Fantasy Junction

Description

1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster
s/n 12104010022162, Engine No. 121.928-10-000073
White with Black Leather

Introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show in prototype form (alongside the 300SL Gullwing), the 190SL was a glamorous yet affordable way to enjoy Mercedes quality and refinement with open coachwork. Principally motivated by US distributor and marketing pioneer of European imports, Max Hoffman, the 190SL poised Mercedes-Benz to become a premier brand in the growing North American market. Priced at around $4000, the 190SL was slightly more than half the price of the 300SL. The attractive value coupled with irresistible looks motivated nearly 26,000 buyers to purchase these sporting cars between 1955 and 1963, generating a far greater market impact over the lower volume 300SL. The 1900cc SOHC engine with twin Solex carburetors coupled to the 4-speed transmission, delivered spirited driving for the day, supported by double-wishbone coil spring front suspension and swing axle coil spring rear suspension. Today, the 190SL remains an attractive and affordable classic, blending elegant open motoring with modest mechanicals.

On January 17, 1972 Mercedes-Benz awarded a 100,000 kms certificate to this car. The current owner has since retained the car with records for service and cosmetic work dating back to the 1980s showing miles that accumulated to 112,000 miles displayed on the odometer today. Records from 1988 indicate work was performed on the front portion of the body and floors. Visual inspection confirms this work was done to a professional level. More recent records accompanying the car show over $13,000.00 in service performed from 2014-2018 including new carpeting, interior moldings, new trunk mats, a new rear pinion seal, chassis lube, ignition and points, new rear brake wheel cylinders, a new brake reservoir, and a new reverse light switch. In 2014, the gas tank was removed for proper cleaning, mounting studs replaced, and fuel lines replaced as needed.

Today this 190SL presents as a cohesive example of a preserved and thoughtfully enjoyed car. Presented with the removable factory hardtop, as well as the Hartz cloth soft top, the gloss black paint on the hard top is very well done with great coverage accenting against the polished trim. The white paint is in generally good condition overall with good gloss and luster, showing typical use, a few door edge chips, and minor road chips. Inner surfaces, edges, corners, and body trim are clean and tidy. Consistent with records showing bodywork performed in the 1980s, the car saw minor repairs to the front fender area, though workmanship has been performed in a professional manner. The doors shut very well, retaining very good panel gaps and crisp latching, though panel fit on the trunk is slightly off on the drivers side corner. The hood exhibits very good fit and tight closure with consistent gaps, as do the doors. The chrome throughout is in very good condition, with nice luster and clean, bright reflections, though a few pieces show light hazing. All lenses, lighting, and glass are in very good condition with only minor evidence of road use on the windshield. The sporting nature of the car is further enhanced with black wall tires, accented by correctly painted and polished wheel covers.

The interior, is a nice combination of Mercedes-Benz finishes and recent interior refinement. The leather seats are beautifully softened by careful use and preservation, creating a very satisfying patina. The dash appears to be very thoughtfully preserved with very clean instruments, excellent bezels, and refined detailing. Of particular note is the clarity and color of the instruments, contrasting against the gloss white dash panel. The interior door panels, armrests, and various trim are all in very good condition matching appropriately with the seats and dash, while the newer carpeting is in harmony with the original finishes. The headliner, sun visors, and surrounding trim are all in very good condition as well. The black soft top is in generally good condition, having been stowed for most of the time with minimal use in recent years. The hard top features a larger rear window only seen on 1961-1963 production examples.

The engine compartment is in nice driver condition with proper presentation using largely correct parts while maintaining original components wherever possible. The original Solex carburetors are in place as is the air intake system. Clearly work has been done over the years with attention to correct lines, hoses, and electrical as needed. Records included with the car show particular attention to purchasing specific and hard to find Mercedes-Benz parts whenever possible. The paint on the inside of the engine compartment appears to be original and in good condition, revealing correct factory numbers, build plates, and details consistent with original examples. The trunk is clean and properly finished with a recently replaced correct floor mat and matching sized tire.

The car starts easily and idles smoothly, having been thoughtfully used throughout ownership, but in the past 46 years having only accumulating 50,000 miles after the Mercedes-Benz mileage certificate was awarded in 1972. Driving manners are as expected for an example of this vintage and condition. Smooth gearbox action and responsive clutch pedal make for easy driving. The independent suspension, sound brakes, and responsive ride make for enjoyable driving for two occupants, with plenty of luggage space suitable for longer journeys. The floor pan, trunk floor, and undercarriage are both solid and straight, with evidence of typical road use, and some indication where floor panels have been properly replaced. The car is offered with two sets of keys, hardtop handles, owners manual, factory work manuals, and a copy of the factory build sheet.

This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a solid and handsome 190SL with excellent mechanical order and long term ownership history. Ready for enjoyable driving, touring with a friend, or overnight adventures, this 190SL will capture all the joy and adventure that only a classic Mercedes-Benz can so elegantly deliver.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608