1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL

Built alongside and sharing many of the iconic styling features of the legendary 300SL Roadster, the Mercedes 190SL combined superlative build quality with understated styling and a not insignificant, 104 BHP from the 1.9 litre four stroke engine. An instant hit, the three-pronged star sparkled among the gloom of post-war austerity. The 1955 launch of the 190SL cemented Mercedes Benz's reputation as the car manufacturer for those who wanted elegance, build quality and a good turn of speed. Its hugely successful production ran to 25,881 cars from 1955 until 1963, mainly in left-hand drive form, with most going to the North American market. Understandably few were made in right-hand drive and according to records, the total number of cars consigned for the British right-hand drive market stood at 562, with only 53 of these arriving here in 1962.

XKW 323 has the distinction of being one those ultra-rare right-hand drive cars, no doubt taken out for a top-down spin upon first registration on the 18th May 1962. This beautiful little roadster is finished in, what we believe, is the factory correct 050 paint code, and the red interior was retrimmed in red leather, again a period correct colour combination, some ten years ago. With just four former keepers, two of whom were garages, XKW 323 was exported to Dublin in 2004 to be enjoyed by its current owner, who has regretfully decided that the time has come to part with it, with XKW 323 vying for attention with a burgeoning collection of other classic Mercedes-Benz.

Remarkably, for a car that is over fifty-three years old, the history file contains the original UK buff log book, data card, original 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL brochure and MoTs dating back to 1981, with two sets of keys working on each lock. Subject to a bare metal re-spray and restoration before purchase by the current owner and kept in a heated, ventilated garage, the current owner spared no expense in maintenance. Recent expenditure includes servicing, re-chroming of bumpers, a deep clean of the leather and a full respray in white. This respray wasn't necessary because of any rust issues, but merely vapour bubbles caused by a heavy old blanket that resisted the urge to dry out fully in the garage. Being a conscientious Mercedes enthusiast, our vendor insisted that XKW 323 should present as well as it did in 1962, and so it does today.

The hard top, the bane of any 190SL owner, has seen better days. An annoying, albeit well-meaning, Mercedes-Benz feature meant that the canvas roof would have to be removed to fit the hard top. Although this consignor cannot envisage anyone driving this car in weather that would necessitate a fitted hard top. This consignor has seen 190SL hard tops in far worse condition than this, however, there is a dent to the rear, that mercifully didn't crack the rear screen. The interior lining shows discolouration, contemporary to its age and lack of use.

Presented to auction freshly serviced, the original Solex carbs are running sweetly, with the largely original components behaving as they should. The odometer shows 92,743, remarkable for such a good driver's car of this vintage, with the clock still tick-tocking fifty-three years on. As a mark of a conscientious vendor, the car will be subject to a UK MoT health report, although not a legal requirement. It should be noted that Silverstone Auctions sold the virtual twin to XKW 323 in July 2015. This example being a mere ten days older than the one we hammered away for a premium-inclusive £151,875 in July 2015. We therefore conclude, that at this guide price XKW 323 offers an incredible opportunity to own an appreciating and eminently drivable motor car.

Please note, although an original UK car that has spent ten years in Ireland, a NOVA has been applied for and any UK purchaser will be required to re-register the car with the DVLA, which we envisage will cost about £55.00.