Spectacular original 190SL with factory black paint and red leather interior. Only two owners from new and 19,000 miles. Ready for show or driving events.
SOLD
Matching Numbers. Chassis 12104010020325. Engine 12192110020448. 19,171 Original Miles. Original 040 Black Exterior. Original 1088 Red Roser Leather Interior. GST Beige Soft Top. Factory Hard Top (050 White). Fully Documented Concours Preservation Done By 190SL Authority Bruce Adams. Two Private Owners From New. Well Documented Provenance. Mileage Documented. Original Books, Tools, Jack and Spare
Provenance
This continuously cared for and outstandingly original 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL was purchased new by Stanley Ernst of Detroit, Michigan. Shortly after buying the car, Ernst decided he would drive the car to Fort Myers, Florida where he would keep it for the next 50 years as a driver during his winters there. The car was driven sparingly but always cared for during the ownership tenure of Ernst racking up a mere 16,592 miles. In August of 2010, still well dressed in its original black paint and perfectly patina’d red leather interior, Ernst sold the car to the current owner via 190SL expert and marque authority Bruce Adams of Southern Pines, North Carolina. Since purchasing the car, the current owner has put less than 3,000 miles on the car and has exercised the vehicle (and thoroughly enjoyed!) to the tune of roughly 100 miles per month.
Bruce Adams Preservation
During the same year of purchase (2010) by the current and 2nd owner, 190SL restorer Bruce Adams of Southern Pines, North Carolina was commissioned to perform a concours level preservation job on the car to keep in tact and bring out the truly outstanding potential of the original paint, interior, engine and undercarriage surfaces. During this preservation process, the car was completely disassembled. All components were individually addressed and nearly nothing was replaced, rather original surfaces were treated in their already good original condition to bring out the best of an excellent patina’d classic. No major components, cosmetic or mechanical, were fully restored or replaced during this process.
The car was given a fresh beige soft top during the preservation process performed by Adams as the original soft top had deteriorated beyond use. Also of particular note, the engine bay and engine itself was given a full, thorough cleaning/refreshment to concours standards and a mechanical servicing was done so that the car would perform to a very high standard. Adams preservation work on the car, which included fully disassembling and addressing areas on a case by case basis to preserve all possible originality and surfaces, is fully documented through both receipts and photographs which can be furnished to interested parties. Bruce Adams thought so much of this car that he chose to feature it in his definitive 190SL book (W121 Coupe and Roadster: 190SL Touring Sports Car) as one of the most rare and original of 190’s.
The Car Today
The car today is a stunning and highly original example of the 190SL Mercedes model. It retains both its brilliantly vibrant original black paint as well as its factory original roser red leather interior. This model is equipped with both hard and soft tops from the factory and comes with original books, records, tools, jack and spare. It is well documented regarding its history, mileage and service history. With only 19,171 miles from new, one would be hard pressed to find an example of the 190SL that checks all the right boxes as thoroughly as this car does.
In a striking color combination and wonderful original condition, this 190SL is ready for show or drive.
SOLD
