29th Mar, 2017 13:00

Imperial War Museum Duxford

 
  Lot 16
 

1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Sold for £106,875

(including buyers premium)


Lot details
Registration No: SSV 413
Chassis No: 12104020023629
Mot Expiry: Nov 2017

- 1 of only 562 right-hand drive examples made (from a total production run of 25,881)

- Two owners over the past twenty-seven years and resident in Spain for much of that time

- Uprated with Twin Weber carburettors (original Solex ones retained), Black leather upholstery and Black mohair hood

The 190SL was introduced in 1955 - the year Mercedes swept all before it on the Mille Miglia with the 300SLR. Indeed, the graceful, new two-door, convertible grand tourer was sold alongside the road-going version of the SLR - the 300SL - whose styling it strongly resembled. In fact, the underpinnings of the two cars were quite different and, while the 300SL had a purpose-built tubular spaceframe (W198), its smaller sibling was built on a shortened version of the 'Ponton' saloon (W121) platform, which was of monocoque construction. The 190SL also boasted an all-new engine - an over-square SOHC straight-four unit of 1897cc that produced some 120bhp, which was sufficient to propel the car to a maximum speed of 112mph. The engine was coupled to a manual four-speed gearbox. The suspension comprised double wishbones and coil springs at the front and a coil-sprung swing axle at the rear. Steering was by recirculating ball and braking by power-assisted drums all round. Built to the highest standards and among the quickest comparable cars of the time, the 190SL featured a well-appointed cockpit, notable comfort for its occupants and relatively generous luggage space. Under the circumstances, even the steep asking price of £2,693 did nothing to deter purchasers. Options included a third seat placed transversely behind the front ones which was big enough to carry an adult. The 190SL continued in production until 1963, when both it and the 300SL were replaced by the 230SL (W113). By this time some 25,881 190SLs had been produced (just over two percent of which were to right-hand drive specification).

One of just 562 190SLs built to right-hand drive specification, this particular example - chassis number 23629 - has been UK registered since August 1st 1976. Retained by its previous keeper, George Fisher Esq., for twenty-four years (1990-2014), the Mercedes-Benz was resident in both Scotland and Southern Spain during that time. Inspected by T&T Technical Services of Edinburgh during October 1995 on Mr Fisher's behalf, their report read as follows: 'The bodywork of the vehicle was found to be in first class condition with no evidence of excessive corrosion or perforation. We were unable to detect any extensive repairs which had been carried out to the bodywork and, in our opinion, it would appear that this vehicle is totally original and in as near perfect condition as is possible for a vehicle of this age. The paintwork was also in very good condition although it had, at some time in the past, been re-sprayed but to a very high standard . . . Apart from a slight oil leak from the rear of the engine the mechanical components and vehicle undercarriage were in original and undamaged condition. It is our opinion that this vehicle is as near original as it is possible for a vehicle of this type to be and from all accounts it appears to be totally original and has not been restored'. Doubtless aided by its sojourn in sunnier climes, the 190SL remains highly presentable some twenty-two years later. Entering the current ownership during 2014, the Mercedes-Benz has since benefited from the addition of twin Weber 40 DCOE carburettors (though, the original Solex ones have been retained should a new owner wish to reinstate them). Decidedly rare in right-hand drive guise, this stylish 190SL is offered for sale with owner's manual (1968 reprint), sundry paperwork, the aforementioned T&T Technical Services report and MOT certificate valid until 22nd November 2017.
 

All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

Auction: Imperial War Museum Duxford, 29th Mar, 2017

View all lots in this sale

Do you have an item to sell?

If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.

If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035

Contact Us Today!

 

Images

Drag and drop .jpg images here to upload, or click here to select images.


Turning the Page: A New Chapter for H&H Classics
Goon, Goon, Gone: Unique Peter Sellers 1960 Bentley heads to auction
Eclectic 150-plus classic car auction helps round out H&H’s milestone 30th year celebrations
One of the UK’s best driving Aston Martin DB5s heads to auction
Mid-century sports car icons race to Buxton auction
Former front cover ‘star’ heads to auction
Classic British motorcycles shine as 230 lots head to the National Motorcycle Museum auction
Racing legend Patsy Burt's Jaguar XK120 speeds to Buxton auction
22-strong single owner classic motorcycle collection heads to auction
Norton's racing heritage set to ignite the auction stage
Rare Frazer-Nash BMW with rich racing history to be auctioned
“The Rolls-Royce” of the motorcycle world, heads to      auction
Martini inspired Porsche 911 ‘RSR’ Tribute to head under the hammer
Rare ‘Car on Two Wheels’ heads to auction for the first time in 30 years
More than 100 classics sold in H&H’s 30th anniversary sale
Stunning classics worth more than £9 million offered in 30th anniversary auction
Rare Aston Martin DB1 heads to anniversary auction from long-term ownership
Rare Bentleys to star in 30th celebration auction
H&H Classics 30th Anniversary Auction
H&H unveils details of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Classic car owners handed ULEZ lifeline
H&H Classics auction Hurricane X-75 Prototype to National Motorcycle Museum
Vintage and modern classics lead the way at latest H&H sale
H&H offers exceptional range of vehicles spanning 11 individual decades
Pavilion Gardens. Wednesday 26th July 2023
A whimsical blast from the past: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang recreation heads to auction
From Italy with love: auction showcasing the essence of Italian design and sprezzatura
250 Motorcycles & Vintage Scooters Set To Go Under The Hammer!
March of the Mods: Lambretta owned by Paul Weller heads to auction
Lawbreakers to law enforcers: historic scooters with infamous connections up for sale
Jaguar SS100 among £2¼  million worth of classics sold at the Imperial War Museum
British classics to shine at H&H Classics’ sale
Historic Guinness Collection heads to auction
Browse The Catalogue Now! 135 Classic & Performance Cars To Go Under The Hammer.
Robbie Savage’s Ferrari F430 to be sold at H&H Classics
RAC Rally winning ‘Jaguar’ to be sold at auction
Former MP’s Bentley and Facel Vega ‘garage find’ among £1.3m worth of classics hammered away by H&H
Pavilion Gardens, Buxton Auction Preview Video
Genuine ‘matching numbers’ 1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback among 89 strong classic car auction
Rare Facel Vega ‘garage find’ heads to auction
Indian 4 and Lambretta DL200
Golden opportunity to acquire famous limited edition Italjet scooter
H&H Classics commences landmark year with sale of 121 cars
‘Brand new’ Porsche 911 heading to auction after 21 years
Brooklands race winning Bentley to go under the hammer
Actor, Sir Michael Caine’s first car, heads to auction. £100,000 - £150,000
A Very Rare Survivor. A 1936 Indian Four. £50,000 - £60,000
A Car that will Unite Romantics and Cynics Alike. A 1937 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Limousine