1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster
- Engine
- 1.9L inline-four with twin Solex carburetors, 120 bhp
- Colour
- Silver-Grey (DB180)
A 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster originally destined for the American market, finished from new in Medium Blue over Ivory. Following minor collision damage it was laid up before undergoing a comprehensive bare-metal restoration in Eastern Europe, where bodywork was executed on an alignment jig using genuine Mercedes-Benz panels, the engine and gearbox were fully rebuilt with factory-sourced parts, and the car was refinished in period-correct Silver-Grey (DB180). The completed restoration was subsequently detailed and equipped by its most recent owner.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$192,500
- 1960 →Factory deliveryU.S.-market first ownerpartial documentation
Vehicle was produced in 1960 for the American market, originally in Medium Blue with Ivory interior. After minor front-corner damage it was parked and eventually sold.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownPrevious owner who commissioned restorationpartial documentation
Purchased the car while it sat unused and arranged shipment to Eastern Europe for a full body-off restoration, including mechanical rebuild and new red interior.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent vendorpartial documentation
Acquired the car after its return to the U.S. and completed finishing details, including fitting original production placards and commissioning a matched red-leather luggage set.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Repair
Left front fender damaged in a minor collision; car was subsequently stored rather than repaired at the time.
- —Restoration
Full bare-metal restoration carried out in Eastern Europe: body stripped to the unit chassis, all metalwork completed on an alignment jig using genuine Mercedes-Benz replacement panels, lead-loaded rather than plastic filler used throughout, and the car mounted on a rotisserie prior to being painted in correct Silver-Grey DB180. The entire process was documented in an extensive photographic record.
Craftsmen trained in traditional lead-bodywork techniques performed the repairs.
- —Engine rebuild
Engine and gearbox completely stripped, machined, and reassembled using all-new Mercedes-Benz-sourced components, including a replacement cylinder head; period-correct ancillaries such as hose clamps and fasteners were used throughout.
- —Bodywork
Entirely new interior trimmed in Mercedes-Benz red hide; red loop-pile carpet fitted throughout including footwells and floors in lieu of original rubber mats. A period Becker radio and matching speaker were also installed as a correct factory option.
The substitution of carpet for rubber floor mats was the sole departure from factory specification.
- —Service
Post-restoration 300-mile running-in drive completed and final mechanical adjustments made before the car was shipped back to the United States.
- —MaintenanceTaris Charysyn & Co
After import to the US, correct factory production labels were installed in the engine compartment and luggage area, and a three-piece red-leather luggage set was fitted.
Work carried out by or under the direction of the current vendor.
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