Bring A Trailer auction preview: Two owners in last 50 years, show-level presentation, runs and drives well.1960 Mercedes Benz 190 SLChassis No. – 121040-10-015949Engine No. – 121.921-10-016066Exterior Color – SilverInterior Color – Red with Black canvas top and silver hardtopEngine – 1.9 Liter Inline-Four-cylinder SOHCTransmission – 4-speed manualCurrent Miles – 4,825 miles (TMU)Current Owner – Purchased in 2014General HistoryIntroduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show in prototype form (alongside the 300 SL Gullwing), the 190 SL was a glamorous yet affordable way to enjoy Mercedes quality and refinement with open coachwork. Principally motivated by US distributor and marketing pioneer of European imports, Max Hoffmann, the 190 SL positioned Mercedes-Benz as a premier brand in the growing North American market. Priced at around $4,000, the 190 SL was slightly more than half the price of the 300 SL, making it an attractively priced sporty car with durable mechanicals. The enticing value coupled with irresistible looks motivated nearly 26,000 buyers to purchase these sporting cars between 1955 and 1963, generating a far greater market impact over the lower volume 300 SL. The 1900cc SOHC engine with twin Solex carburetors coupled to the 4-speed transmission, delivered spirited driving for the day, supported by double-wishbone, coil spring front suspension and swing axle coil spring rear suspension. Today, the 190 SL remains an attractive and highly desirable classic, blending elegant open motoring with readily serviceable mechanicals.
History of this ExampleThis 190 SL is known to have been in Northern California since 1971 when it was purchased by Richard Ostrofe who used the car regularly and maintained it to a high standard until 1999 when it was professionally repainted. In 2014, his estate consigned the car to Fantasy Junction. Shortly after consignment the current owner purchased the car. Under current ownership a new OEM convertible top and red square weave carpeting were installed, tires replaced, new shocks, new motor mounts, exhaust, and general services were performed as needed. The current owner was also able to locate a correct large rear window hardtop commissioning a professional restoration refinished in matching silver. Additional mechanical services include a valve job, new head gasket, various suspension bushings replaced, and cosmetic paint correction performed on various areas.General ConditionToday this 190SL presents as a beautifully maintained example featuring an older restoration with pleasing cosmetics and confident mechanical features. The silver paint is smooth and glossy with consistent color and coverage showing only minor evidence of age to the finish. The body panels fit very well, the doors shut properly with very good panel gaps and crisp latching. Along the inner folded metal seams of the front fenders, the under-hood flanged edges are attached using metal rivets in place of the factory spot welds – likely performed when body work was completed prior to the 1999 repaint. Evidence of the repair can be seen on the inside of the grille area looking into the hood opening, though properly done and very well finished on the outside surfaces. The exterior chrome is in excellent condition, with fine luster and bright reflections. All lenses, lighting, and glass are in very good condition. The windshield and side glass are in very good condition as is the matching silver hardtop and rear glass. A set of original type painted slotted steel wheels, wheel covers, and trim rings are in excellent condition fitted recently with a set of Vredestein Sprint Classic tires. The interior is a very nice display of handsome and correct finishes offering a rewarding and cohesive presence, blending original features with older restored and reupholstered areas. The seats were reupholstered many years ago but have held up well and match nicely with the remaining interior materials. A set of red seat belts are installed. The dashboard is particularly nice with excellent gauges showing authentic light patina to the dial faces and beautiful chrome finishes. The excellent condition of the chrome bezels and refined detailing of the dash, steering wheel and other interior elements are a delight. The interior door panels, armrests, and various trim are all in very good condition settling in harmony with the seats and dashboard. The carpet and matching floor mats, replaced more recently under current ownership is the correct German square weave type with perimeter piping, exhibiting minimal wear even in the driver’s footwell area. The convertible top is in excellent condition, very likely seldom if ever used outdoors since it was installed under current ownership and the car has always been stored indoors. The clear plastic rear window, excellent stainless trim, correct top bows, and correct material headliner appear as new. The trunk is very clean and properly finished in satin black including the satin black trunk lid underside, correct and likely original trunk mat, while the matching full sized spare tire is properly mounted in the wheel tub with the factory retaining clamp in place. The engine compartment is very well done with proper presentation using correct parts, nicely enhanced with a polished aluminum cam cover and polished aluminum intake plenum feeding the correct twin Solex carburetors. Clearly repairs and general services have been performed with attention to correct lines, hoses, and electrical as needed. Even the heater boxes, often collapsed or damaged, are in excellent condition. The various and correct Mercedes-Benz numbers, build plates, and stampings are all documented to be consistent with the body and chassis sequences for original cars. The engine block is stamped with the correct number and retains the correct original engine tag, both of which correspond to this series of cars and their engine sequences. The chassis is in excellent condition representative of a dry California car showing no visual evidence of structural compromise to the floor pans or suspension mounting points. Items Included with the CarThe car is accompanied by a hardtop and hardtop stand, a set of original tools and tool roll, a 190 SL owner’s manual, service manual, parts catalog, contemporary parts catalog, various books and literature, a contemporary leather case with embossed 1960 Mercedes Benz 190 SL label, a car cover, and various spare parts.