1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL was the first iteration of the SL class of Grand Tourers and the fastest production car of its day. Introduced in 1954 as a two-seat coupé with distinctive gull-wing doors, it was later offered as an open roadster. Hugely successful in Europe and across the pond, coupé and roadster production topped out at 3,258 cars. For those not wealthy enough to afford the 300SL, or simply not able to find one, Mercedes-Benz offered the less exotic but no less refined 190SL. Announced in 1954 and based on the 180 Saloon, whose all-independently-suspended running gear it shared, the 190SL did not enter production until January 1955, the delay being caused by the time taken to strengthen and develop the saloon's shortened platform to compensate for the open car's reduced stiffness.

This glamorous Mercedes-Benz 190SL was purchased by our vendor in 2016 from our Silverstone Auctions, Salon Privé Sale and has benefited from much recent expenditure.  According to the Salon Privé listing, this 190SL was delivered new in finished in DB190 'Graphitgrau' ( graphite grey) with red leather, matching red carpets and a black soft top. The proud first owner was John J. Termini of Southampton, New York in 1961, and he kept the car until the summer of 1969 when he sold it to its second custodian, Dr Costanzo, on June 24th. For the next three decades, the small Mercedes roadster would be a stylish daily driver used as a car should be, commuting to work, country clubs, and events in Dr Costanzo's home town on Long Island.

In 2003, the decision was taken to comprehensively refurbish the Mercedes and the car was fully stripped. The body was taken back to bare metal, repairs were made in the areas that required it and the shell was then carefully prepared and professionally painted in its original colour. We understand that it was completely gone through mechanically, but photos and receipts documenting the tens of thousands of dollars invested in this project were lost by the previous owner.

With its matching hardtop and soft top, this matching engine number, left-hand drive, Mercedes 190SL was imported into the UK in 2015 and has had one former registered keeper prior to its current ownership during its time here. The odometer indicates circa 94,000 miles and the car has benefited from significant expenditure whilst with our vendor.

Interior

Original seats have been recovered in full leather to original specification (replacing the PVC covers installed by a previous owner) and to the correct Mulberry Red Pantone matching the rest of the interior

Exterior

All original bumpers and light bezels have been re-chromed and the front grille brightwork section replaced in full.

Engine Bay Area

Whilst the engine was out, the full engine bay and subframe were stripped back to bare metal, the battery box replaced and all undercoated and painted in chassis black.

The old worn steering box was replaced with new re-manufactured unit.

The radiator was stripped and re-cored.

Front brakes refurbished with new shoes.

Engine

 - Rebuilt by Foxcraft Engineering

- Stripped, inspected and crack tested.

- Block honed and head vapour-blasted and re-engineered including all new valve seats

- Crankshaft and cams crack-tested and polished

- Engine rebuilt with all new bearings and seals, new con-rods and pistons, new valves and valve springs, timing chain and tensioners, belt and studs.

- Carbs stripped and rebuilt with new seals

- New water pump

- Electric fuel pump installed removing the mechanical pump. (easily reversed)

- Electronic ignition installed within existing distributor - (not easily visible and can be reversed)

- Silicon hoses in Classic car finish with stainless hose-clips

- Period correct wiring.

This is a zero-miles engine which will be just run-in before the auction.

Accompanied by its original manuals and service books, the original Bill of Sale from June 1969 and the car's current UK V5C, this classic Mercedes is offered sensibly guided, and we welcome and encourage any inspection at the Silverstone Classic.