1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL

This 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL was initially ordered in April 1959 and delivered to the US two months later through Daimler-Benz of North America in New York. A mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment was commissioned in 2020, and the car was acquired by the seller on BaT in May 2021. Finished in silver over red leather, the car is powered by a 1.9-liter inline-four which is said to have been rebuilt and is paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Additional equipment includes twin Weber carburetors, an electronic ignition, a black convertible top, 13″ steel wheels with body-color hubcaps, and a Becker Europa radio. This W121 is now offered with an owner’s manual and a New Hampshire title in the name of the seller’s LLC. The body was finished in Silver Grey Metallic (180) from the factory and was reportedly repainted and fitted with a replacement black canvas top during the aforementioned refurbishment. The bumpers and side mirror are also said to have been re-chromed during the project, and new taillight lenses were installed. Steel 13″ wheels wear chrome trim rings, hubcaps with body-color accents, and 185/80 BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial whitewall tires. A modern-style spare is housed in the trunk while stopping power is provided by vacuum-assisted drum brakes. Originally blue, the interior has been reupholstered in red leather with a color-matched dash pad, door panels, and top boot. Square-weave carpeting lines the floors and rear shelf, and red and tan Coco mats have been added. Appointments include a Becker Europa AM/FM radio and an analog clock situated in the glovebox door. An ivory-colored steering wheel with a chrome horn ring frames VDO instrumentation including a 140-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level. The five-digit mechanical odometer shows 4,400 miles, approximately 150 of which have been added by the seller. Total mileage is unknown. The 1.9-liter M121 inline-four is said to have been rebuilt during the refurbishment and features a single overhead camshaft as well as a pair of Weber side-draft carburetors in place of the factory Solex units. A PerTronix electronic ignition setup has replaced the stock points. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a fully-synchronized four-speed manual transmission which is believed to have been rebuilt. The four-wheel independent suspension incorporates unequal wishbones up front and a single-pivot swing axle at the rear, with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers all around. Work during the refurbishment reportedly included the replacement of the shock absorbers, bushings, and various linkages. The current New Hampshire title carries an “Antique Vehicle” brand notation. Filed under: r121, sl