1961 Mercedes Benz 190SL Roadster
"The Mercedes-Benz 300SL was technically brilliant in nearly every way, from its pioneering use of fuel injection to its tubular space frame. However, it wasn't initially offered in an open body style and all of its technical innovation didn't come cheaply. Mercedes desperately needed a sporting model that could sell at a lower price point. The 190SL utilized some of the features of the 300SL like its independent rear suspension but rather than being built on a light space frame, the 190 was built on a shortened sedan platform. In place of the fuel injected six cylinder was a carbureted four banger breathing through twin Solex carburetors." Hagerty.com
For consignment, a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL roadster showing 135,970 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This is a one family car and meticulous records were kept for 30 years by the original owner, our consignor's grandfather.
Exterior
This incredible classic begins with single stage white paint and while paint and metal might not be ready for concours, it's certainly presentable and minor flaws will get a pass due to the epic styling of the 190. The accessory hardtop would benefit from some immediate paint, unless you stick with the black canvas soft top, or better yet, no top at all! Fender brows straighten out the wheel openings while providing a prominent feature and gravel guards also adorn the profile. Our chrome bumpers are not perfect, especially the back that has a dent and some surface rust and the hubcaps and beauty rings could use a polishing of the wheels. There are few other scuffs on paint but given the upright windshield and straight body, we'd have no hesitation about taking this one out on the road!
Interior
The red leather bucket seats were reupholstered in the late 2000's and stand out as newer amongst an interior that has some patina, beginning on the door panels where the red leather has darkened a bit with soil but in most places, the contrasting white stitching shines through and chrome, electric window switches suggest a level above your average roadster. The shelf package/jump seat behind the seats show some age and so does our white steering wheel with black pinstriping and a web of tiny cracks and the horn ring shows slight pitting. With the dashboard color keyed to the exterior, the once reflective rings around the gauges are gray and pitted and it's not hard to imagine them gleaming. Toggle switches line the mid panel and vent levers reside under the AM/FM radio, the aged buttons indicating M for medium wave and a U for ultra short wave. Carpeted Mercedes mats sit over a rubber coated floor and both show some age and could use a good detail. There's also a rubber mat lining the trunk where we note some surface rust on the floor.
Drivetrain
Driver quality and aged condition prevail in the engine bay where we find a 1.9 liter SOHC inline four cylinder rated at 120 horsepower and fueled here by a pair of 2-barrel Weber carburetors. It is mated to a 4-speed manual transmission that routes power to the rear axle with 3.90 gears.
Undercarriage
Surface rust and corrosion are prevalent especially on rear componentry with the addition of grease and oil present on the rear differential. A single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler and its housing shows some flaking. Power drum brakes are at all four corners and so are coil springs with the addition of swing arm on the independent rear suspension.
Drive-Ability
The engine comes to life with starter fluid only. We have power to evaluate the operational items in the car and find everything working. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
190's and the 300's they were based on are known for impeccable build quality and with some TLC, this rare car presents a unique opportunity to refresh it mechanically and cosmetically, or to do a full concours restoration. With less than 4,000 built in 1961, this diamond in the rough is waiting to be mined.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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