For Sale at Auction: 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 in Monterey, California

Chassis No. 121040.10.9500509
Engine No. 121.921-10-9500541

The world was first introduced to the Mercedes-Benz SL line of cars during the International Motor Sports Show in February 1954 at New York, with both the 300 SL and 190 SL being unveiled simultaneously. While the 300 SL is directly linked to motorsports, the 190 was positioned as a touring car with excellent sporting characteristics. After fiercely bidding for a superbly restored 190 SL at auction, Bill and Linda Feldhorn decided to aim their search for the right car at Germany, and would acquire this spectacular example in 2014, fresh from a full nut-and-bolt restoration by marque specialist SL-Classics of D�ren. According to a copy of the original Mercedes-Benz factory Data Karte (build sheet) on file, this 190 SL was completed new in DB 180 Silver Metallic as it appears today and destined for the sports car hungry U.S. market. The build sheet further confirms that the car retains its matching-numbers engine and bodywork.

Seeking perfection in their car collection, both in terms of cosmetic and mechanical presentation, the Feldhorns entrusted the newly acquired and freshly restored 190 SL to well-known Los Angeles-based Mercedes-Benz expert Rene Luteraan, to give the car its proper post restoration sorting to ensure it would drive as well as it looked. Once the work was completed, the Feldhorns would take on the Southern California concours fields with the striking 190 SL, and go on to score top finishes over the next years including 1st in Class in fierce competition at the 2014 San Marino Motor Car Classic, 1st in Class at the 2015 La Jolla Concours, 2nd in class at the 2015 Palos Verdes Concours in addition to taking home the Karl Benz Award at the 2015 Desert Concours.

Inspecting the car today, one quickly realizes the extent to which this car was restored by SL-Classics. Everywhere you look bolts and bracketry have been plated, and the undercarriage is equally as impressive as the engine compartment. Factory decals and markings have been appropriately redone during the restoration, and the original style Solex carburetors are still fitted. The striking, as-delivered DB 180 Silver Metallic exterior paint shines to virtual perfection, and inside a tidy Black leather interior greets driver and passenger, matched by a black Haartz cloth soft top. A period Becker Europa radio adorns the dashboard, and in the trunk, one finds an immaculate three-piece fitted luggage set matched to the interior. Offered with owner's manuals, tools, jack, and a copy of the factory build sheet, the Feldhorn's concours-winning 190 SL is truly an impressive example of the classic Mercedes-Benz 190 SL.