1960 Mercedes 190SL RHD

The 190SL was introduced in 1955, the year Mercedes-Benz swept all before it on the Mille Miglia with the 300SLR, and the graceful new two-door convertible grand tourer was sold alongside the road-going version of the SLR, the 300SL, whose styling it strongly resembled. In fact, the underpinnings of the two cars were quite different and, while the 300SL had a purpose-built tubular spaceframe (W198), its smaller sibling was built on a shortened version of the 'Ponton' saloon (W121) platform, which was of a monocoque construction.

The 190SL also boasted an all-new engine, an over-square SOHC straight-four unit of 1897cc that produced some 105bhp, which was sufficient to propel the car to a maximum speed of 112mph. The engine was coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox operated by a lever between the seats. The suspension comprised double wishbones and coil springs at the front and a coil-sprung swing axle at the rear. Steering was by recirculating ball and braking by power-assisted drums all round.

Built to the highest standards and among the quickest comparable cars of the time, the 190SL featured a well-appointed cockpit, notable comfort for its occupants and relatively generous luggage space. Under the circumstances, even the steep asking price did nothing to deter purchasers.

The convertible could be ordered with or without a removable hard top. There was also the option of a third seat that was placed transversely behind the front ones and big enough to carry an adult. The 190SL continued in production until 1963, when both it and the 300SL were replaced by the Pagoda. By this time over 25,000 190SLs had been built.

This gleaming black, right-hand drive, manual 190SL convertible was manufactured in late 1959 and was built for the UK market and first registered here on 19/01/1960. It has been enjoyed over the years by eight previous owners and joined our vendor's significant collection on 28/11/2012. Whilst the car was basically in sound condition, it was looking a little tired with one or two mechanical gremlins, and our vendor likes his cars to be 'right' so a decision was made to, initially deal with certain areas of the body and get the car running well. In October 2015, it was entrusted to Porsche and Mercedes specialists Woodward Motors in Berkeley, Glos. According to their invoice, they road tested the car to check the engine, gearbox and rear axle and they were “Found to be in good condition”. They then commenced the recommissioning process by removing the front suspension in order to powder coat it and rebuilt it with new bushes.The rear axle and petrol tank were removed, prepared and painted.The whole floor was cut out in order to repair the chassis rails and sills and when this was done, new floor pans were inserted and sprayed and undersealed. Naturally, new brake and fuel pipes were run at this point.The near side wheel arch and inner panel were cut out and new ones fabricated, primed and sprayed. Finally, the carpets were refitted, the car was serviced, the carbs reset, and then road tested and MOT'd. The invoice for this work came to £11,700.

The second part of our vendor's plan to return the KFL 538 to rude health commenced in January 2016 when the car was returned to Woodward Motors to be stripped, prepared and fully resprayed in its original Black. After this process was complete, it was fitted with new brightwork where necessary and given a final professional polish, all in exchange for £7,100. The spectacular results can be seen here and the deep gloss Black coachwork is set off by the lovely Red Leather interior, the cream Bakelite steering wheel, and all the other little details that make the 190SL so desirable.

Some older MOTs in the history file indicate mileage at 16,002 in January 2010 through to 17,009 in October 2013. Also in the file are some historic maintenance invoices, the accounts for the recent work and the V5.The car will have the benefit of a fresh MOT at the time of sale.

An elegant Mercedes Convertible in sparkling form.