1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 Db

Registration No: XYJ 552
Chassis No: 060371
MOT: Exempt

• Imported from the car friendly climate of Zimbabwe in 1994
• Subject to an extensive amount of restoration over the years
• Engine and gearbox overhaul costing some £17,360 (Nov 2018 - Aug 2020)
• A much-loved 'Ponton' that would grace many a classic car show

Among the final ‘Ponton’ derivatives, the 190 Db was introduced in June 1959. A decidedly handsome ‘three box’ saloon design utilising monocoque construction, it was equipped with all-round independent suspension (double wishbone front / swing axle rear) and four-wheel drum brakes. Powered by a 1.9 litre OHC four-cylinder diesel engine allied to four-speed manual transmission, the 190 D was decidedly more fuel efficient than its petrol siblings. With a quoted 55bhp on tap, it was reputedly capable of 120km/h. The addition of a lower case ‘b’ suffix to the various ‘Ponton’ model designations for 1959 signified the presence of new safety measures such as a padded steering wheel centre and padded dashboard top. Beautifully built and elegantly styled, the 190 Db shared its basic platform architecture with the 190SL sportscar. While one of its 180 D predecessors took class victory on the 1955 Mille Miglia at an average speed of 58mph.

According to its accompanying copy Fahrzeug-Daten card, chassis 121110-20-060371 was built to right-hand drive specification and delivered new to Mercedes-Benz’s Zimbabwean distributor on 20^th July 1961. Belonging to Harare resident Richard Burnett Esq some twenty-six years later, the 190 Db accompanied him when he relocated to Wootton Bassett during 1994. MOT tested on 10^th February 1994 at an indicated 18,236 miles prior to being UK registered as ‘XYJ 552’, the four-seater was acquired by its most recent registered keeper on 25^th January 2018 for £11,500. An independent inspection carried out by Meadvale Garage of Redhill shortly thereafter noted “no significant corrosion either present or repaired previously” but that the engine was burning oil. Self-evidently the subject of a past restoration during which it was repainted in its original Ivory and re-trimmed in Beige cloth, the Mercedes-Benz was entrusted to John Orr of Ockley Classics between November 2018 and August 2020 at an indicated 35,372 miles for a thorough engine overhaul (rebore, new camshaft, pistons, valves etc), gearbox check over / service, rejuvenated radiator and attention to the steering idler and braking system. The work cost £17,360 and was covered by a two-year warranty. Dated 24^th October 2022, an invoice on file from WJ Engineering Ltd of Peaslake attests to the injector pump being specialist repaired and the injectors sonically cleaned. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, the ‘Ponton’ remains notably smart. Rumoured to be one of just four or five 190 Db models in the UK, ‘XYJ 552’ is as rare as it is charming. Garaged alongside a host of other classic Mercedes-Benzs, its extensive history file includes the former Zimbabwean logbook, UK bills / MOTs dating back to 1994 and a wealth of period brochures and handbooks. Worthy of close inspection.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737