1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Built alongside and sharing many of the iconic styling features of the legendary 300SL Roadster, the Mercedes 190SL combined superlative build quality with understated styling and a not insignificant, 108 BHP from the 1.9 litre four cylinder engine. An instant hit, the three-pronged star sparkled among the gloom of post-war austerity. The 1955 launch of the 190SL cemented Mercedes Benz's reputation as the car manufacturer for those who required understated elegance, superb build quality and a good turn of speed. Its hugely successful production ran to 25,881 cars from 1955 until 1963, mainly in left-hand drive form, with most going to the North American market. Understandably few were made in right-hand drive, and according to records the total number of cars destined for the British right-hand drive market stood at 562, with only 53 of these arriving here in 1962.

This lovely, right-hand drive, 4-speed manual 190SL dates from 1962 and is finished in Silver with a Dark Blue leather interior and blue carpets. The folding soft top roof is also in blue, and as an added bonus the car has a fully restored, colour coded Silver hardtop.

We understand that the car underwent a full restoration in 1986 by Brierley Autos in London, and the full details of this are contained in the history file, alongside a photographic record of the work as it was carried out. Naturally, the restoration included stripping the vehicle back to bare metal prior to a full respray and a full interior re-trim with quality blue Connolly hide, including matching blue leather sun visors in the hardtop. The engine and gearbox were overhauled in 1990 by John Griffiths and the car apparently still drives like a dream.

Some 30 years after its rebuild this 190 still looks in very good shape. The seats have a wonderful lived in feel and the colour has faded just slightly to a sort of Nautical Blue and look so much better than bright, freshly restored ones, fitting in perfectly with the feeling of 'sporting gentility' of these early sixties roadsters.The cockpit is fine, if a little tired, and the Bakelite wheel is free from cracks. The silver paintwork appears very good generally but some areas would definitely benefit from attention, particularly in the door shuts and other less obvious areas. The brightwork looks good throughout with a little pitting on a couple of the badges, and the engine bay is clean and tidy.

Supplied with its V5C. history file and a new MoT, this timeless classic is ready to provide its new owner with some glorious summer motoring.