• Year of manufacture 
    1961
  • Mileage 
    94 196 mi / 151 594 km
  • Car type 
    Other
  • Lot number 
    237
  • Drive 
    RHD
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Location
    United Kingdom
  • Exterior colour 
    Other
  • Gearbox 
    Manual

Description

"The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is a two-door grand touring convertible with a removable hardtop that was produced between May 1955 and February 1963 with a prototype first shown at the 1954 New York Motor show. It was sold alongside the faster, more expensive Mercedes-Benz 300 SL which it closely resembled both in its styling, engineering, detailing and its fully independent suspension. However, the 190 SL did not use the 300 SL's purpose-built tubular space frame W198 platform, but was built on a shortened monocoque R121 unit. It was powered by a new 1.9 litre straight-four SOHC engine that developed 104bhp and was later also used in the W120, 180 and W121, 190 models. The four-cylinder engine block of the 190 SL was based on the six-cylinder engine of the 300 SL. This 190 SL Roadster was first registered in December 1961 and supplied to the German market as specified by the Mercedes-Benz homologation department. This beautiful, matching numbers example is presented in silver with blood red leather trim. Brought to the UK in 2001, this car had been subject to a part restoration but the then owner ran out of steam, the second UK owner purchased the car with the intention of completing the restoration and enjoying using her. The car remained in this semi restored state for a good many years until 2017, when the car was sent to Mercedes-Benz specialist, O'Keeffe of Warlingham, Surrey and the necessary finishing took place in earnest, the paintwork, which still presents very well and the interior fully retrimmed. But perhaps, most importantly, O’Keeffe’s carried out a significant amount of servicing and engine work. This work included a new fuel pump, a re-jet and set up of the carburettors and replacing the venturis before setting up and tuning, new engine/gearbox mounts, replacement of axle mounts, a brake overhaul, new fuel tank and full service. We are informed by our vendor, the inaugural Pop Idol winner, singer and actor Will Young, who purchased the car through Historics in 2017 for £89,600 that, unsurprisingly, the car drives very well today, and turns heads wherever it goes. Unfortunately, in a recent move, he explains that he has misplaced the history file, something he is hoping to find and pass onto the new owner.
Presented in perhaps the best colour combination for what is a stunningly beautiful car, and with the added kudos of celebrity ownership, this SL not only looks great but has all the hallmarks of a car that can be genuinely enjoyed, driven, and appreciated. Viewing is highly recommended.The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to Government guidelines throughout viewing and auction day.
 "


Historics Auctioneers
Iver
SL09HF
United Kingdom
Contact Person Kontaktperson
Title 
Mr
First name 
Inquiries
Last name 
Historics

Phone 
+44-1753639170