Old Mercedes-Benz 190SLs are no stranger to Barn Finds and quite a few are in more deleterious condition than this Rosedale, Maryland resident which is a 1957 example. Considered by the seller to be a “great restoration project“, this red two-seater is available, here on craigslist for a “pretty firm(?)” price of $47,000. A tip of the hat is due to T.J. for this discovery.
We’re told that this Benz is “fairly complete” though I know from some creative wordsmithing that “fairly” can cover a lot of width. Some trim is noted as missing but so is the rear bumper, the door handles, the driver’s door rearview mirror, and Mercedes’ distinctive wheel covers. The finish is pretty worn and just not looking too smooth – it’s hard to tell from the images if it’s the actual paint, what’s underneath it, or a little bit of both. Noted are scrapes and chipped paint with a certain lumpiness in places that could be indicative of poorly repaired rust. There are a few underside images and one, in particular, looks as if it is revealing a seam-separated floor pan. While the folding top is worn looking, it appears to still have integrity.
The 104 HP, 1.9 liter, inline, four-cylinder engine would seem to be long dormant judging from what looks like a healthy smattering of dirt and dust spread around the engine compartment. Operating together with a four-speed manual transmission, the seller makes no statement regarding the engine/transmission’s operability or potential condition – yes it’s a non-runner.
Inside is about what one would expect considering the exterior’s presentation. The bucket seat’s beige upholstery is faded but not ripped or disintegrating and the instrument panel appears to have a full complement of gauges, though the radio and some other components are missing. The steering wheel is cracked, the center horn cap is missing as are the door cards. The total environment is in fair shape but needs at least a minimal amount of attention for any kind of enjoyable motoring use.
The 190SL was a “fairly” popular car. Offered between 1955 and 1963, about 25K copies left Stuttgart – not overly common, but not a rare bird either. Back to that “pretty firm” price of $47,000, it seems pretty high considering this car’s condition and the fact that the seller adds, “lost the keys and don’t have title“. Restored examples easily reach six-digit territory while lessor, “driver quality” versions can be $75K plus. So, knowing that, what do you think, priced right, or not quite?
I think the seller is a little too optimistic. Here is an example of a pristine one selling at auction closing 11/10
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1958-mercedes-benz-190sl-25/?utm_source=dm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2022-11-10
Like the rusty BMW you can bet that the nonsealed engine is toast. Seller really needs to lay off the heavy stuff after putting a price like that on pretty much a bunch of nothing.
I have had the misfortune of helping to restore a couple of these and they are a nightmare on four wheels. The eyebrows over the wheels are on problem but the door jambs are cast aluminum bonded to the rest of the structure. There is almost nothing that is simple on this car. It has all the complexity in the body of the 300SL without the performance. It is a great boulevard cruiser but not a performance car unless you are challenging a turtle. It is NOT a bad car just very complex and expensive for what it is.
With parts missing including major parts I would suggest treatment for the owner that would include a padded room. I like the looks and the comfort. They look great going down the road just know they are painfully expensive to restore and that there are rust traps all over that body.
No keys and lost title, Run Forrest Run.
Condition issues, OK. Missing parts, No problem. No title and no keys- Problem. Does the seller really expect someone to drop nearly $50k on a handshake, a wink, and a promise? And that’s just the buy-in. There’s a sucker born every minute, but there are 10 con men for each one. I’m not accusing the seller- I have no knowledge of how he found himself in this position. All I can is “Run away! Run away!
Buy it now, or wait until Gullwing Motors scoops it up and doubles the asking price.
Nothing wrong with these cars. We maintained plenty back when 190’s were just another driver sports car, like a AH 3000, this one is rough and overpriced, a prerequisite for this site. The title history will be up to the buyer to research, if legit , I would advise buyer , depending on inspection, $ 10K, too many potential problems, considering what you can buy a driver for, buyer will spend $30K just to make it a driver, minus cosmetics.
Another subscriber to Junk dealer retail price guide. No Title, poor paint job, nonrunner all for the fascinating price tag of $47K.. Boy is this one the granddaddy of all nightmares if you are so foolish as to pay such an outrageous price for a pile of scrap metal. I don’t know what this guy’s been drinking but it seems to be pretty potent stuff.
I’d take our ‘63 MGB over one of these from a pure driving standpoint. The prices of 190s seem far out of proportion to the driving experience they provide. They do resemble the 300SL roadster, so maybe that’s the attraction.
Back in the late 70´s I wanted one of those badly. My father had and still has one and I was searching for a decent and reasonable priced one. Even back then they were quite expensive and quite rusty, so I settled with Sprites, Midgets, MG B´s and stepped to Jaguar. Never looked back but I do get to drive the 190SL from my father occasionally, and finally I accept the sluggish engine and the soft ride. But I would not exchange a MG B for one of those. So much more fun!
Keep on rolling, regards from Tyrol!