1959-60 Microcar Collection
March 2, 20181970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL
March 12, 2018
Delfin Blue | Roadster | 4 Speed Manual | 1.9 litre | 61,307 miles showing | SOLD
Beautifully restrained, elegant, and just about perfect. An article from the New York Motor Show best described the Mercedes Benz 190 SL as "a stunning new production sports car that offers three hits – Race bred performance, luxurious comfort and operational robustness - with no errors”.
Based on the curvaceous shape of the race-going Gullwing and with bank-vault solid construction the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL hails from an era when automotive design wasn’t constrained by an accountant’s felt-tip and has meant that today this space age sports classic is one of the most collectable and recognisable cars of the modern era.Breathing through twin Solex downdraft carburettors, the 190’s velvety M121 power unit produces 105 hp at 5,700rpm, the first engine of its kind for Mercedes-Benz and enough to propel the 190 SL from a standing start to 100 km/h in 13 seconds - more Hollywood Boulevard than Targa Florio but enough to get the heart racing.
An original right hand drive car delivered new to Hong Kong, this rare Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was beautifully restored in 2005 and once owned by CTS, today presenting in period Delfin Blue with White hard top over Navy trim.
Recently released from a long term, private collection this stunning cars interior has been expertly refurbished.
The characteristically 50’s/60’s Benz dash carries all of its original chrome VDO dials and Bakelite switches in perfectly preserved condition, the original Bakelite steering wheel and shift knob are smooth to the touch, even the original Becker Mexico stereo is still present and the new carpets are so precisely fitted whilst the correct leather seats hug the driver and passenger well.
This car also features a set of rare rear seats, leg room- optional.
Quintessentially German mechanical touches to the car are the sharply defined 4 speed manual transmission that requires only a light touch to change gear, while swing axles in the rear and double wishbones up front, plus rack and pinion steering work to provide plenty of driver feedback and the overall feel behind the wheel of this well maintained car is totally engaging, never ever, boring.
Accompanied by its hard to find “Large Window” hardtop, Navy soft-top, the original Owner’s Manual and Hong Kong Registration booklet, service receipts dating back to the late 1970’s and its original tool-kit this 190 SL is excellently well prepped for its next custodian.
Alongside the glamorous and fabulously expensive 300 SL Gullwing, the 190 SL has always maintained its own cachet of collectability. Its all-synchromesh four speed gearbox, sports touring driving dynamics and combination of top-down or hard-top-on motoring make it perfectly user friendly.
Finding a 190 SL in such excellently well restored condition, original right hand drive and distinctive provenance is incredibly hard and with values and interest ever increasing, this car being released after such a lengthy period off the market presents a unique opportunity to invest in one of the country’s leading edge examples.
Recently released from a long term, private collection this stunning cars interior has been expertly refurbished.
The characteristically 50’s/60’s Benz dash carries all of its original chrome VDO dials and Bakelite switches in perfectly preserved condition, the original Bakelite steering wheel and shift knob are smooth to the touch, even the original Becker Mexico stereo is still present and the new carpets are so precisely fitted whilst the correct leather seats hug the driver and passenger well.
This car also features a set of rare rear seats, leg room- optional.
Quintessentially German mechanical touches to the car are the sharply defined 4 speed manual transmission that requires only a light touch to change gear, while swing axles in the rear and double wishbones up front, plus rack and pinion steering work to provide plenty of driver feedback and the overall feel behind the wheel of this well maintained car is totally engaging, never ever, boring.
Accompanied by its hard to find “Large Window” hardtop, Navy soft-top, the original Owner’s Manual and Hong Kong Registration booklet, service receipts dating back to the late 1970’s and its original tool-kit this 190 SL is excellently well prepped for its next custodian.
Alongside the glamorous and fabulously expensive 300 SL Gullwing, the 190 SL has always maintained its own cachet of collectability. Its all-synchromesh four speed gearbox, sports touring driving dynamics and combination of top-down or hard-top-on motoring make it perfectly user friendly.
Finding a 190 SL in such excellently well restored condition, original right hand drive and distinctive provenance is incredibly hard and with values and interest ever increasing, this car being released after such a lengthy period off the market presents a unique opportunity to invest in one of the country’s leading edge examples.