Highlights

Rare original right-hand drive example
Meticulous older restoration by renowned Tino Larengero
Sparing yet regular use since completion
Complete with both its soft-top and hard-top roofs, the latter being the rarer small rear window variant
Believed to have been owned by just three families from new
Voluntarily MOT tested in August 2023, passing and accruing no advisories
Hundreds of restoration photos are provided along with a video of the car
Serviced by Marque specialists Colin Ferns in 2023
A further £1,680 spent in 2024 tuning the car and fitting a 123 ignition

The Appeal

Originally offered as a junior version of the world-beating 300 SL “Gullwing”, the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL gave up two cylinders and traded unconventional doors for a convertible roof. This proved a shrewd move by Mercedes-Benz, as the 190 had all of its big sibling’s style at a more affordable price point. Unsurprisingly, the 190 SL sold very well and spawned the successful convertible lineage that would later morph into the inimitable W113 “Pagoda”, the perennially popular R107 and so on…

This factory right-hand drive 1957 example underwent an extensive restoration in South Africa during the early 2000s. This work has been documented in a series of detailed photographs which accompany the car. It’s believed to have been owned by just three families from new, each of which cherishing the car for a number of years. Now UK road registered and complete with an advisory-free voluntary MOT, this stunning SL is awaits its next custodian.

History and Paperwork

Rare and original right-hand drive example
Believed to have been owned by just three families in its entire life
Restored in the early 2000s while in the custodianship of the second registered owner’s daughter
The restoration was carried out by specialist Tino Larengero
Now UK-registered with no former keepers on the V5C
Voluntarily MOT tested in August 2023, passing and accruing no advisories
Accompanied by an invoice from the most recent service and check-over, carried out by marque specialist Colin Ferns
Thousands of restoration photos

The Condition

As can be seen in the photos, this car was all together when the restoration began
Making it an excellent basis for a high-calibre rebuild where lots of original parts could be used
This included: bodywork was solid and all of the components from engine through to chrome work present
Subject to a comprehensive ground-up restoration with reportedly every fixture and fitting removed, repaired or replaced where necessary
Engine rebuild and full mechanical overhaul carried out
Completely rewired
Completely retrimmed
Full bare metal respray
Regular yet sparing use since means this remains in lovely condition throughout
Complete with both its soft-top and hard-top roofs
The vendor points out that the hard-top is the rare, small rear window variant fitted to early 190 SLs

Having resided in South Africa’s dry climate, this was an immensely solid example before its restoration which is what identified this car as an eminently worthy candidate for a costly ground-up rebuild. The work was carried out by specialist Tino Larengero to a very high standard and with clearly sparing use since, it remains in fantastic order inside, out and underneath.

It boasts a fantastic colour combination, with the red upholstery perfectly complementing the cream exterior paintwork. All the brightwork presents beautifully, with a lustrous shine accenting the car’s svelte styling. Note in particular those streamlined 300 SL-esque wheel arch bulges complete with chrome trims. It’s the little details which make Mercedes-Benz’ of this era stand out as some of the most high-quality and stylish cars of their era.

The Mechanics

Recently serviced and checked over by marque specialist Colin Ferns in 2023
The vendor informs us that it has been an absolute joy to drive around London
£1,680 has just been spent tuning the car and fitting a 123 ignition for useability
Sounds great, starts on the button and turns heads at every corner
1.9-litre inline four - closely related to the 300 SL’s straight-six
Four-speed manual gearbox
All presents beautifully under the bonnet
Supplied with a voluntary and advisory-free MOT from 2023
A mere glance at the restoration photographs shows the extent of the mechanical rebuild

Producing 104 horsepower at 5,700 rpm, the 190 SL’s four-cylinder engine boasted ample tractable power for long-distance touring so it’s no wonder these became such popular GT cars. Renowned for its reliability, this would be the perfect car to undertake road trips even today, with the reassurance that all has been reconditioned to a fantastic standard.

This example benefits from a full engine rebuild and a comprehensive mechanical overhaul carried out during the restoration. Under the bonnet, all presents beautifully, as does all the running gear when you examine the immaculate underside.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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