Refurbished bodywork, paintwork, carpets, windscreen, seats and engine
Genuine 1959 factory roadster with FFVE certification
Attractive bright red paintwork with well-maintained black interior
A fine example of this type of rare and sought-after convertible
Sold with hard top
The Plus
The 190SL was a completely new type of Mercedes-Benz roadster, drawing on the aesthetics of the magnificent 300SL in a more affordable model. It also launched a line that continues to this day, with similar qualities of style, comfort and performance.
Chassis records confirm that this pretty red 190SL was one of 2,398 cars built in 1959 - it was car number 472 of that year. The vendor acquired it last year before commissioning a €10,000 restoration that covered the trim, windscreen, seals, engine, carpets, paintwork and bodywork. The history file includes invoices for this work and a useful FFVE certificate.
The car has seen little use since this extensive refurbishment, offering the buyer a very well maintained car with an attractive colour combination.
History and Documents
First registration: 1959
The car is French and not imported
One of 2,398 cars built in 1959
FFVE certificate dated 2018
Acquired by the seller in April 2023
Restoration of €10,000 since acquisition
Restoration invoices included in the photographs
Restoration covering bodywork, paintwork, engine, carpets, windscreen, seals and trim
Factory manual
Stored in a garage heated by the seller
Exempt from MOT as a 1959 vehicle
VIN number 121042109500520
The seller states that the mileage shown is correct
Bodywork restored since April 2023 and redone in its original bright red colour
Paintwork in good condition with few signs of ageing thanks to recent work carried out
Bodywork straight and clean with good panel fit
Underbody in good condition following recent work
Bright, full chrome with no noticeable damage
Factory steel wheels with body-coloured chrome wheel trims
Red roof in good condition, including beige soft top
Refinished black leather interior with body-coloured dashboard
The dashboard has been completely dismantled and repainted in the original paint.
Seller indicates that the "third" original patina
Dashboard paintwork well preserved with original dials and controls showing slight patina
Vintage radio with rear speakers built into the rear bulkhead
New black carpets recently installed in the passenger compartment
Two-spoke Bakelite steering wheel in good condition
The attractive bodywork and well-detailed interior of this superb 190SL have been restored over the past year and the car has seen little use since. The result is a car finished in classic racing red in excellent condition with few signs of age.
The work has been carried out to a high standard, with the stylish black leather interior particularly striking. The beige roof is also well maintained. There are a few minor points to note in the description above, but they don't detract from the charm.
Powertrain
M121 4-cylinder engine, 1,897 cm³, 100 bhp
Twin Solex carburettors
4-speed manual gearbox with floor shifter
The seller states that the car drives straight without pulling to one side.
Due to low usage in recent times, the carburettors could benefit from adjustment
The vendor reports that 4th gear is slightly sticky, possibly requiring replacement of the gearbox plastic bushes
No other mechanical or transmission faults or problems reported
The pleasure of owning a 190SL lies in the durability of its mechanicals. The M121 1.9-litre 4-cylinder engine is very reliable, as is the gearbox.
This car retains its factory configuration. We are told that the engine was overhauled during the recent restoration and that it runs very well. The seller reports a few minor problems as mentioned above.
BEFORE BUYING
This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.
✓ We require a non-refundable fee to be paid if you are the lucky winner of the auction or if your bid is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific fees.
✓ This vehicle is "sold as is", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and it is customary to carry out a full vehicle inspection prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or tender price, as specified in the advert.
✓ We want the transaction to go as smoothly as you do, which is why UK-registered cars and motorbikes offered for sale on Car & Classic are HPI checked to ensure they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not financially pledged, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off as part of a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic and provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the status of the vehicle and it is always worth carrying out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.
✓ Buyers are responsible for the collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third party transport company who can assist you. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected].
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1959 Mercedes-Benz W121 190SL Roadster
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