1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

This particular 190 SL started life in the US, before being purchased by the current keeper in 2005. It had sat unused for some time, so a thorough restoration was carried out, including a full respray, and reupholstering the interior. The dashboard matches the body colour and retains a full set of original gauges and switches, aside from the clock which was mislaid at some point; a chrome plate blocks the hole in the glove box lid. Original gear knob and steering wheel with chrome horn ring, showing a nice amount of patina. Spare wheel clamp present, but no spare wheel. There are a couple of cracks in the rear light clusters. Number plate surrounds not fitted but remain with the car.

Restored to a high standard

New paintwork

Reupholstered red leather interior

Rebuilt twin Solex carburettors

Newly plated chrome trim

If you want to arrive in style, there’s no better way to do it than in a 50s Mercedes. Back then, the hand-drawn lines of the 190 SL made it stand out from the crowd, with its beautifully arched wings and sculpted bonnet. It turned heads then, just as it still does today.

The 190 is certainly worthy of a place in your garage. It glides effortlessly along the road, with its smooth four-cylinder engine purring beneath the bonnet. And with a top speed of 107 mph, which is pretty impressive for a mid-century small-engined car, you won’t struggle to keep up with modern traffic wherever you go.

The car is now presented in superb condition, looking almost new inside and out. The original steering wheel remains unrestored, as a nod to the car’s age and preservation. More recently, the twin Solex carburettors have been rebuilt and tuned, in order to get the most out of the 1,897 cc engine.

Such a beautiful car in such good condition is surely an opportunity not to be missed.