This 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL is an unfinished project, but one that seems to benefit from having the hard work already completed. The 190SL has become a serious collector’s item over the last decade, and good ones bring very real money at auction. Although it’s not as sporting as the 300SL and other models, it’s hard to beat for pure Mercedes-Benz style and open-air design. The 190SL pictured here has had the majority of its bodywork cleaned up and fresh paint applied, and it comes with the necessary matching numbers engine and transmission components (along with numerous others). Find the 190SL here on eBay with bidding at $31,300 and no reserve.
The seller doesn’t explain whether this was a customer car that was halted prematurely or simply a project they’ve started and decided to let the market dictate how much their labor is worth, but it does look like what’s been done was finished to a high standard. I realize you can only tell so much from a computer monitor, but the paintwork doesn’t reveal any orange peel in photos and the chrome bumper and related trim all present very well. The blue convertible top will pair nicely with a matching blue interior, and the seller confirms the optional hard top is included. Hopefully, the tail light lenses are as well.
The interior is in pieces at the moment, so you’ll have to finish the upholstery work yourself or find a shop to tackle it. The glove box is installed and the seller states that the seats, carpets, door panels, and dash are all original to the car. These components appear to be in good condition, but the seller doesn’t confirm if they have been previously restored or are just holding up incredibly well. The floors appear to be in excellent shape but no word as to whether those are original. The seller does confirm that the body and chassis benefit from extensive prep and finish work, including high-grade PPG pain. All of the brake and suspension components, sub-frame, differential, and miscellaneous parts were carefully media blasted and are ready to be installed back on the 190SL. The original Becker radio is also included.
For originals, the seats look quite nice. The seller confirms that the engine, gearbox, and all numbered components are matching to the car as well. With that info in hand and the apparently high state of preservation evident on components like the seats, one has to wonder why this restoration didn’t go all the way. The 190SL is a fairly safe bet in terms of restoring one and not exceeding its current market value, but I imagine one still has to be careful given this Mercedes model hasn’t seen explosive growth in terms of its collectability. Did someone get in over their heads and get cold feet about going deeper on this restoration project? It’s certainly possible, and it likely means the next owner will land a rust-free project that just needs finishing with some of the major headaches already addressed.
A good project for someone to finish especially since it’s had a very clean start.
With the bidding at $39,600 (& 20 hours left) I would think this would have to be looked at closely from a money perspective for someone living on this side of the pond since it’ll have to be imported from Portugal.
Have always liked the look of these 190’s.
Sold at $65,100
Amazing ! 15 + years ago we had several of these come through the shop for brakes, carb work, a quick paint job, etc. For not much more than a TR-6 or MGA , you could pick one up. That is the market today , the Real good stuff will hold value. Is the interest in 240’s/ 260’s currently the same? Fiat 124’s look good, again, who knows.
And the Fiat 124 is an entertaining car compared to the truck like Mercedes
Quality has a quality all of its own. It’s always going to be easier to tell someone you have a restored MB than a restored Fiat.
I’m always amazed at the prices on these. Back in 1969 my college roommate rolled his 190 sedan but the engine/drivetrain was good. We found a 190 SL at a hippy commune w/o a top or engine and weather beaten but basically rust free. We could have done an engine swap, new top and a running restoration but thought the $50 asking price was too much!