1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL

We know that this car, one of only 2,722 190 SLs completed during the 1958 model year, spent many years in America, but the kms calibration on the odometer leads us to believe that it probably started out in Europe.

Either way, it was in the US from 1994 until 2018, when it came to live in the UK.

By then, it had undergone a major refurbishment/restoration in 2005, during it which it was repainted in the rare and attractive hue of Ivory (DB608) – its original colour.

In addition to the bodywork refurbishment in 2005 the car was also subject to an engine overhaul, interior re-trim, new soft-top and comprehensive re-chroming.

The gauges were renovated, the brake servo, water pump and shock absorbers were replaced, and the wheel bearings were repacked.

In the service of improving power, reliability and ease of use, the original Solex carburettors were replaced by the Mikuni units you’ll find under the bonnet today.

More recently, respected classic car whisperers Southern Classics of Twickenham got to work on the car in November 2024.

The work carried out by them included a brake system overhaul, replacement prop-shaft coupling, alternator mounting kit, new engine mounts (x4) and fresh anti-roll bar bushes (x8), and plenty of other itemised work - at a cost of nearly £6,000.

The result is a really very good example that needs just a few finishing touches to restore all of its considerable former glory.

The car presents very well from every angle and is reassuringly free of any significant dents, creases, folds or dinks that we can see.

The shut-lines and panel gaps are excellent and the doors close with all the heft and precision we’ve come to expect of Stuttgart’s finest.

The Ivory paint has also held up very well in general, and the shine and lustre are impressive for a paint job that’s nearly 20 years old.

The chrome work is in fine fettle pretty much everywhere, save for a couple of small bumps on the rear bumper and a couple more on the n/s/f over-rider.

The car’s beige fabric hood has withstood the passage of time with commendable stoicism. We spotted two very small nicks to the fabric on the hood above the passenger door – but they don’t go all the way through and are really very minor, in our opinion.

The wheels are fine, and the colour-keyed hub caps with their Mercedes-Benz logos look very good indeed.

The wheels are shod in matching Continental LTE 3000 rubber, which looks decent enough but may be a little long in the tooth.

We spotted a small patch of split paint in the sill beneath the driver’s door, and one or two places along the edges of the bonnet and doors where some paint has rubbed away.

All trim, badging, lights, lenses and exterior fixtures and fittings appear to be beyond reasonable criticism.

Well, the obviously restored interior is really very good – with one pretty obvious exception.

Moths are discerning creatures and it seems that they and their offspring developed a particular fondness for the highly quality, possibly original, carpets in this car.

If you’re not sure what ‘moth-eaten’ looks like, look no further.

The good news is that the vendor has bought a full 14 piece set of replacement carpets. They just need taking out of the boot and fitting by someone with the suitable skills and knowledge.

The delightfully of-its-era dashboard is solid, unscratched and not otherwise damaged, and still in possession of all the quality workmanship and attention to detail for which these over-engineered cars are rightly famed.

The door cards are in first-class condition as is the beige Jacquard-like pattern on the hood lining.

The seat back boards have warped out of shape a bit and are currently sitting a couple of inches proud of the seats. They’ll need re-affixing, obviously.

As far as we’re aware, all knobs, buttons, switches, dials and toggles do what they’re supposed to do.

There’s a split in the rim of the steering wheel, although not one that would in any affect operation of the wheel.

The boot looks pretty solid to us, although there is patch of rust visible on the floor.

The engine bay looks fine, and everything appears to be clean, dry and in its right and proper place.

The undersides seem to be particularly well preserved and everything we can see appears to have plenty of structural integrity.

Nothing has given us any cause whatsoever to shake our heads or tut.

We only have a typed record of the car’s earlier life, and it’s fairly light on detail, but we do have itemised bills covering all the work that’s been done to it since it came to the UK.

If more paperwork comes our way over the next few days we will, of course, show it in the documents section.

It comes with full sets of keys, a recent, clear HPI report, and an MoT certificate - with no advisories - that’s valid until 1st July 2025.

We happen to think that this era of Mercedes-Benz SL is the most stylish, eye-catching, classy and pure – in form, function and intent.

Say what you will, but that’s our opinion.

And this stunning example is one of the best we’ve encountered, if you can close your eyes to the moth damage and imagine it with new, minty-fresh, squeaky-clean carpets.

And we can. Easily.

We really like it.  We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £80,000 - £90,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.