1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster
1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster
Lot details
Year: 1959
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 190 SL Roadster
Registration: 909 UYN
Chassis No: W121042-10-9500718
Engine No: 121921-10-9500764
Odometer: 5,848
• Fully stripped, rebuilt and painted after arrival in the UK
• Engine partially rebuilt, and correct leather interior replaced
• Subsequent 'Hemmels Signature' restoration
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL made history at the New York International Motor Sports Show in February 1954 by being the first new production car to be unveiled outside of Germany. The new car was neat and sporty, especially when displayed alongside its elder brother, the larger and more intricate 300 from which it drew inspiration, and the two cars were launched at practically the same time. It was a huge success, with its engine boasting four inline cylinders delivering a respectable 108bhp and offering a simpler chassis adapted from the W121 saloon. The lines were exquisite and it was universally acclaimed for both its design and performance. Costing half as much as the 300 SL, the 190 SL outsold its counterpart by a ratio of eight to one and proved especially popular in the United States which accounted for nearly 70% of its total production.
This striking example was originally a California-state car, built in 1959 and then shipped to the UK in November 2015 after all taxes and duties were paid. It was then reportedly stripped, with all sills and floors checked and repaired where necessary. The car was then repainted in the original factory black with a contrasting red leather interior. The comprehensive overhaul was not limited to the exterior however; the engine has reportedly been partially rebuilt by the Sheffield Supercar Centre and the interior trim, including seats &correct floor carpets throughout, have also been restored by the same Sheffield-based specialist company. Both the heat exchanger box &matrix have both been repaired the exterior chrome work was replenished where necessary to an eventual cost of over £7,500.
Since then, a second phase of works has taken place, this time, a 'Signature Restoration' by world-famous Hamels (Hemmels), based in Cardiff, South Wales. Acquired by the current owner in 2018, the car was then enjoyed for several years before he commissioned globally acclaimed and respected Restorer, 'Hemmels' to perform a full sympathetic restoration. The work followed Hemmels' 'Signature' process, taking nearly 12 months and carefully addressing many elements of the car, restoring original parts where possible and replacing them when necessary. The engine was fully rebuilt, along with a Weber Carburettor conversion, the gearbox overhauled, front &rear axles stripped and rebuilt, new fuel tank, brand new glass, along with full interior bespoke re-trim, new soft-top hood, full exterior re-chrome and much more, totalling nearly £200,000. Beautifully complimented in Anthracite Grey, with a contrasting white linen leather interior and a grey soft top hood. The interior features bespoke leather trim with bespoke stitching setting this 190 SL apart from others. Having covered very few miles since the restoration, the car is now well run in and ready to be driven and enjoyed.
The interior is as elegant and exclusive as any luxury car, as you would expect from a Hemmels creation, the interior benefits from new leather seats, new door panels, dashboard coverings and with the soft-top still in very good order throughout with modern seat foam benefiting from 21st century sound deadening in order to reduce road noise to a whisper. All the chrome shines beautifully with the glass is in equally good condition. Underneath, all systems have been renewed or restored according to their individual needs along with the braking system, suspension, exhaust, bushings and more, alongside a brand-new fuel tank and battery that have also been fitted in order to make all systems work as expected with the result a ready-to-enjoy car that has all the hallmarks of a classic but with modern-day reliability. Consigned by Edward Bridger-Stille
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