LOT 104

1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster with Hardtop Chassis no. 121.042.10.018306 Engine no. 121.921.7501171

Sold for €71,300 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 104

1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster with Hardtop

The Monaco Sale|24 April 2026, 15:00 CEST|Monaco, Fairmont Hotel

1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster with Hardtop
Chassis no. 121.042.10.018306
Engine no. 121.921.7501171

• Delivered new to California, USA
• Well presenting older restoration
• Subject to an extensive mechanical restoration in 2023
• Belgian Registration Certificate

This Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was owned for 20 years by the last custodian. One of 3,977 examples produced in 1960, this car was originally delivered to California and first registered on 1st July 1960. While its complete early history is not fully documented, it is widely believed that it spent its life in California.

Finished in a timeless Weiss-Grau (White-Grey) paintwork with a contrasting black convertible roof and a striking two-tone red interior, this 190 SL embodies understated luxury and classic style. Under the bonnet, you will find the reliable 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox and delivering the refined driving experience that defines the Mercedes-Benz heritage.
Around the year 2000, the car returned to Europe where it passed into the ownership of a passionate Belgian owner, affectionately known as 'Mr. Folie'.
The current owner acquired the car in 2006 and, together with his wife, enjoyed it as it was meant to be used: touring across Europe. Adding to its desirability, the Mercedes is accompanied by an extremely rare factory hardtop, a feature that enhances both its versatility and collectability.

In 2023-2024, this 190 SL underwent a comprehensive mechanical restoration by the renowned Belgian specialist MEOR at a cost of €105,000 which is documented with photographs and invoices, making this car ready for a new life full of classic rallies and journeys. Since the restoration, the car has covered only around 500 kilometres, used sparingly due to the owner's advanced age.
This is more than just a car, it is a beautiful example of the engineering excellence and timeless elegance that made Mercedes-Benz a symbol of quality and prestige in the 1960s and beyond. A rare opportunity, a proven companion for grand touring, and a true collector's piece accompanied by its Belgian title and a folder of invoices and pictures relative to the recent job carried out.

Footnotes

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster de 1960 avec toit rigide
N° de châssis : 121.042.10.018306
N° de moteur : 121.921.7501171
N° de carrosserie : 121.040.10.00875

• Livrée neuve en Californie, États-Unis
• Restauration ancienne de belle facture
• A fait l'objet d'une restauration mécanique professionnelle en 2023
• Certificat d'immatriculation belge

Cette Mercedes-Benz 190 SL a appartenu pendant 20 ans à son dernier propriétaire. L'un des 3 977 exemplaires produits en 1960, cette 190SL a été initialement livrée en Californie et immatriculée pour la première fois le 1er juillet 1960. Bien que son histoire complète ne soit pas entièrement documentée, on estime qu'elle a passé la majeure partie de sa vie sous le climat chaud et sec de la Californie.

Avec sa peinture intemporelle Weiss-Grau (blanc-gris), sa capote noir et son intérieur rouge, cette 190 SL incarne le luxe discret et l'élégance classique. Sous le capot, vous trouverez le fiable moteur quatre cylindres de 1,9 litre, associé à une boîte de vitesses manuelle à quatre rapports, offrant l'expérience de conduite raffinée qui caractérise l'héritage Mercedes-Benz.
Vers l'an 2000, la voiture est revenue en Europe où elle a été acquise par un passionné belge, affectueusement surnommé « M. Folie ».
Le propriétaire actuel a fait l'acquisition de la voiture en 2006 et, avec son épouse, l'a utilisée comme il se doit : pour parcourir l'Europe. Qui plus est, la Mercedes est accompagnée d'un hard-top d'origine extrêmement rare, une caractéristique qui la rend à la fois plus polyvalence et plus désirable.

En 2023-2024, cette 190 SL a fait l'objet d'une restauration mécanique complète par le célèbre spécialiste belge MEOR, pour un coût de 105 000 €, documentée par des photographies et des factures, attestant du soin méticuleux et de l'expertise investis pour préparer cette voiture à une nouvelle vie riche en rallyes classiques et en voyages. Depuis la restauration, la voiture n'a parcouru qu'environ 500 kilomètres, en raison de l'âge avancé de son propriétaire.
C'est plus qu'une simple voiture, c'est un magnifique exemple de l'excellence technique et de l'élégance intemporelle qui ont fait de Mercedes-Benz un symbole de qualité et de prestige dans les années 1960 et au-delà. Une opportunité rare, une compagne éprouvée pour les grands voyages, et une véritable pièce de collection accompagnée de son titre de circulation belge et d'un dossier contenant factures et photos relatives aux travaux récemment effectués.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Automobilia
- Cars