So many of the Mercedes-Benz 190SLs we feature command strong prices despite being seemingly hopeless restoration projects. This example has also been in long-term storage like many of those cars, but unlike them it actually runs and is relatively complete. It does have some fairly significant bodywork needs but that isn’t scaring bidders; it’s already bid to over $40K here on eBay with a day left in the auction.
As you can see, some evidence of bodywork is clearly visible along the trunk lid. The seller notes that the trunk pan is solid, and that it “…has new body patch panels.” On that last part, I’m assuming he means the rear quarters but that doesn’t explain what looks like bondo in the lower rear panel beneath the trunk lid. I’m not enough of a body man to know if that is a replacement patch or a mixture of body filler and primer to repair a dent from a light hit to the back. The bumper appears laser straight, however, and taillight lenses appear mint.
The seller notes the windshield is missing but the interior otherwise appears quite sound. The fittings all seem to be original, with no signs of switchgear missing and the original steering wheel and shift knob still in place. Windshield glass won’t be cheap but it isn’t impossible to find, either. The seller notes the front grill is also missing but that’s likely the same story as the windshield when it comes time to source a new one. I’m guessing the exterior is not the original color, as I doubt Mercedes sold a black-on-black 190SL in 1960.
Overall, I’m not surprised to see bidding so active for this 190SL. Prices have been rising for a while before cooling off as the worst examples started to be no-sales more often than not. However, there’s still money to be made on these for the car with good bones, and this example just might be a solid candidate for a top-flight restoration with profitability still baked in. Do you agree or has the market cooled to a point that even a project-grade car like this is a money-loser?
Already hideously overbid.
But figure whatever the final price…that you’ll spend an equal amount restoring it.
No thanks.
Whining aside…I’d so drop a AMG restomod on this puppy.Eight banger and red leather everywhere.
Some of the bids are zero bidders.. I never bid on an Item with zero bidders. They should be blocked.
If they are blocked, how will they ever get to win their first auction?
Most zero bidders are shill bidders… they never win any auction because they belong to the owner or his/her friends/family. They are used to drive up bids… They can win their first auction by actually being the high bidder, not a “mid” bidder. And every long-term eBay account holder knows and recognizes it. Notice once Reserves are met, there is rarely, if ever, a zero bidder who wins the auction. That’s because the owner of the item knows that if the auction meets reserve, he/she is on the hook for the eBay fees. They are using these accounts to edge it up near reserve in hopes that the next legitimate bidder will bid it above reserve… If it were left alone, the end price would likely be much lower.
Buy two pair of sporty goggles, drive it, and sell it next spring.You will have some great stories to tell and we will be happy to hear about the jerk you sold it to.(You know- the guy who is going to do a complete restoration after thinking he stole it from you)
Driven a few of these underpowered poor handing cousins to 300SL.
Best description I can give related to boating is SS DBag.
That’s interesting, I had and restored a 1959 many years ago and compared to equivalent euros of that generation it was a nice driver. Decent power, handled good, had disc brakes and is now worth more than most modern cars.40 years ago they were relatively inexpensive. Glad I wasn’t so short sighted.
Luki You are 110% correct in your summation of these beasties; I could add more but there is no further need to demean those creatures.
Just drive as-is. Be the envy of every 190 owner by driving it everywhere/anywhere and not worry about getting it dirty or dented up.
Wait until the buyer has to pay for the front grill and surround. Unbelievably expensive.
Achingly pretty car. Wouldn’t it be lovely if the next owner did just enough work on it to make it a daily driver? There are so many 190s and 300s that get big money restorations only to end up as trailer queens.
Or the wind up clock, the 59 was in the glovebox lid. In 1981 it was $450. Today it is in the $1000s
Would anybody with half an on-board computer expect anything to be cheap for this car? “Gee honey, I guess I bought the wrong car. Those darn kids at Pep Boys couldn’t find me a clock for the Mercedes”
Around 1990 I saw a red one that was tired but complete at a shop. They wanted 14K for it. It ran poorly and needed to be freshened up. I couldn’t find anyone to lend me the money to buy it and I sure didn’t have that much cash on hand. So it went to someone else. I also found a deal on Ebay 20 years ago where a guy had 8 of them for sale for 8K, again I couldn’t find the money to buy them. I have no difficulty locating these cars at all. Just never enough in my budget when I do. That is my tale of woe. :-)
With all due respect Pete, if you didn’t have the money to buy them, where would the money come from to fix them?
With all due respect Miguel , we’ve all done that ! Lol
As recently as ten or so years ago I would sometimes see a 300SL roadster in the Santa Cruz Mountains which looked about like this car. I don’t live there anymore, and I sometimes wonder if it’s still in the gloriously scruffy condition it was at the time, or if it’s had an open-checkbook restoration by now.