NEW PRICE! Incredible documentation, three owners from new, full service history, matching numbers, receipts, photos, manuals, books, complete tool roll, extensive spares, everything works. What else is there?
Please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com for extensive details and 115 photos of this amazing 190SL.
In 2011, the car was delivered to expert Robert Brannon in Lula, Georgia in spring of 2011 for a bare-metal repaint. At that time, they discovered repairs to the floors, trunk, and rear fenders, so the work was removed and re-done to a high standard, rendering the repairs all but invisible today. The paint matches the original code 608 Elfenbein, better known as Ivory, and remains in near-show-quality condition today. It shows minimal signs of use and expert care, with a deep shine and a depth that perhaps the original 1959 paint couldn’t have matched. It’s just lovely. Obviously the fit and finish of the bodywork is up to Mercedes-Benz standards, with doors that close with a permanence and authority that few other cars, let alone small cars, can match. Likewise, almost all the chrome and trim was restored during the third owner’s tenure (since 2000) and remains in first-rate condition today. This is a very correct, well-maintained, and beautifully restored car.
The interior was refinished as soon as the bodywork was complete in fall of 2013 by the noted 190SL experts at Bud’s Benz in Douglasville, GA. It matches the original code 1073 Grun (dark green) leather specified on the data plate and cardex and is as beautifully done as you’d expect. You will note that this car sports a rare “kinderseat” on the package shelf, probably good for—as the name would imply—a child to ride for short period. That, too, was restored to new condition. Everything inside the car is fully operational, including all the gauges, wipers, lights, Becker Europa AM/FM/shortwave radio, and even the delicate Keinzel clock in the glove box lid (which was rebuilt in spring 2017). Bud’s Benz also installed a new green canvas convertible top at that time, along with new weather seals throughout, and there’s a matching green boot for the top in the lowered position. In spring of 2016, the accessory removable hardtop was fully restored in period-correct code DB268 Blaugrun (Blue-Green) and the hubcap inserts were painted to match, offering a wonderful contrast to the Ivory paint and a close match to the leather interior. The trunk is correctly finished with rubber mats, correct jack and tools, as well as an original 13-inch wheel with what might just be the original spare tire on it.
With so few miles, the 1.9 liter SOHC inline-4 has never needed to be rebuilt, and indeed has not been removed from the car. Today it runs superbly. Experts will quickly note that it is fitted with Weber carburetors, which were installed and tuned by Bud’s Benz in September 2010. However, a pair of correct and freshly rebuilt Solex carburetors are included with the car should you wish to return it to 100% factory condition. Those Solex carburetors were rebuilt and tuned “on engine” by Todd Prevatte Restorations, so they are ready to use. We have chosen to leave it as-is simply because it starts, runs, and drives beautifully—why mess with a good thing? The engine bay is properly detailed with correct finishes, materials, hardware, and decals throughout, some of it original, some being accurate reproduction equipment. Every effort was made to find correct components whenever the car was serviced, and even experts will be hard-pressed to find demerits.
The 4-speed manual transmission is pleasant enough to shift, the ratios are well-chosen to match the engine’s power curve, and it runs happily at any speed that’s legal today. The subframes and body have never been separated and the undercarriage is largely original, so it is not detailed for concours showing. On the other hand, it remains in outstanding mechanical condition throughout and there is something particularly special about a car that has not been fully disassembled. The aforementioned floor and trunk repairs are visible and they were certainly well done, and the critical structural components are in excellent condition with no issues to be found. The brakes have been recently serviced by local expert Klaus Kutzler and there are new bushings in many locations so it feels tight and smooth. A new muffler has been fitted so it has the correct sound and the gas tank has been restored and sealed so you will have no problems with rust or debris in the future. It currently sits on 14-inch steel wheels borrowed from a 230SL, a common upgrade, but the original 13-inch steel wheels and factory hubcaps are included with the sale of the car. Recent 185/70/14 Michelin radials improve handling and look suitably tall and narrow inside the SL’s wheelwells.
Extensive documentation accompanies the car, including original invoices, receipts, purchase orders, books, manuals, service stamps, and a fully indexed service history that is four inches thick! A complete tool roll is also included.
By itself, this 190SL would be a wonderful car. It looks spectacular and drives as it should. Add in the low mileage, the known ownership history, the absolutely phenomenal documentation, rare spare parts, and you have one of the finest possible SLs available anywhere. It is only for the moment that this car appears expensive, and by owning the best, you are always assured of staying on top of the appreciation curve. There are surely less expensive 190SLs out there that you could own, but there are few that are finer. If quality matters to you and you appreciate an iron-clad pedigree, this is a car that can easily be considered a smart investment. Call today!
For extensive details and more than 100 photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
