised on the later Pagoda and R107 models.

Steve recalls the car's comfort and effortless manners which helped seal his bond and enjoyment of the car. It was believed to have been driven up to the millennium until it was placed into storage.

Electrics and Other

The car is fitted with a 1970’s radio/tape player with door and rear speakers. The electrics were not tested on the car, due to the fact the car is not running currently.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

A genuine RHD UK market car coming to market from ~52 year family ownership, this restoration project offers a lot of potential for the new owner.

First registered in November 1960, it is believed to be a genuine RHD UK market car. Obtained by the family in 1973, it has remained with them ever since. Aside from a V5 document, a 1975 Mercedes Benz Club gazette, a handful of road tax discs and an MOT from 1996, there is no other provenance with the car. Steve will try to unearth further information, but of course there is no guarantee anything can be found given the long term nature of storage with this car.

It comes with a few spare parts, including trim and engine parts. Naturally, the car is MOT and Road Tax exempt.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-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 of 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 bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
09-07-1996 MOT 11,450
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Key Details
  • Model 190 SL (W121)
  • Transmission 4-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date 1-11-1960
  • CC 1,872
  • Mileage ~11,396 on clock
  • Colour Blue
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Vinyl
  • Chassis # 1210482005957
  • Engine # 1219212008039
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes
  • Former Keepers 0 Since 1977 on V5
  • Tyre Brand Mixed brands
  • Tyre Age 20 years +
  • # of Keys 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~52 year family ownership
  • Key Feature Original UK-market car
  • Auction ID 2428
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Brentford

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    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £12,000
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    Auction Ends Thu 6th Mar at 8.00pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  3
    £12,000 bid by Bundish20.02.25 @ 15:27:37
    £10,000 bid by Alleynng20.02.25 @ 10:40:59
    £2,000 bid by wobblycol20.02.25 @ 10:12:51
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a 190 SL like this is £277 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Winter 2025.

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    Vehicle Location

    Brentford

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