1960 | Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

28,500

• Extensive restoration over a number of years
• Complete with original hardtop and storage frame
• Comprehensive history file including new MoT test certificate

Originally spotted by the vendor during a drive through the German countryside, this 190 SL was in classic 'barn-find' condition and had been in this state for a number of years, the result of a deceased spouse. After an equitable arrangement was arrived at, it was then imported into the UK in 1973, as per the original H.M. Customs &Excise document shown in the history folder. Including, of course, a number of other official import documents, including notification of vehicle arrival (NOVA). The official date of manufacture was later confirmed by Mercedes-Benz as the 21st March 1960, a formal document received after an extensive period of restoration with initial UK registration taking place in April 2016. MoT test certificates are also filed for 2015 and 2017 with a brand new one for the year 2025/2026 as well as vehicle tax from 2017 onwards, despite the zero historic vehicle cost.

Almost all parts that were damaged or corroded have been sourced by official German and English SL specialists, notably rebuilt Solex carburettor kits, all suspension components amongst many more from SLS in Hamburg and Motorvation, a complete new subframe from AFL in London, Niemoller in Mannheim and bumpers, carbs, brakes and steering as well as numerous other parts and labour from Hilton &Moss in Essex.

Much of the later restoration took place by Motorvation, a classic car restoration specialist based in Hertfordshire and established back in the 1980s. Over the past 40 years, Motorvation has been involved in classic car servicing, restoration, classic race/rally preparation and caring from a basic oil change right up to fast-road suspension set-up for a Goodwood Group 5 Lancia Stratos. Much work was undertaken including a rebuilt dynamo, a hood frame that was prepared for the preparation and fitting of all material panels to include the removal and re-fitting of the front windscreen and wooden dashboard sections. Quite apart from the complete engine bench-strip and rebuild in 2012, significant restoration of the coachwork has also taken place with new front floors, exhaust sections and other parts to fit. Needless to say, all bright-work has been re-chromed and refitted with magnificent reflective surfaces all round. Steering was built back up as indeed were the electrics throughout. In fact, from the suspension to the heater matrix and pretty much everything in-between has been stripped down, re-built and re-installed costing many thousands of pounds. If fact, going through the heavy Leaver-Arch file of invoices, the costs are significantly more than the reserve set by the vendor. Indeed, the process as a whole took, reportedly, nigh on 15 years.

The rebuild was thorough and included stripping the engine down, polishing the crankshaft, resurfacing the valves and seats, re-boring the block and grinding the thrust faces to suit the shells. The radiator has been re-cored by the right people, Feltham Radiators Ltd. There were numerous issues to overcome but all were addressed methodically and correctly until the engine was fully installed and ready to run. This was all taken care of by Motorvation and Bob Harman Performance Ltd of Hertfordshire. Motorvation rebuilt the Solex carburettors although, at time of writing, they are still problematic and so Silchester Garage in Hampshire, well respected SL specialists are going through the car in preparation for the sale which will include the carburettors, headlights, some trim and various other elements that need tidying up.

The interior appears to be in excellent condition with good but original front leather seating and completely re-upholstered fresh carpet, trim and all associated additional detailing. New Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres are fitted to each corner with matching chrome and painted hubcaps as well as an original (but worn) spare in the boot, even the correct jack is present. All instruments and lighting have been re-wired correctly and linkages re-aligned right down to the glove compartment lid and associated chrome strip. It has clearly been well restored over the years with body panels correctly by Smooth Classic Restorations and mechanically overhauled by a series of professional and dedicated specialists right down to the soft and hardtop.

This represents an extremely fine example, well documented and arguably in one of the most desirable and marketable colour schemes. Furthermore, it benefits from a matching hardtop, something that is not always present with these W121's and certainly not easy to find. Supplied in splendid condition with a comprehensive history alongside and certainly an example that could carry off any amount of winner's silverware. Consigned by Edward Bridger-Stille