1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
- Engine
- 1.9L inline-four with twin Solex carburetors, 120 bhp
- Colour
- Grey-blue (DB 317)
A 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL finished in Grey/Blue over Natural leather, with all factory-numbered components confirmed matching to the data card. The car underwent a comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration by specialist Bruce Adams roughly a decade before the auction, with drivetrain work by Black Forest LLC, and subsequently won Best of Show at the 2006 International 190 SL Group Concours d'Elegance. A series of sympathetic mechanical upgrades were later made to enhance reliability, and the car has since accumulated 6,000 miles on club tours while being maintained to concours standard.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$165,000
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownBruce Adams (specialist restorer)partial documentation
Carried out a complete nut-and-bolt rebuild roughly a decade before the sale; mechanical components were entrusted to Black Forest LLC for full overhaul. May represent a restoration commission rather than personal ownership.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownOfficer of the 190 SL Grouppartial documentation
Maintained the car carefully after the restoration was complete, adding subtle reliability upgrades and accumulating roughly 6,000 miles on club tours; collected numerous concours trophies during this tenure.
Competition
- 2006International 190 SL Group Concours d'Elegance2006 International 190 SL Group Concours d'EleganceBest of Show
Award earned shortly after the nut-and-bolt restoration was completed by Bruce Adams and Black Forest LLC.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationBruce Adams
Complete disassembly and nut-and-bolt rebuild carried out by specialist Bruce Adams, refinished in Grey/Blue exterior with Natural leather interior and grey hood.
Restoration date described as approximately ten years before the sale; photo documentation and receipts were retained.
- —Engine rebuildBlack Forest LLC
Full rebuild of the original engine, gearbox, and rear differential as part of the restoration programme; seating was also rebuilt and reupholstered.
Carried out concurrently with the Bruce Adams restoration; all gauges and controls were also refurbished and calibrated.
- —Modification
A series of incremental reliability upgrades added after the restoration: electronic distributor, gear-reduction starter, halogen headlamps, dimmable dash lighting, modern coolant hoses and clamps, performance air filters, and seat belts. All displaced original components were retained.
Modifications made by the owner following the restoration with the stated aim of making the car more dependable for regular driving.
- —Service
Ongoing scheduled maintenance carried out by the subsequent owner throughout approximately 6,000 miles of club-tour use, keeping the car in show-quality condition.
Receipts for this maintenance are included with the car.
Are you the owner of this car?
This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.