Mercedes-Benz - 190 SL - 1963
Starting bid
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Expert
Selected by Arjan Rietveld
Thirty years' experience with classic cars, specialising in Italian cars and Porsche.
Estimate € 125,000 - € 145,000
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Description from the seller
GENERAL:
We have the absolute privilege of presenting one of the most elegant and coveted convertibles in Stuttgart's history: a 1963 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster (W121). This particular unit belongs to the coveted final year of production of the legendary “Baby SL,” a model originally born as a more affordable and comfort-oriented alternative to the exclusive 300 SL “Gullwing,” sharing much of its design language and independent suspension layout. Of the 25,881 units produced worldwide between 1955 and 1963, this car’s year of production is especially rare, as only 104 vehicles were assembled before the definitive end of its production. Dressed in a timeless and spectacular bright red color over a meticulously cream/tan leather interior, the car records only about 83,000 kilometers on its odometer, which are not warranted due to its classic nature. A crucial piece of data for the most demanding international collectors is that this 190 SL is a fully “Matching Numbers” unit, retaining its original factory components. Preserved in very good overall condition, it perfectly balances historical purity with an immediate readiness for the road.
CARROCERÍA Y PINTURA:
The bodywork is presented in very good condition with minimal detail, showing correct panel gaps and alignments on the hood, trunk, and doors. The high-gloss red paint retains a deep, uniform reflection, displaying only light and honest signs of aging typical of a well cared-for classic that has never been abused. The original chrome trim, including the iconic grille star, bumper guards and window surrounds, is bright and free of pitting. The car sits magnificently on its original 13-inch steel wheels with matching two-tone hubcaps and classic whitewall tires, while the soft-top mechanism operates with total ease.
MECÁNICA:
The vehicle is equipped with its original 1.9-liter inline-four M121 engine with a single overhead camshaft (SOHC). Fuel delivery is via a period-correct Solex twin carburetion system, perfectly synchronized for optimal throttle response, delivering an official 105 hp at 5,700 rpm. Power is sent to the rear axle through a four-speed manual gearbox with a purely mechanical feel, supported by independent front suspension and a rear swinging axle with coil springs. In terms of dynamic condition, the engine starts easily both cold and hot, maintaining a round and smooth idle characteristic of Mercedes engines of that era. The gearbox shifts all gears smoothly without grinding, the braking system brings the car to a straight stop, and the underbody is fully solid, dry, and completely free of structural corrosion.
INTERIOR:
The cabin reveals itself as a true work of classic Mercedes luxury. The individual cream/tan leather seats are superbly preserved, showing an elegant patina that enhances its authentic character without tears or deformation of cushioning. The dashboard, metal painted to match the body color, is in good condition, though it shows some minor signs of aging, housing the full original VDO instrumentation, various chrome details, and the precious ivory-colored bakelite steering wheel.
RECOGIDA:
The fixed location for collecting this collectibles piece is the town of Pineda de Mar, located in the province of Barcelona, within the region of Catalonia, Spain.
GENERAL:
We have the absolute privilege of presenting one of the most elegant and coveted convertibles in Stuttgart's history: a 1963 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster (W121). This particular unit belongs to the coveted final year of production of the legendary “Baby SL,” a model originally born as a more affordable and comfort-oriented alternative to the exclusive 300 SL “Gullwing,” sharing much of its design language and independent suspension layout. Of the 25,881 units produced worldwide between 1955 and 1963, this car’s year of production is especially rare, as only 104 vehicles were assembled before the definitive end of its production. Dressed in a timeless and spectacular bright red color over a meticulously cream/tan leather interior, the car records only about 83,000 kilometers on its odometer, which are not warranted due to its classic nature. A crucial piece of data for the most demanding international collectors is that this 190 SL is a fully “Matching Numbers” unit, retaining its original factory components. Preserved in very good overall condition, it perfectly balances historical purity with an immediate readiness for the road.
CARROCERÍA Y PINTURA:
The bodywork is presented in very good condition with minimal detail, showing correct panel gaps and alignments on the hood, trunk, and doors. The high-gloss red paint retains a deep, uniform reflection, displaying only light and honest signs of aging typical of a well cared-for classic that has never been abused. The original chrome trim, including the iconic grille star, bumper guards and window surrounds, is bright and free of pitting. The car sits magnificently on its original 13-inch steel wheels with matching two-tone hubcaps and classic whitewall tires, while the soft-top mechanism operates with total ease.
MECÁNICA:
The vehicle is equipped with its original 1.9-liter inline-four M121 engine with a single overhead camshaft (SOHC). Fuel delivery is via a period-correct Solex twin carburetion system, perfectly synchronized for optimal throttle response, delivering an official 105 hp at 5,700 rpm. Power is sent to the rear axle through a four-speed manual gearbox with a purely mechanical feel, supported by independent front suspension and a rear swinging axle with coil springs. In terms of dynamic condition, the engine starts easily both cold and hot, maintaining a round and smooth idle characteristic of Mercedes engines of that era. The gearbox shifts all gears smoothly without grinding, the braking system brings the car to a straight stop, and the underbody is fully solid, dry, and completely free of structural corrosion.
INTERIOR:
The cabin reveals itself as a true work of classic Mercedes luxury. The individual cream/tan leather seats are superbly preserved, showing an elegant patina that enhances its authentic character without tears or deformation of cushioning. The dashboard, metal painted to match the body color, is in good condition, though it shows some minor signs of aging, housing the full original VDO instrumentation, various chrome details, and the precious ivory-colored bakelite steering wheel.
RECOGIDA:
The fixed location for collecting this collectibles piece is the town of Pineda de Mar, located in the province of Barcelona, within the region of Catalonia, Spain.
Details
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Model type
190 SL
Year
1963
Located in
Spain
Mileage reading
83000 km
Registration papers
with German registration
Transmission
Manual
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
Red
Horse power
105
Cubic capacity
1900
Matching numbers
Yes
Matching colours
Yes
Service book/history
No
Valid MOT
Yes
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Certificate available
Yes
Condition (Paint & body)
Excellent: requiring no conventional body or paintwork
Condition (Interior)
Excellent: no missing, broken, or damaged parts that require replacement
Condition (Frame & underbody)
Very Good: frame/structure is in a well preserved condition, minor signs of usage/wear
Condition (Mechanical)
Very Good: mechanically sound, may require minor service
Condition (Overall)
Very good condition: minimal signs of wear
Vehicle registration
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Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
