1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Convertible Project

• Engine, chassis and bodywork restored
• Respray to be done
• Electrics need sorting
• All removed parts available

For those insufficiently wealthy to afford its hyper-expensive race-bred sports car - the 300 SL - Mercedes-Benz offered the less exotic but no less refined 190 SL. Announced in 1954 and based on the 180 saloon whose all-independently-suspended running gear it used, the 190 SL did not enter production until January 1955, the delay being caused by alterations aimed at strengthening the saloon's shortened platform to compensate for the open body's reduced stiffness. "Very few new sportscars have been so eagerly awaited or so long in coming as the moderately priced SL version of the Mercedes-Benz," observed Road & Track magazine.

Mounted on a detachable subframe along with the four-speed manual gearbox, front suspension and steering, the power unit was a 1,897cc overhead-camshaft four - the first such engine ever to feature in a Mercedes-Benz. Breathing through twin Solex downdraft carburettors, the M121 unit produced 105bhp DIN (120bhp SAE) at 5,700rpm, an output sufficient to propel the 190 SL to 100km/h (62mph) in 14.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 171km/h (106mph). Refined, comfortable and stylish, the model was a big hit in the USA, where many of the slightly fewer than 26,000 produced between 1955 and 1963 found homes.

Originally finished in white with red leather interior, this Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is offered as a part-restored project. When the car arrived at its home in York it was complete apart from the two chrome strips above the sills. The Mercedes has since been dismantled but all parts are now boxed ready for collection so anyone rebuilding the vehicle has everything they need except for the chrome strips mentioned above.

We are advised that the engine, chassis and bodywork have all been restored, leaving the respray to be carried out, the electrics sorted, and some refurbishment of the interior (fully restored in 2008). The body is mounted on a dolly and most of the removed parts are contained in no fewer than 15 boxes. Other parts have been wrapped due to their size, while there are some packed in the boot and more in the car itself. The engine is mounted on a pallet together with the (manual) gearbox and differential. There are photographs and invoices relating to the restoration on file and the car also comes with a V5C document. Sold strictly as viewed.