Pin Yu
Senior Client Service Administrator
LOT 91
1959 Mercedes-Benz SL 190 W12
Estimate: DKK700,000 - DKK850,000
Lot 91
1959 Mercedes-Benz SL 190 W12
After Hours: Cars, Wristwatches and Fashion at Bruun Rasmussen|27 October 2026, 18:30 CET|Copenhagen, Bruun Rasmussen
1959 Mercedes-Benz SL 190 W12
Delivered new by the official Danish Mercedes-Benz importer, Bohnstedt Petersen.
Beautifully preserved and original, finished in Feuerwehrrot (paint code DB 534) with black upholstery.
Previously part of the car collection of Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, while Klaus Pagh and Bent Fabricius-Bjerre are also said to have owned the car.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL W121 was introduced as a more accessible and refined alternative to the iconic 300 SL, combining the unmistakable elegance of Mercedes-Benz with timeless proportions and design. Its close relationship to the 300 SL is evident in its graceful lines and distinctive styling. As values of the 300 SL have risen considerably, the 190 SL has established itself as a more attainable way into the world of early Mercedes-Benz SLs.
Under the bonnet, the 190 SL houses a 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine derived from the six-cylinder unit of the 300 SL. The two cars also share a number of components, and with 105 bhp, the 190 SL offered considerably more power than competitors such as the Porsche 356.
The 190 SL offered here was delivered in 1959 by Danish Mercedes-Benz importer Bohnstedt Petersen. In 1985, it was purchased by Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, son of LEGO founder Ole Kirk Christiansen. The consignor is banker and Mercedes-Benz enthusiast Steen Anholm Møller, and according to his widow, this 190 SL was previously owned by Klaus Pagh, who is said to have acquired it from Bent Fabricius-Bjerre. This is supported by the current owner, who was in contact with Klaus Pagh and was given the car's two original handbooks at the time. The current owner himself purchased the car from a dealer who had acquired it from an estate owner on Funen.
The red 190 SL presents in remarkably well-preserved condition, with an exceptionally high standard throughout both the exterior and interior. The engine is equally clean and well presented, while the cabin retains its original Becker radio set into the colour-matched dashboard, together with the car's original clock. The car also retains its original black enamel registration plates, which it carried when Godtfred Kirk Christiansen purchased it in 1985. This is documented by a photograph published in an article in Vejle Amts Folkeblad, which naturally accompanies the car.
This is not only an exceptionally well-preserved 190 SL, but also a Danish-delivered example with compelling provenance.
Delivered new by the official Danish Mercedes-Benz importer, Bohnstedt Petersen.
Beautifully preserved and original, finished in Feuerwehrrot (paint code DB 534) with black upholstery.
Previously part of the car collection of Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, while Klaus Pagh and Bent Fabricius-Bjerre are also said to have owned the car.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL W121 was introduced as a more accessible and refined alternative to the iconic 300 SL, combining the unmistakable elegance of Mercedes-Benz with timeless proportions and design. Its close relationship to the 300 SL is evident in its graceful lines and distinctive styling. As values of the 300 SL have risen considerably, the 190 SL has established itself as a more attainable way into the world of early Mercedes-Benz SLs.
Under the bonnet, the 190 SL houses a 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine derived from the six-cylinder unit of the 300 SL. The two cars also share a number of components, and with 105 bhp, the 190 SL offered considerably more power than competitors such as the Porsche 356.
The 190 SL offered here was delivered in 1959 by Danish Mercedes-Benz importer Bohnstedt Petersen. In 1985, it was purchased by Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, son of LEGO founder Ole Kirk Christiansen. The consignor is banker and Mercedes-Benz enthusiast Steen Anholm Møller, and according to his widow, this 190 SL was previously owned by Klaus Pagh, who is said to have acquired it from Bent Fabricius-Bjerre. This is supported by the current owner, who was in contact with Klaus Pagh and was given the car's two original handbooks at the time. The current owner himself purchased the car from a dealer who had acquired it from an estate owner on Funen.
The red 190 SL presents in remarkably well-preserved condition, with an exceptionally high standard throughout both the exterior and interior. The engine is equally clean and well presented, while the cabin retains its original Becker radio set into the colour-matched dashboard, together with the car's original clock. The car also retains its original black enamel registration plates, which it carried when Godtfred Kirk Christiansen purchased it in 1985. This is documented by a photograph published in an article in Vejle Amts Folkeblad, which naturally accompanies the car.
This is not only an exceptionally well-preserved 190 SL, but also a Danish-delivered example with compelling provenance.
Footnotes
For your convenience, the estimate is approximately £80,000 - £97,000 as of 5 Oct 2026
Model: Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
Year: 1959
Engine: 1.9-liter, four-cylinder, 105 hp
Transmission: Manual
Odometer reading: approx. 10,000 km
This lot is part of the After Hours Auction.
Additional information
Specialist section
Teresa Integlia
Senior Client Services Administrator
Nefeli Mandragouda
Pre Sale Manager CS, UK & Greek Sale Manager
Auction Viewings
- 23 October 2026, 10:00 - 17:00 CEST
- 24 October 2026, 11:00 - 15:00 CEST
- 25 October 2026, 11:00 - 15:00 CET
- 26 October 2026, 10:00 - 17:00 CET
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