1961 MERCEDES-BENZ 190SL, 2 TOPS, ORIGINAL COLORS, SHOW QUALITY!!

• Chassis # 12104010018793
• Engine # 12192110018915
• Recent $33,000 Sorting and Servicing by Bob Platz
• A numbers matching example with two tops
• A well kept example in original colors
• Offered with original books and data card

OVER 150 PHOTOS AVAILABLE PLEASE INQUIRE!
The example on offer here, hassis # 12104010018793 is presented today as the perfect combination of originality and correct refurbishment, s needed, hile conforming to its original build specifications. Thanks to The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center we know that this example was delivered exactly as follows per its original Data Card which is included in the sale:

Engine number: 121 921 10 018915

Transmission number: 01016

Front axle number, : 19031

Front axle number, : 19033

Rear axle number: 011607

Steering box number: 19089

Exterior color code: 050 – white

Interior color code: 1079 – red leather

Soft-top color: 872 – black

Hard-top color: 050 – white

Exact early history is not entirely known, owever we do know that the car was sold by its long time and possible first owner residing in Bethesda, aryland to a Virginia based collector in August 1991; the mileage at this time was reported to be 81,357. During this ownership the car was treated to its first and only respray, hich was completed to a very high level. The engine was also reported to be rebuilt at this time as well. Twenty-two years later the car found its way to its current custodian in 2013; a Philadelphia based collector and enthusiast. Upon his acquisition the car showed 90,958 miles, hich is believed to be the original mileage. Seldom used over the years, he current owner engaged the services of Bob Platz’s Precision Motor Works to bring the car to a top level. Mr. Platz, well-known 300SL/190SL expert, ut the car in proper order with paid receipts totaling over $30,000. The scope of work included a total re-commissioning of the mechanicals, how detailing of the engine bay/undercarriage and any other refinishing that was needed. Anything showing age or warranted replacing was completed with appropriate attention to detail and correctness as per Mercedes Benz factory standards.

Today, he car presents beautifully in White exterior color and contrasting Red interior as originally manufactured. The paint is consistent throughout in both texture and sheen and no obvious flaws are noted; this 190SL is easily show worthy and has all of the hallmarks of an excellent original example. The panel fitment is factory correct with excellent door gaps and hood/trunk fitment, traight down the sides, he metal is thin and true, nd there are no signs of rust repair or accident damage. The contouring of the fenders where they meet trim pieces is precise and snug; a quality that is often only found in original cars or expert restorations. The bright work is completely original to the car and in some areas could warrant minor refinishing to achieve concours perfection. The metal shines well but does show some signs of aging around the windshield and the front bumper. The rubber however was recently replaced including the windshield surround, oor rubber, ardtop seals and elsewhere as needed. The glass is also original to the car and is the correct “SEKURIT” type. Everything about the cosmetics qualifies it as a superb, ery high-end driver at the very least and a show contender at the very best; exhibiting the appropriate qualities of an excellent unrestored but properly updated example.

The interior exhibits clean door jams and sills and the seats are perhaps the most interesting aspect that support the car’s originality. While the interior appears to have minor refinishing at some point, t was done with true correctness in execution. The interior includes the proper square weave carpeting, nd the dash fascia, ash top, oor cards, nd all chrome accents, nobs, ulls and switches are all present and in excellent condition. Any and all gauges or accessories are in proper working order without fault. In summary, he interior is both correct and of very high quality that could be considered show quality. Small hints of originality constantly remind one of how good this car has always been. The originality is further enhanced by the factory chalk marks showing the body number still present on the driver and passenger seat frames. The black soft top is in excellent condition and of the correct German canvas. The matching white factory hardtop is in excellent condition and still retains its original factory headliner.

The engine bay on a 190SL is the number one place to gauge the level of care these cars have received as well as the point where a 190SL’s correctness can be defined. This example truly excels in presenting as extremely correct and original. The car is currently fitted with Weber carburetors, owever should a new owner want to show the car, he original Solex carburetors are included in the sale. Additionally, he last three digits of the body number, 181” can be noted as matching on the hood. The engine bay shows the correctly cad plated items where originally installed, ll the correct clamps and hose routing, nd factory correct finishes throughout. Everything is colored coded where required and presents as factory correct, nd could easily be judged at any 190SL group event with confidence.

The trunk is of the same caliber, icely finished with no issues noted. Original trunk floor and spare wheel well shows nicely as original but refinished. The same consistency is carried to the undercarriage where original floors can be noted as well as the structurally sound chassis. Many 190SLs suffered from rust intrusion making an original metal car like this 190SL difficult and challenging to find.

Power from this example is considerably better with the Weber carburetor conversion and it delivers plentiful revs instantly with no inconsistency. The hydraulic systems are in good order, he suspension is free from any noise and plush and firm as it should be. The car brakes and stops correctly, nd the shift lever, itted with new bushings, s pleasingly firm and precise. Overall, very pleasing and complete mechanical package with a dialed in feel that is definitely turnkey.

Perfection in today’s 190SL market can easily mean spending well over $200,000 in restoration costs if one opts to properly restore an average 190SL. Finding a quality example that genuinely looks and drives beautifully with all of the hallmarks of an original is difficult to locate. While not a true concours car, his 190SL is an excellent example of the marque and represents a wise acquisition for an astute purchaser. Presented in its original and handsome colors, ith all work performed by marque specialists, t is a car to be driven, njoyed, nd perhaps shown. Complete with original books, ata card, pare, ack and two tops this 190SL is sure to please its next caretaker.