EXCLUSIVE: Two Mercedes 190SL Projects

Here’s a couple of big projects for a dedicated Mercedes enthusiast! This package deal includes a ’57 and a ’60 190SL. Both were in the process of being restored, but have just sat since the nineties. So, the time has now come for them to find a new owner who will finish the job! They are located in Tacoma, Washington and the owner, Chris, is asking$100k. Please use the form below to contact him if you’re interested.

This is the ’60 and it appears to be in the best shape of the two. It was painted in the nineties and was always kept inside. It is mostly complete and the majority of the drivetrain has already been rebuilt. It includes a hardtop, but no soft top. It’s hard to know for sure, but there’s some hope that this one could be put together without a respray.

Unfortunately, this blue ’57 is going to need everything. It was also repainted, but spent some time outside so there’s rust that needs to be addressed. It’s missing some parts and will need a full restoration before it can driveable again. The engine isn’t shown in the photos, but is claimed to currently be at the machine shop.

The restoration of these German roadsters is going to be a challenge, but you can get parts though Mercedes’ Classic Center so as long as you are motivated and well-funded, the task shouldn’t be insurmountable. Chris is asking an optimistic $100k, but I’m sure he would hear any reasonable offers. Let’s just hope that one or both of them are back on the road soon!

Thanks for listing these with us Chris! We hope they go to a good home and that the next owner will keep us updated on their progress. If any of you have an unfinished project that you are ready to let go of, please consider listing it here on Barn Finds!

Contact The Seller

Comments

  1. Avatar VWBussed

    Judging by recent auction prices, this may actually be a deal?

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jesse Staff

      You might be right. Personally, I’d sell the blue one and use the proceeds to finish the white one. If done right, someone might come out ahead.

      Like 0
  2. Avatar MH

    I personally think it’s the biggest waste of 100K. Parts are super expensive and very hard to find. You would be underwater in no time on these cars. The white one looks better but who really knows what’s missing once you dig into it. Parts cars.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jesse Staff

      Restore both and you could double your initial investment. I can think of worse ways to blow $100k… real estate, a boat, a new car…

      Like 0
      • Avatar dw

        …first marriage.

        Like 1
      • Avatar Jason

        Jesse, you guys really should recuse yourselves from commenting in favor of these sales when you have a vested financial interest.

        Like 0
  3. Avatar Glen

    I think a few more photos would be nice, considering the asking price!

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jesse Staff

      I’m sure Chris will oblige if you’re interested.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar chris

    so both cars have clear Washington titles the white 60 has i would say 99 percent all parts as well as all the chrome the blue 57 is missing a lot of parts 80 percent complete at best missing a lot of interior and chrome interior was left at an upholstery shop in the 90,s so no recovering it gone lost for ever chrome for the most part was left at the paint shop in the 90’s and same thing

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Bruce Best

    As cars these are great cruisers if you are not in a hurry. They are heavy and while they have good brakes for the time they are most certainly not up to todays standards. The mechanicals are good to excellent in them. The critical problems is that from what I have seen over the years they were designed to be rust traps. If you can verify that the bodies are all good metal this is a great deal. Even if you just wish to flip them but check very carefully.

    Of note the door jambs are aluminum cast on some of these. I do not know if all of them are or not but I have seen problems there and especially in the Eyebrows over the wheel wells. Those are leaded in and there is no rust protection on the back side. Over the year there are fine cracks that can develop there and then in a very quick time you have a massive rust problem.

    But they are beautiful when new, and when restored to a high level. I would not wish to own one but I love watching them drive by.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar olddavid

    This is ludicrous. These were dogs when new. Bad steering, bad brakes, and temperamental. My Mom had a 1960(?). Dad sold it and got her a Hillman Minx that she loved.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Dave Wright

    Least desirable most over rated Mercedes ever built. A dog to drive, a pretty body put on a stock 190 4 door chassis. I love the mark……have 6 right now…..but these are silly over priced, not rare and boring to drive. I have never understood the interest in them. When I bought my shop in Germany, there were several of them in the corner, traded them off for 356 Porsches as soon as I could. My 220Ses are 4 times the car for less money. This market is being driven by people that don’t know any better, have more money than good sense.

    Like 0
    • Avatar L.M.K.

      Dave, You nailed it !!

      Like 0
  8. Avatar Mike L

    I just don’t understand. The hatred for 356’s and their prices. But you push these over priced projects for what reason??

    Like 0

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