1963 MERCEDES-BENZ 190 SL

This Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is an eye-catching example of the classic roadster, finished in a vibrant paint colour and offered in good mechanical order. It is powered by the 1.9-litre ‘M121’ inline-four, which is fed by dual Weber carburettors and drives the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 30,255 miles, though the figure is not warranted.

Produced in the model’s final year, this 1963 190 SL is a US-market left-hand drive example, which was imported into the UK in 1993 and was first registered in October 1995, registered to the private owner who kept it for 29 years. This gentleman sadly passed away recently, so this charming classic sports car is now being sold on behalf of their estate.

There is no recorded evidence of any previous accident damage to this 190 SL’s appealing bodywork, which the vendor notes is free of any corrosion and is understood to have been extensively restored to a good standard in the past – as evidenced by a selection of undated photographs which accompany the car. Having been resprayed at the same time, the Fire Engine Red paintwork is bright and vibrant, and is described by the seller as presenting reasonably well from a distance; however, it is marked by micro-blisters, chips, scratches and other small imperfections across much of its surface.

In general, the exterior trim is in good order, and the chromed items have been polished to a bright finish, though the surfaces of the wing mirrors and door handles are pitted and the driver’s-side taillight lens is cracked. The rubber window and door seals also appear to have perished, and would benefit from replacement in due course.

The black fabric convertible hood is in superb condition and was recently replaced, fitting snugly over the frame with no rips, tears or signs of fading. This classic roadster will also be accompanied by its rare factory hardtop, which is colour-coded to the body. The car rides on the correct 13-inch wheels with matching Fire Engine Red hub caps, which feature some scratches and scrapes to their surfaces but are in good, solid order.

Moving inside, the cabin is believed to feature its original upholstery, with the seats being trimmed in perforated black leather, which is in very good condition. The matching black carpets are also in good order, but would benefit from being refixed in some places, and the leather-clad door cards and upper dashboard wear their age well.

In keeping with this 190 SL’s age, there are some general signs of wear and degradation to the touchpoints, including cracking on the ivory-coloured steering wheel and tears to the sun visors, but the body-coloured centre section of the dashboard is in great shape, with an attractive light patina on the gauge surrounds.

The vendor states that the original oil pressure and coolant temperature gauges are not currently functioning; however, a working aftermarket gauge has been installed. Otherwise, all of the interior switches and electrical items are believed to work without fault, and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

Mechanically, this 190SL appears to be in good running order. It is understood that in or around June 2019, the car was given a full service, including refurbishment of the alternator and starter motor. A new battery was fitted, the brakes were overhauled, and the hood and fittings were installed at this time. The vendor believes that the late owner put the car in his garage following the service, and that he did not drive it since then.

In early January, the car was collected from the garage, when it started almost immediately and was driven out onto a trailer. While this recent movement is evidence of its mechanical condition, there are unfortunately no written records of what maintenance work has been carried out in recent years.

Although it is exempt due to its age, this appealing classic’s last MOT test was conducted on 14 January 2019 at an indicated 30,232 miles, resulting in a first-time pass with no advisories. All four wheels are fitted with ‘Jupiter’ brand tyres, which the vendor states are in as-new condition.

The car will be accompanied by a number of its past MOT test certificates and receipts for prior service work, as well as its spare wheel and of course its sought-after factory hardtop.

This Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is a good, honest example of the stylish classic roadster, which is believed to be in sound mechanical order. While the next owner may wish to invest in some light cosmetic refurbishment, it is eminently usable as-is; though of course it is arguably deserving of a sympathetic restoration in due course.

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. 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.