1961 MERCEDES-BENZ 190 SL

This Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is a stylish classic roadster, finished in period-perfect colour scheme, and in very rare right-hand-drive UK specification. Under the bonnet is a 1.9-litre ‘M121’ inline-four, fed by dual Solex PHH carburettors and producing around 105hp, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 15,672 miles, though this is not warranted.

This UK-market car was first registered on 5 April 1961, and there are just four previous keepers on the log book. It has been with the current fifth keeper since June 1996, so is offered from cherished 24-year ownership. The car is understood to be one of just 562 original right-hand drive examples sold new to the UK.

Subject of a prior restoration, it is recorded that a colour change from grey to Ivory White occurred in 1988. The bodywork today presents in good order, while the paint is also very smart considering the age of the refurbishment work. The vendor reports a tiny amount of paint bubbling on the driver’s door and another minor amount near the soft top aperture on the driver’s side. There are other minor marks around the body as you would expect, including a stone chip on the hood that has been touched up, and a slight flaking of chrome on the back bumper that has also been attended to. The car is well-documented in the photo gallery below.

It is accompanied by the rare factory hardtop, colour-coded to the body, which has a stone chip that has been touched in. The black soft top is in great shape, fits well, and the rear screen is free of clouding. The car rides on the correct 13-inch wheels with matching Ivory White hubcaps, which have a few minor dents and chips around the rims, but which are generally in good order.

The cabin has been re-trimmed in red leather and presents in superb condition. There is no heavy wear or discolouration on the upholstery, which was evidently finished to a high standard. The door panel trims are also in excellent order, with only small marks on the lower sections. Its main dashboard panel and inner pillars remain painted in dark grey, in contrast to the exterior hue. All of the brightwork for the door furniture and metal accents is in good order, and there is a full complement of VDO instrument gauges ahead of the driver. No faults are reported with any of the switchgear, and all of the controls work as they should.

Its last scheduled maintenance was carried out at an indicated 15,673 miles by Princess Gate Motors. This comprised an engine oil service, rebuilt carburettors, a new head gasket, inlet and exhaust valve seals, and new fuel pipes. New wiring was also fitted from the distributor to the spark plugs. In June 2019, the two rear brake drums were refurbished, while in November 2017 it received a new distributor cap, inlet air hose, coolant and spark plugs.

The most recent MOT test was on 2 April 2020 at an indicated 15,598 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with only one advisory regarding corrosion on the nearside front structure, which has since been dealt with. The wheels are shod in Avon and Firestone tyres, which the vendor reports are in good condition.

Accompanying the car is an original tool kit and spare wheel, and of course the factory hardtop. The vendor has also assembled the service history during his ownership, as well as some photographs.

This Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is described by the vendor as being a very good, honest car that has been very well-cared for and serviced on a regular basis. There are minor imperfections that you would expect to find on an older restoration, but this is clearly a smart example of the breed. As a rare right-hand drive model featuring the correct Solex carburettors, this roadster would make a fine addition to any Mercedes-Benz collection, and would be a wonderful classic for occasional weekend touring.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.