MERCEDES 1961 190SL PROPERLY RESTORED BY 190SL SPECIALIST- 49,000 MILES FROM NEW

Offered for your serious consideration is this impeccable 1961 190SL coupe/roadster.A Canadian car from new, recently imported to the U.S. with proper documentation and taxes paid, still has Canadian title.Restored by Precious Metal Automotive and driven only 200 miles since. It is a 3-owner car with 49,000 actual miles from new. There are many 190SL's available, but very few of this quality so if you are interested in a car with great probability for future appreciation, this may the one for you. Photos were taken 27 August, 2016. Here are some highlights:
First time ever offered in a public sales venue Optically straight body panels All numbers match the data card or build sheet Only NOS factory and OEM parts used unless if not available at time of restoration Body panel weld seams sealed with lead- no fiberglass or plastic filler used No overlap at body part connecting edges- parts were cut to fit and butt-welded together, thereby eliminating premature rust-through Sparkling, mirror-bright chrome (many pieces are NOS!) Numerous records from 1961 to 2016 (from day of delivery to current date) Available for viewing is a 75-minute video plus an hour-by-hour hand written journal of the restoration Engine rebuilt by Oakville Machine Shop, Oakville, Ontario December, 2014 (vintage Mercedes specialists) Original heater boxes and Solex carbs in very good condition- carbs have good throttle shaft to bushing fit- no air leaksScarce coupe/roadster option (only a small percentage were sold with hardtop) In museum-like storage for a large part of its total life, hence the very low miles- less than 1000 miles per year average! Most recent owner was in possession for 27 years Restored to original configuration except for a few sensible upgrades (stainless steel exhaust, 2-stage paintwork, modern tires, improved rust-proofing, carpeting, etc.)New high quality car cover included Realistic price, tens of thousands below current replacement cost.
190SL's with mileage this low and records as extensive are very rarely found- documented mileage
Only serious offers considered- low-ball offers are a waste of your time and mine and will automatically be declined by Ebay).
If you're looking to buy a high-point car at below market cost, we may beable to do business
NOTE: The hardtop has not been restored and needs a new headliner but is complete with all mounting hardware Likewise, the door panels are not restored but are in very good original condition.
Your personal inspection is encouraged and welcomed. Car is located in Grand Rapids, MI.
ABOUT THE RESTORATION- Precious Metal Automotive Investment Company, LLC was founded by Rich Splaine who was the principal hands-on restoration technician and chief operating officer until his retirement after 15 years in the business. The company's sole function was the restoration of collectibleMercedes cars. Rich is a life-long collector of classic Mercedes cars and has personally owned dozens, including several 190SL's. He was a charter member of the International 190SL Group (membership number 007) and was often privileged to serve as judge and/or chief judge at the Group's annual meet and concours d'elegance . During his tenure at PMA, Rich and his associates restored 75 190SL's, plus many Ponton coupes and cabrios, W113, W189, W187, W198, and other collectible M-B's. And, yes, that is correct- seventy five 190SL restorations- has anyone restored more?
Please ask all questions before bidding. If you want more photos or details, feel free to ask- they will gladly be provided upon request. Shipping cost is the responsibility of buyer, but shipping advice and help with arrangements will be provided by seller if you wish. World-wide shipping is no problem. Winning bidder will provide $500 non-refundable deposit via Paypal, final payment including shipping costs to be via by cash or wire transfer within 10 days of auction end. Possession of the car and ownership documents will be held until receipt and irrevocable clearance of payment in full is received. No warranty, expressed or implied is given- car is offered as-is, where-is.
A word of advice- In case you are thinking of buying a "bargain priced" 190SL and restoring it to high quality standards, please step back and rethink before you jump into that money pit. First investigate the current availability and cost of parts (these change often and not only are prices not going down but every day more and more parts are becoming "No Longer Available" or scooped up by speculators for future appreciation. Also look into sublet expenses such as rechroming, machine work, upholstery, etc., etc. and don't forget to make sizable allowance for all the unplanned for and expensive "surprises" that typically show up during such a project. In summation- a car equal to the one presented here, if restored from a typical priced unrestored 190SL, would have an end cost of $150,000-$200,000 at today's prices, and that assumes you could find all the necessary parts and a restoration shop with the experience to "do the job right". Check Ebay vendors for prices of 190SL parts and be informed. As for labor cost- most restoration shops now charge $65-$100 per hour and a typical 190SL restoration requires 800-1000 man-hours.
Remember only a few years ago when Gullwings were available for less than $100,000 and 300SL Roadsters were even less?