This 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL was acquired approximately 10 years ago by its current owner, who commissioned a refurbishment by North Carolina 190SL specialist Bruce Adams in 2015. Work included a repaint in Anthracite Grey Metallic with a black hardtop, a re-trim of the interior in tan leather, installation of a black soft top, and overhauls of the running gear and electrical system. The numbers-matching 1.9L inline-four was rebuilt in early 2016 and is paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Additional equipment includes twin Weber carburetors, vacuum-assisted hydraulic drum brakes, independent suspension, a Becker Europa radio, and an aftermarket push-button start system. This W121 is now offered on dealer consignment in Missouri with a copy of its factory data card, invoices from the refurbishment, a pair of Solex carburetors, a tool kit, and a clean Montana title.
Originally finished in Fire Engine Red, the body was repainted in its current shade of Anthracite Grey Metallic (172) during the refurbishment carried out in 2015. Body work included repairs to the nose and replacement of the front floor pans, frame rails, and front rail caps. Brightwork was replated by Custom Chrome Plating in Grafton, Ohio, and the trunk and door seals were replaced. A clear protection film has been applied over the paint on the leading edges.
Steel 13” wheels were repainted to match the body, as were the hubcap centers, and Vredestein Sprint Classic whitewall tires are mounted at each corner as well as on a matching spare. The back surfaces of the hubcaps and bumpers were painted in White Grey (158). The large-window hardtop was repainted in its original shade of black, and a black Sonnenland soft top was installed.
The cabin is trimmed in tan leather over replacement horsehair seat pads as well as over the door panels, dash, and top well, the latter of which is accompanied by a matching boot. Tan square-weave carpeting lines the rear shelf, and a set of black and tan Coco Mats protect black rubber mats in the footwells. A replacement ivory-color steering wheel was installed along with a matching horn button, shift knob, and turn signal knob. Black lap belts are in place for both occupants.
Refurbished VDO instrumentation housed in the body-color dash includes a 140-mph speedometer and a 7k-rpm tachometer. The five-digit odometer shows 55k miles, with true mileage unknown. A Becker Europa radio is situated in the center dash. A push-to-start button has been added to the lower right of the instrument cluster.
The 1.9-liter M121 inline-four was rebuilt in 2016 with replacement components including rod and main bearings, Ross pistons, and valves guides and springs. The block and cylinder head were machined, the camshaft was ground, polished, and balanced, the rods were reconditioned, and the single overhead camshaft was polished. Work performed in 2015 included the addition of 123ignition electronic ignition and refreshment of the cooling, electrical, and fuel systems. One of the twin Weber sidedraft carburetors was replaced with a rebuilt unit in 2020, and the other was also rebuilt earlier the same year. Additional service in 2020 included a valve adjustment, a tune-up, wiring repairs for the electric fuel pump, and replacement of the manual fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs, and ignition rotor. Results of compression and leakdown tests performed in 2020 are listed on invoices shown in the photo gallery below.
Engine number 121921-10-020110 is shown stamped on the block above, matching the engine number listed on the data card. Karosserie number 121040-10-02652 is shown on the body tag in the gallery below.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission that was rebuilt during the 2015 refurbishment. The selling dealer notes the presence of a stutter in third gear. The steering, suspension, braking, and exhaust systems were freshened during the refurbishment. The brake master cylinder and reservoir were replaced in 2020, and a fluid flush was performed. A tour of the undercarriage is viewable in the video above, and corrosion is noted on underside hardware.
The data card lists the original colors and components numbers, as well as the following options:
- 55128/1 – Soft top for coupe supplied loose
- 10009-121 – Special outer guidance for USA
- 55087-5 – Rearview mirror, left, outside, supplied loose
- 55031-1 – Bumper guards
- 55096-4 – Becker Europa with Reims adapter
- 10142-1 – Five whitewall tires
Included in the sale is a pair of Solex carburetors, along with an owner’s manual and a tool kit. Invoices from the refurbishment can be seen in the gallery below, along with invoices from 2020 services performed by Reid Vann Luxury Import Specialists in St. Louis, Missouri.
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