Vehicle Description
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CAR IS CURRENTLY BEING SOLD ON THE HEMMINGS
AUCTION WEBSITE amp; THERE IS A LINK TO THE AUCTION ON OUR
"AUCTIONS" PAGE. West Coast Classics to present this very striking
1961 Mercedes 190SL Roadster in Red over Black leather interior
featuring a black hardtop with a very rare 'wrap-around' rear
window. This two-door roadster is powered by a 1,897cc/120hp
four-cylinder engine with dual Weber carbs, and is teamed with a
four-speed manual gearbox. It had reportedly known but 1-owner
since 1971 until a couple of years ago, and the odometer now shows
10,858 miles with TMU.The very attractive interior of this example
is very nicely finished in black leather, with gleaming chrome
gauge surrounds and brilliant chrome touches throughout. Original
soft top, hardtop w/headliner in original perforated vinyl. New
Michelin tires, including spare. Original paint color, including
the five matching painted wheels. Original Becker 'Mexico' radio
and wind-up clock (still working). An excellent driver that also
shows extremely well, this rare and highly desirable 190SL Roadster
will be a cherished addition to any collection. This is an
exceptional car in all regards, especially considering that the
floors are all original with their original drainage points
intact.This solidly-built Mercedes-Benz possesses a level of
assembly quality alien to most of its British or Italian
contemporaries, and had been lovingly cared for by just one owner
since 1971 until a couple of years ago. An all-inclusive
restoration was performed 2007 - 2012, with bodywork and new paint
done by Serious Auto Body in Freeland, WA. The mechanicals have
been sorted by non other than renowned Siegfried Linke, (Sig is
likely the most highly regarded and well-known MBZ experts in the
greater Northwest). Purchased by its long time owner in 1971, when
the consignor purchased in Oakland, CA, after which time the car
and it's owner moved to Seattle in 1983 where it resided until
being purchased by it's most recent southern California owner and
collector. Approximately 1500 miles since restoration.Stylistically
evocative of the mighty 300SL, but with a slightly less complex
drive train, the sleek, aerodynamic and comparatively light
Mercedes Benz 190SL was very advanced for its time. The 190SL was
praised for its outstanding achievement in styling, engineering,
quality of design, detailing and workmanship, as well as the
general feeling of solidity which the car immediately conveys. The
open-top Mercedes Benz was not designed as a thorough-bred sports
car. Instead, it was conceived as an elegant two-seater for touring
and everyday driving. Although the Mercedes 190SL was described as
a roadster, it was actually a proper cabriolet with roll-up windows
and a well-insulated top.A timeless classic whose beautiful styling
has aged very well, the 190SL is still comfortable and competent by
modern standards. The final production tally by Mercedes from 1955
to 1963 was 25,881 cars, about 10,000 of which were sold in the
USA. The Mercedes-Benz 190SL is among the most desirable cars of
its era. Surviving Mercedes 190SL's have become increasingly
collectible in recent years and they are much sought after all over
the world.