Vehicle Description
Motorcar Studio is pleased to offer this 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL
Roadster, a two-owner example that has remained with the same
family since 1956. Presented in its original colors of ivory over
red interior with a black convertible top plus a rare factory hard
top, this largely unrestored example presents to a good driver
standard.
The present owner's maternal grandfather bought this W121 from his
next-door neighbor in Portland, Oregon in '56 (the original owner's
wife didn't like the car). The present owner's father inherited the
car in the early 1970s - he was an Army officer and took the car
with him to posts Germany and New York before ending up back on the
west coast in Seattle in 1978. In the late 1980s this Mercedes was
put into storage in Seattle, where it sat until 2015 when our
client inherited the car and shipped it to Atlanta.
In 2015 the car underwent a mechanical recommissioning and light
cosmetic refresh to get it back on the road. Work included a brake
system overhaul (rebuilt brake booster, all new wheel cylinders,
relined brake shoes), a partial fuel system overhaul (restored
tank, new fuel pump and new fuel lines), cooling system overhaul
(water pump and thermostat plus restored radiator), five new tires,
all fluids and complete tune-up.
At the same time, this 190SL also got new square-weave carpet, new
leather seat upholstery and horsehair seat pads, and a new
convertible top. Door panels and dash are believed to be original
and show some patina. The car was repainted at some point in the
early 1970s (finish quality is good overall but there is some
overspray on the trunk seal, for example).
It has been driven a few hundred miles since 2015 but has mostly
been sitting in storage. It starts, runs and drives (see video) but
needs additional mechanical sorting before regular use. Offered for
sale publicly for the first time since new. For more information
about this 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster for sale at Motorcar
Studio in Atlanta, please call 404-692-5250.