Sold 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL

[msclassiccars]

1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL

Selling on Bring a Trailer - View the auction here

“This 59 Mercedes-Benz 190SL is one of the best examples I’ve ever laid eyes on personally. It clearly was professionally restored with an open checkbook. I absolutely love the body design, color combination and attention to detail throughout. You rarely see these models restored to this level. This is a blue chip investment that would make a great addition to any collection. This is the definition of rolling artwork!” – Marc Schiliro


This phenomenal 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL is a wonderful example of a highly collectable European classic sports car. The 190SL is a two-door luxury roadster produced in Stuttgart, Germany between May 1955 and February 1963. A total of 25,881 units were sold over the eight year production run. This example was built in February making it one of only 2,378 early models built through July 1959. Copies of the Mercedes-Benz date card and build sheet on file show it originally left the factory with a Black exterior and red interior. It was equipped with left outside mirror, windshield washer, sealed beam headlights, Dunlop RS whitewall tires, and bumper over riders. An original set of California black plates that are included suggest this car was in the Golden State since the 1960’s. It’s believed to have resided for many years in California where it later formed part of The Blackhawk Collection. In 2009, it underwent a comprehensive and meticulous concours restoration. It was completed in 2013 and has only traveled 598 miles since completion. MS CLASSIC CARS purchased the car in March of 2023 and this is the first time we’ve offered it for sale.

The exterior of this beautifully designed classic automobile is simply stunning. During the refurbishment the body was taken to bare metal. Countless hours were invested in assuring the body was laser straight with precise gap lines throughout. The hood, doors and trunk lid close effortlessly. During the restoration process the decision was made to change the exterior color from black to the desirable color of Fire Engine Red. The paint quality is spectacular and was recently detailed to a high gloss shine. The paint work is comparable to something you’d see on the lawn at a prestigious Concours d’Elegance. The red paint is complemented with a new tan soft top that fits very nicely. When the top is down it’s covered with a tan boot cover that also fits very nicely. The front windshield and door glass was replaced new which makes visibility a breeze. Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced to high quality standards. Some of these trim pieces include the window trim, wipers, grill, headlight bezels, front bumper, parking lights, door handles, lower body molding, rear quarter molding and lower trim, rear tail light bezels and lenses, rear bumper, gas cap and emblems. It was outfitted with modern Wagner headlights for better visibility. It rides on factory-correct 13” red painted steel wheels with red painted star embossed center caps. The wheels are wrapped with properly sized American Classic 6.50-R13 whitewall tires. The interior is inviting with its freshly restored and spacious cabin. During the restoration the decision was made to change the interior color from red to tan especially with the red exterior. The color combination of red and tan is a match made in heaven. With equal attention paid to quality and details it looks like it rolled out of the factory. The striking paint and chrome laden dashboard is finely detailed with a mounted rear view mirror, crisp VDO instruments, a NOS ivory-colored two spoke steering wheel, ivory gear shift knob and Becker Europa radio. The dash, door panels, rear panel and low back bucket seats were upholstered in high grade quality tan leather. The new tan carpeting and floor mats add softness to the bottom of your feet. The trunk compartment was beautifully re-finished and painted high gloss black. It was outfitted with a factory-correct gray rubber mat and matching spare tire with tools.

The engine compartment is highly detailed with great attention to detail throughout. It was restored to a higher level than it was when it left the factory. Literally every single piece with gone through including nuts, bolts and fasteners. The firewall, inner fenders and radiator support was re-finished in high gloss black. All of the factory tags were replaced in the correct locations as seen. It’s powered by its original matching numbers 1.9L inline four cylinder as attested by the accompanying build sheet and data card that’s included. The engine was rebuilt during the restoration and runs excellent with the correct Solex PHH 44 carburetors. This engine was factory rated with 104 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. The engine compartment is exquisitely detailed with proper decals, labels and restored yellow zinc-plated hardware. Ancillaries such as the black enameled air cleaner, plastic washer bottle and brake booster are highly detailed. The engine breathes through a new single exhaust system that has a sweet sound. The engine is coupled to a 4-speed manual transmission that shifts very smoothly.

The undercarriage is also highly detailed with great attention to detail throughout. The underside of the body was re-finished in a darker shade of gray. Everything was restored or replaced such as the fuel system and four wheel drum braking system. The four-wheel independent suspension incorporates unequal wishbones up front and a single-pivot swing axle at the rear with coil springs and shock absorbers all around. During the restoration process some of the parts were painted in various colors such as red, blue and yellow as seen.