UK Merc – this time a 190 SL – joins in the auction action

Mark Bryan of H&H’S Classic Motorcycle department was on a trip to Solihull to value some bikes when he was shown this – an unrestored 1960 Mercedes-benz 190 SL in an old lock-up garage.

The car is an original Uk-registered, right-hand-drive example and appears substantially complete, if rather rotten and rough. Until recent months such a car would be expected to fetch no more than £20k-£25k but a startling result at CCA’S auction at the NEC Restoration Show in March altered perceptions – a 190 SL barn-find estimated at less than £30k sold for £73,700 despite significant rust and a steering wheel on the left.

The car here goes up for sale at H&H’S Duxford auction on July 26, estimated to sell at ‘up to £50k’ but offered with no reserve. The 190 SL has risen sharply in value but even this may not be enough to cover the high restoration costs that owners of 190 SLS find themselves facing.

Whoever buys this car will need deep pockets – but it looks eminently do-able

Original 190 SL is to be sold with no reserve but an estimate of up to £50k