Here we have what appears to be a very solid-driving example of the Mercedes-Benz 190SL, a car that has enjoyed a precipitous price rise in recent years. It’s a very late 1963 model on Craigslist in Manhattan, though the photos appear to have been taken somewhere warmer and more suburban. The price is an eye-watering $129,000, which is in line with current values.
Only 104 190SLs were built in 1963, as the company geared up for the all-new 230SL Pagoda model. That makes it rare. This one seems to have been well enjoyed by its second owner, who’s had it since the 1980s. The 190SL, using the inline-four from the 190 sedan, was the affordable alternative to the magnificent 300SL (Roadster and “Gullwing”), now making millions at auction.
Driving them helps keep the originality up, and this one seems to have had plenty of road time. It sports its original four-cylinder engine, Solex carbs, four-speed manual transmission, and drivetrain. It “runs and drives great. Jump in and start it right, drive to your local restaurant for lunch. Always serviced and stored inside.”
Last November, this 190SL had its trouble-prone twin Solexes rebuilt and also got new tires, new brakes, new coils and plugs, steering linkage work, and an oil change. In previous visits to the shop, the alternator, brake booster, and water pump were rebuilt.
The car was painted a brilliant red in the late 1990s. The top was also replaced, and a hardtop is “available,” meaning you’d have to pay extra for it. Funny, at $129,000 you think they’d throw it in. The caramel interior looks good and complete in the photos, but the owner admits it “shows its age.” An engine photo would have been useful.
The 190SL did not always have such a lofty valuation. I paid $3,500 for my 1957 English-registered model with right-hand drive back in the 1980s. It was a 20-footer, having been “bodged” in England. New leather, top, and chrome were slapped onto a lot of Bondo. It ran OK, but those Solexes needed a rebuild. I sold it for $4,500 and was happy to see it go. And now look what has happened. I should have parked it in a corner of the garage. In ’57, by the way, MB sold 3,332 of these cars. And 1963 was by far the lowest production year.
A car this pretty, I can almost understand the price. But I’m afraid I can’t see it as a six figure car…
I helped restore a 1959190SL when I was in Germany in the Air Force. When finished, the owner sold it to an Army officer for $15,000. Maybe he should have held on to it!
Does anyone else wonder why a car of this caliber is not at the Mecum or Barrett Jackson runway? Hummm.
If I had to guess, I’d say the owner doesn’t want to pay the commission those auction houses charge.
He’a already asking top dollar. If he can get it himself, and avoid all of the hoopla, why not? Plus, some people want to meet and talk to the next custodian of their baby before the deal is done.
Photos appear to be in Florida, so perhaps the seller is a snowbird. Prices for these has settled a bit over the past two years, and this looks to be driver quality, not a #2 car. That it’s one of the last 104 isn’t important… chrome, interior and details all look tired. $85K tops.
Still a very nice looking car. Agree on the price.
Listing a car like this on Craigslist says, to me,
1:cheapskate owner
2: he didn’t like the estimated value he got from an appraiser.
Yeah, I don’t think there are palm trees in Manhattan, lol. A car this nice and exclusive should be selling on Hemmings, not CL. And he’s willing to trade for a 6.9, a car that’s not quite a 6-figure car? Caveat Emptor!
bubble, for these and the 230-280SLs. correction coming.
The value of this car has l jumped 100k over the last 40yrs. Is it worth it? I definitely believe so. Simply gorgeous 🤩