The Mercedes 190 SL
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the prototype of the 190 SL (W 121) at the International Motor Sports Show in New York in February 1954, alongside the production version of the 300 SL “Gullwing”. In March 1955, the production version went on display at the Geneva Motor Show. Like its elder brother, the spectacular 300 SL “Gullwing”, the 190 SL rapidly became one of the most coveted dream cars of its day. Although less powerful than the 300 SL, it opened up the SL legend to a wider circle of customers. By 1963 sales had totalled 25,881 units.
This Mercedes 190 SL
The car described herein originates from Denmark, with documentation dating back to the 1960s. The current owner acquired it some years ago and tasked us with a full nut and bolt restoration, including bodywork, mechanics, electrics and interior. Our aim has been to replicate the technologies used by the Sindelfingen factory back in 1960. We restored all original parts that could be reclaimed, or reproduced them to original specification. Parts sourced were either new old stock, from Mercedes Classic or leading specialists.
More than 3000h was spent on a comprehensive restoration, bringing this European car back to its former glory. We returned it to its stunning and rare original exterior colour, DB 380 Dolphin blue. Inside it’s finished in 979 dark blue leather and a black soft top rounds off the picture. After completion of the restoration, we conducted a 1000km test drive with full service at its end.
The attached YouTube video gives you a summary of the restoration process and the great lenghts we went to, to assure that the car is as close to factory original specification as possible. In addition, the car will be supplied with a 56-page restoration handbook, detailing the rebuild (view the electronic bersion below). During restoration, we consulted the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Fellbach, where factory restorations of rare and important cars for the Mercedes Museum and private customers are performed, for information about originality and a special thanks go to Thomas Lämmle and his colleagues for their expertise. Also, we are grateful to Wilfried Steer and Frank Erbeck from the 'Mercedes-Benz 190 SL-Club Deutschland e.V.' for their support.
Get ready for summer with this gorgeous classic car! There is nothing like feeling the wind in your hair on a warm evening, while doing a trip along a scenic country road in this legendary Mercedes. Please contact us for mor details.
