Mercedes-Benz - 190SL - 1960
14
days
06
hours
20
minutes
07
seconds
Current bid
€ 58,500
Reserve price not met
 | €58,500 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €57,500 | |
| €30,000 | |
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This 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is a blue, manually operated petrol roadster with a 1,897 cc engine and a full restoration.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
GENERAL
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (W121) is one of the most glamorous and recognizable roadsters in motoring history. Introduced in 1960, it was the smaller, more practical sibling of the legendary 300 SL “Gullwing.” During this era, Mercedes-Benz defined the concept of the luxury “Gran Turismo,” combining superb mechanical engineering with an elegance that captivated Hollywood stars and European high society. This particular example has undergone a comprehensive frame-off restoration, having been dismantled piece by piece and rebuilt from the ground up. The goal was to return it to as-new condition, making it a car that is not only visually striking but also mechanically impeccable, while preserving the essence of Max Hoffman’s design, which helped save the brand in the postwar years.
BODYWORK AND PAINT
It has been painted in metallic blue which, although not part of the official 1960 color palette, is an absolute aesthetic success that accentuates the model’s chrome curves. The paint has a deep, lustrous shine; it was applied approximately three years ago and has always been kept covered in a garage. As you would expect of a car that has been carefully enjoyed since its restoration, it has a few minor imperfections and isolated scuffs, all duly documented in the photographs. These small signs of use are evidence that the car has been driven and do not detract from its overall condition. The underside is concours-quality, having been restored 100%, and is as clean and pristine as a car fresh from the production line.
MECHANICALS
The heart of this 190 SL has been fully restored, ensuring the reliability needed for long-distance journeys without hesitation. After three years of post-restoration running-in, the valves have just been adjusted and the car given a comprehensive tune-up to ensure the engine performs with its original smoothness and precision. The gearbox works exemplary well, with smooth, direct shifts. A detail that highlights the historical rigor of this project is the choice of cross-ply tires, as fitted in the period. This technical decision underscores the focus on a correct period setup, providing the driving experience and appearance Mercedes-Benz intended in the 1960s.
INTERIOR
The cabin has been completely renewed in a luxurious camel color that harmonizes perfectly with the blue exterior. The upholstery shows no appreciable wear; only a few natural marks are visible on the footwell carpets, the result of recent, careful use. All the instrument dials and the period radio work correctly, keeping the dashboard fully operational. As an especially exclusive touch, the car includes a set of custom-made cream leather suitcases, designed to fit perfectly in the trunk and add the distinction required for the most elegant period-style journeys.
DOCUMENTATION
The car comes with all the documentation required for transfer and road use. The comprehensive restoration is evident in the vehicle’s condition, and documentation of the recent mechanical work is provided to certify that the car is in excellent condition and has been properly maintained. The traceable, ground-up rebuild makes this a sound investment and a superior-quality vehicle in its segment.
COLLECTION
The Mercedes-Benz is located in Madrid, Spain. After the lot is awarded, the new owner will have a ten-day grace period of free storage at our premises. This allows ample time to arrange transportation or the necessary formalities for collecting the vehicle in person.
OTHER INFORMATION
This 190 SL is the ideal combination of pure classic styling and the peace of mind that comes with a complete restoration. Its matching suitcases and the attention to detail shown in its cross-ply tires make it a perfect candidate for concours events or for enjoying the finest open-road routes. This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire an icon that, thanks to its ground-up restoration, feels and drives as though it had just left the showroom in 1960.
GENERAL
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (W121) is one of the most glamorous and recognizable roadsters in motoring history. Introduced in 1960, it was the smaller, more practical sibling of the legendary 300 SL “Gullwing.” During this era, Mercedes-Benz defined the concept of the luxury “Gran Turismo,” combining superb mechanical engineering with an elegance that captivated Hollywood stars and European high society. This particular example has undergone a comprehensive frame-off restoration, having been dismantled piece by piece and rebuilt from the ground up. The goal was to return it to as-new condition, making it a car that is not only visually striking but also mechanically impeccable, while preserving the essence of Max Hoffman’s design, which helped save the brand in the postwar years.
BODYWORK AND PAINT
It has been painted in metallic blue which, although not part of the official 1960 color palette, is an absolute aesthetic success that accentuates the model’s chrome curves. The paint has a deep, lustrous shine; it was applied approximately three years ago and has always been kept covered in a garage. As you would expect of a car that has been carefully enjoyed since its restoration, it has a few minor imperfections and isolated scuffs, all duly documented in the photographs. These small signs of use are evidence that the car has been driven and do not detract from its overall condition. The underside is concours-quality, having been restored 100%, and is as clean and pristine as a car fresh from the production line.
MECHANICALS
The heart of this 190 SL has been fully restored, ensuring the reliability needed for long-distance journeys without hesitation. After three years of post-restoration running-in, the valves have just been adjusted and the car given a comprehensive tune-up to ensure the engine performs with its original smoothness and precision. The gearbox works exemplary well, with smooth, direct shifts. A detail that highlights the historical rigor of this project is the choice of cross-ply tires, as fitted in the period. This technical decision underscores the focus on a correct period setup, providing the driving experience and appearance Mercedes-Benz intended in the 1960s.
INTERIOR
The cabin has been completely renewed in a luxurious camel color that harmonizes perfectly with the blue exterior. The upholstery shows no appreciable wear; only a few natural marks are visible on the footwell carpets, the result of recent, careful use. All the instrument dials and the period radio work correctly, keeping the dashboard fully operational. As an especially exclusive touch, the car includes a set of custom-made cream leather suitcases, designed to fit perfectly in the trunk and add the distinction required for the most elegant period-style journeys.
DOCUMENTATION
The car comes with all the documentation required for transfer and road use. The comprehensive restoration is evident in the vehicle’s condition, and documentation of the recent mechanical work is provided to certify that the car is in excellent condition and has been properly maintained. The traceable, ground-up rebuild makes this a sound investment and a superior-quality vehicle in its segment.
COLLECTION
The Mercedes-Benz is located in Madrid, Spain. After the lot is awarded, the new owner will have a ten-day grace period of free storage at our premises. This allows ample time to arrange transportation or the necessary formalities for collecting the vehicle in person.
OTHER INFORMATION
This 190 SL is the ideal combination of pure classic styling and the peace of mind that comes with a complete restoration. Its matching suitcases and the attention to detail shown in its cross-ply tires make it a perfect candidate for concours events or for enjoying the finest open-road routes. This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire an icon that, thanks to its ground-up restoration, feels and drives as though it had just left the showroom in 1960.
Details
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Model type
190SL
Year
1960
Located in
Spain
Mileage reading
1000 km
Registration papers
with Spanish registration
Transmission
Manual
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
Blue
Horse power
100
Cubic capacity
1897
Matching numbers
Unknown
Matching colours
Unknown
Service book/history
No
Valid MOT
Yes
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Condition (Exterior)
Very Good: minor chips or scratches, minor conventional body and paintwork
Condition (Interior)
Very Good: clean, showing minimal wear. May require replacement of minor missing or broken parts
Condition (Frame and Underbody)
Excellent: frame/structure is in a perfect condition, no signs of rust or damages
Condition (Mechanical)
Excellent: mechanically sound, no work to be done, no leaks, no service needed
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.
