1959 LHD MERCEDES 190SL
Manufactured in 1959, the chassis number (121 042 10 95 01161) indicates the car was the 1,161st 190SL to roll off the production line from a total of 3949 produced that year. At the time, the Mercedes factory was at the peak of it’s 190SL production and during its nine years lifespan, a total of 25,881 190 SL’s were built.
This particular car was ordered for delivery in April 1959 to a Monsieur Benet in Tangier, Morocco. It was painted in Mercedes red (rot 534) with cream coloured interior and a beige soft-top and must have looked stunning when delivered to its first owner.
The vehicle delivery sheet indicates that a number of extras were specified by Monsieur Benet which included:
- Speedometer. rev-counter etc with English markings.
- Windshield Washer system (not standard!).
- Rear (and rare) third passenger seat.
- Rear over-ride bumpers.
- Whitewall tyres.
SUMMARY
The car makes no pretensions of being “concourse” and as a result, does not carry a large price tag. I would describe the car as being in very good condition, being well looked after by what appears to have been a series of careful and appreciative owners.
Since 2001, the car has covered less than 2,000 miles (documented).
Interior
The interior is in excellent condition with carpeting and upholstery as new. The car has the hard to find rear “occasional” seat which will need re-covering. Dash chrome work is in reasonable condition considering some of the dials are the original ones. Switch gear appears to have only been replaced when the original has failed and therefore the car retains a feeling of period elegance rather than having a distinctly repro-look. Click here for larger interior photos.
Exterior
Bodywork is in good condition in terms of rust. There are no exterior blemishes but as is natural with a car that is over 50 years old, constant monitoring is advisable. The fabric hood is in excellent condition and the rear plastic window is clear and unblemished. All lighting works , as do window wipers, horn and windshield washers. Chrome work is pretty good apart from a couple of very small knocks to the bumper. The car has recently been fitted with two new tyres. The rear boot is clean and contains a newish spare wheel as well as the original jack. Click here for larger exterior photos.
Engine
The 1.9 engine is fitted with twin 40DCOE Weber carburettors, in most people’s opinion preferable to the factory fitted Solex option, which can be troublesome. The engine always starts up from cold on the second try and runs smooth once warmed. The engine bay is clean and tidy and benefits from a number of recent new parts purchased by myself. Click here for larger engine bay pictures.
