Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
ENGINE 1897cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 120bhp@5700rpm TORQUE 101lb ft@3800rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 99mph 0-60MPH 13sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 25-33mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 3481 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Fire up the engine and the oil pressure needle goes to the end of its dial – a good start. Choke can be pushed home quickly, but we suspect that the carburettors may need a tweak to improve smoothness. There’s quite a metallic note from the stainless steel exhaust. The delicate gear lever snicks through all four ratios and reverse with ease, while the brakes – with their ‘brake booster’ – are very effective. It feels incredibly stable on the road, still behaving itself just as Stuttgart intended.
BODYWORK CHECK
This off-white roadster came to the UK from Los Angeles in 2010 and underwent a bare metal restoration and engine re-build at Redcastle Classics, at which time the odometer was reset. It’s covered fewer than 3500 miles since then, so the paint and chrome remain immaculate. The new black Sonnerland hood fitted during the re-build is still in superb order, too. Impressively, the underside of the car has been painted body colour – just as it would have been when new.
where the engine installation is almost as elegant as everything else. The crankshaft was reground, the engine re-bored, new Mahle pistons fitted and valve guides, valves and springs replaced during the 2010 work. The Solex carburettors were also re-built. Consequently, this is an engine that you’d be proud to show off. It looks completely stock, even down to the factory warning stickers – although more modern ones do point to the Evans waterless coolant that it now uses. It, like the rest of the fluids, is clean and to the desired level. The history box contains details of work done since its renovation, and its old Californian number plates.
THE CCW VIEW
This is a beautiful-looking example of one of MercedesBenz’s most stylish and graceful post-war machines, and is practically pristine both inside and out. While the price tag is hardly cheap, it’s justified given the quality of the work that has been carried out and the condition in which the car remains. There is very little to find fault with anywhere.
1970, 35000 miles, £8995, Very rare and in outstanding condition after a full restoration from the ground up 2 years ago, stunning show condition. 07796 133004, Twickenham