PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CAR IS CURRENTLY BEING SOLD ON THE HEMMINGS AUCTION WEBSITE & THERE IS A LINK TO THE AUCTION ON OUR "AUCTIONS" PAGE.
West Coast Classics to present this very striking 1961 Mercedes 190SL Roadster in Red over Black leather interior featuring a black hardtop with a very rare 'wrap-around' rear window. This two-door roadster is powered by a 1,897cc/120hp four-cylinder engine with dual Weber carbs, and is teamed with a four-speed manual gearbox. It had reportedly known but 1-owner since 1971 until a couple of years ago, and the odometer now shows 10,858 miles with TMU.
The very attractive interior of this example is very nicely finished in black leather, with gleaming chrome gauge surrounds and brilliant chrome touches throughout. Original soft top, hardtop w/headliner in original perforated vinyl. New Michelin tires, including spare. Original paint color, including the five matching painted wheels. Original Becker 'Mexico' radio and wind-up clock (still working). An excellent driver that also shows extremely well, this rare and highly desirable 190SL Roadster will be a cherished addition to any collection. This is an exceptional car in all regards, especially considering that the floors are all original with their original drainage points intact.
This solidly-built Mercedes-Benz possesses a level of assembly quality alien to most of its British or Italian contemporaries, and had been lovingly cared for by just one owner since 1971 until a couple of years ago. An all-inclusive restoration was performed 2007 - 2012, with bodywork and new paint done by Serious Auto Body in Freeland, WA. The mechanicals have been sorted by non other than renowned Siegfried Linke, (Sig is likely the most highly regarded and well-known MBZ experts in the greater Northwest). Purchased by its long time owner in 1971, when the consignor purchased in Oakland, CA, after which time the car and it's owner moved to Seattle in 1983 where it resided until being purchased by it's most recent southern California owner and collector. Approximately 1500 miles since restoration.
Stylistically evocative of the mighty 300SL, but with a slightly less complex drive train, the sleek, aerodynamic and comparatively light Mercedes Benz 190SL was very advanced for its time. The 190SL was praised for its outstanding achievement in styling, engineering, quality of design, detailing and workmanship, as well as the general feeling of solidity which the car immediately conveys. The open-top Mercedes Benz was not designed as a thorough-bred sports car. Instead, it was conceived as an elegant two-seater for touring and everyday driving. Although the Mercedes 190SL was described as a roadster, it was actually a proper cabriolet with roll-up windows and a well-insulated top.
A timeless classic whose beautiful styling has aged very well, the 190SL is still comfortable and competent by modern standards. The final production tally by Mercedes from 1955 to 1963 was 25,881 cars, about 10,000 of which were sold in the USA. The Mercedes-Benz 190SL is among the most desirable cars of its era. Surviving Mercedes 190SL's have become increasingly collectible in recent years and they are much sought after all over the world.
