1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL - Right-Hand Drive - 17,000 miles from new

The 1955 launch of the 190 SL 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, the vast majority in left-hand drive, 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 destined for the British market stood at 562, with only 53 of these arriving here in 1962.

This lovely 190 SL is understood to have been delivered to a lady in Yorkshire and registered on 18th May 1962, supplied in the attractive combination of white with a red interior and a matching white hard-top. The car was bought soon after by Mr John Mantell, only driven on the odd special occasion and kept very much for Sunday best. Following a bicycle accident in 1984, Mr Mantell never drove again, and the car remained in dry storage until 2007, as confirmed in detail by a poignant letter signed by Mrs Mantell. As a contribution towards Mr Mantell’s long-term care needs, the car was sold at auction in September 2007, together with its hardtop, whilst showing an odometer reading of some 12,000 miles at the time. Still on the private registration 23 CWF, it was subsequently sold again in 2009 with the auction catalogue stating that the 12,400 miles on the clock is believed to be absolutely genuine and it was bought by a valued and long standing client of ours who set about a meticulous programme of sympathetic restoration works, compiling a photographic record along the way.

Most of the original mechanical components were retained where possible, whilst parts that could not be refurbished were sourced directly from Mercedes-Benz through Jacksons of Poole. As expected from such a low-mileage example, 23 CWF is fully matching numbers with engine, transmission, front and rear axles confirmed factory original by the data card obtained from Mercedes-Benz Heritage. The photos of all number-stamped components can be found in the history file, and the car remains on Solex carburettors. The interior is remarkable, with the Becker Radio and tool kit present, and we note with professional enthusiasm that the odometer and milometer show the occasional faded number as they tick over, with those digits that remained static during the decades in storage discoloured slightly. Externally the car was treated to a professional bare-metal respray in the original colour of DB-050 white, whilst the bright work was re-polished.

Amazingly, after 61 years, the car also retains its original fuel filler cap complete with the three-pronged star. The original hardtop was not restored, acting as a cover note of the car’s originality and superfluous to use like all 190 SL hard tops, whilst the hood was re-trimmed in black mohair and fits well. The car was consigned to our sale in July 2015, with a mileage of 14,354 miles, and the determined bidder saw off stiff competition to secure the car. The buyer, our vendor, was so delighted with 23 CWF that he gifted the Silverstone Auctions team with several crates of beer on the anniversary of his purchase! Bought with the intention of fair-weather touring in semi-retirement with his wife, he sourced matching fitted luggage and added power steering. Often exercised locally, having covered just 2,500 miles since 2015, our vendor has no intention of retiring yet, so this very special 190 SL is regretfully offered to auction with its delightful history file, V5C, tool kit, luggage and hardtop.

Very few cars of this age can boast such originality, and 23 CWF should be considered free of any judgment when compared to the 'as new' restored examples of the 190 SL one occasionally sees in right-hand drive.

'An aging beauty with a story to tell and many more miles to offer' would be the best way to describe this fabulous motor car.