1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL
This 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL roadster underwent a complete
five-year restoration that was finished in 2014. The 1.9-liter SOHC
inline four-cylinder engine with two sidedraft Solex carburetors
that powers the Mercedes-Benz 190SL was rated by the manufacturer
for the U.S. market in 1960 at 120 horsepower with an 8.8:1
compression ratio. Power drives the rear wheels through a fully
synchronized four-speed manual transmission, per specifications for
the model. The engine and transmission are stated as original to
this car, and both were rebuilt during the restoration. Cold starts
are made simply by "turning the key, pulling the choke and pressing
the starter button," with a smooth idle and no smoke. The
transmission shifts smoothly, with no clunks or thumps.
The White exterior finish is like new with no swirls, dents,
scratches, chips or blemishes of any kind, reflecting the minimal
miles since the restoration. In addition to the finish, all chrome
and lighting are complete and in excellent condition, and all
lights work properly. "A significant amount of the original sheet
metal was replaced during the restoration, and no rust or corrosion
currently exists on the car," All glass is like new condition with
no scratches or cracks. All door and trunk seals are like new
condition, with no cracks or missing pieces and no evidence of
leaks." The manually operated Brown fabric convertible top was new
at the time of the restoration and continues to appear so. The very
clean appearing trunk area includes a new, unused spare wheel and
tire. No modifications have been made to the exterior of the car
from new.
No modifications have been made to the restored red leather
interior. The seat material is described as top-quality leather in
excellent condition, with no cracks or tears. All interior trim is
described as complete and refurbished during the restoration. All
gauges are connected and functioning properly. The odometer shows
94992 miles. The SL is equipped with a functioning Becker Mexico
radio, and the manual window lifts, door locks and heater work
properly. The carpet is in a new condition, with no fading, worn
areas or holes. The underside of the convertible top is in
"excellent" condition with no sags.
The powertrain, suspension and brake systems were removed from the
190SL unibody shell and all rebuilt or replaced to original,
unmodified specifications during the total restoration. The
undercarriage continues to appear fresh. The shock absorbers and
bushings are all new, with no leaks, cracks or damaged bushings.
The brakes are excellent with a firm pedal. The 13-inch steel
wheels with body-colored hubcaps were freshly refurbished and show
no rash, pitting or vibration. The Vredestein Sprint Classic tires
are "like new," with a 0214 date codes and "less than 100
miles."
Like all Mercedes cars of the period, the 190SL was built to a very
high standard, out of the finest materials." Buying a finished,
high-quality restoration would seem to be the way to go. Give LRA a
call at 215-781-3790 or email us at "
[email protected] " to
inquire about this vehicle.
