1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL

Before you read the copy for the sale of this majestic 190SL we recommend that you take a long and comprehensive look at the photographic gallery and video below; both will leave you in no doubt as to the sheer quality of this example.

Originally an American market car it was subject to a full nut and bolt (and everything else!) restoration in Holland, before being sold by Brummen-based specialist The Gallery Aaldering. That’s where its vendor Mark Ennis purchased the car, “that was in 2014,” he explains. “It’d just been freshly completed and I was looking for one to join my collection of classic cars – it fitted in well.”

Since then he has kept the 190SL in a temperature and humidity-controlled garage, while taking it out on leisurely jaunts (around 250 miles or so a year) to keep it in fine working order. “I’ve also used it for two weddings, both for family members. It’s definitely one of the best 190SLs out there, and as close to concours as you can get.”

So why is he now selling? Well, Mark doesn’t just buy restored cars; he commissions restorations, too. “I have two cars currently under restoration, a 280SL and a Porsche 911 Carrera MFI, both are due to come back in a month or two and I don’t have any room.” It’s a nice predicament to have, but that reshuffle of his collection means that the 190SL is now up for grabs.

The car’s V5 document shows that it was first registered in the UK on April 1, 2015. During his ownership Mark has serviced and maintained the car himself, which is something that he does for all his vehicles. 

“Your photographer said that he’s never photographed a car that’s as nice from every angle,” says Mark. We know, he fed that back to us; he also confirmed the vendor’s assertion that the bodywork is pretty much immaculate.

There’s no doubt that the 190SL is one of the three-pointed star’s finest visual creations; the Gullwing and its 300SL Roadster share similar lines, but their sheer aggression is evident in every line, vent and strake. Shorn of those massive front wing vents (the strakes are still there), the 190SL’s lines are altogether demurer and dare we say it, preferable.

As such, it’s an incredibly pretty roadster. There’s another fact at play here: with barely a straight line on that sinuous panel work, these are not cheap cars to restore. “There’s not a whole lot of history with the car,” states Mark, “But I do know that the restorer spent a whole lot of money on it.”

That much is clear from its exemplary lines; the paint is perfect, deep and flawless, while panels line up with point-point precision. We found one tiny flaw and that’s a small chip just under the front edge of the passenger door that’s been touched in with some non-matching paint; it’s only discernible up very close, but may benefit from the further attentions of a professional body shop.

Elsewhere you’ll be glad to know that the brightwork (and there is a heck of a lot of it) presents very, very nicely; those huge bumpers are free from any pitting, and have a lovely deep shine. All light rubber seals still look new, as do the window rubbers. The graceful wheels are of a similar standard, and the Maxxis MA-1 P175/80R13 whitewall tyres still have plenty of tread left.

Up top, the dark blue mohair hood is free of rips, frays or any other flaws, with the rear window still in pristine condition. We can confidently say that this is a classic car that the next owner will never, ever tire of looking at – the details delight wherever your gaze falls. 

The cabin was subject to the same level of finish as the rest of the car, and as such it’s glorious; the grey mats (very well fitted, especially in the driver’s foot-well around the pedals) and all of the Dark Blue leather were fresh at restoration and are perfect. The latter works well with the Silver exterior and lends the cabin a grown-up demeanour.

The metal dashboard is very pleasant and all interior chrome is also free from tarnish. You’ll find the original Becker Europe radio in place, and the odometer reads just 44,390 miles. The ivory coloured Bakelite steering wheel is free from chips or scratches and, in combination with the elegant gearstick, a beautiful tool with which to serenely guide this car.

Mark says that everything functions just as it should and that includes the convertible top, which stows easily. When in place, you’ll look up at a nice mark-free lining.

The boot and underside of the boot lid are finished in matt black with protective rubber mats in place. Lift these and you’ll find immaculate and well-protected metal. There’s also a spare wheel with a matching (and unused) tyre, as well as a toolset.  

If you get down on your hands and knees then a quick glance underneath will reveal some Marmite looking smears on the very lower sill edges; that’s nothing more than a little (reassuring) evidence of the professional Waxoyl treatment that the SL received once the restoration was complete. The other is of course a sticker on the driver’s door-shut. The remainder of the underside look to be in similarly very clean health, as does the full stainless-steel exhaust system.

Lovely exterior, interior and underside aesthetics are one thing, but how does it drive? “You can hear how good the engine is in the video,” says Mark. “And it drives like an absolute dream; as a cruising car, it’s probably the best I’ve ever driven. Everything is so smooth; the gear-change, brakes and suspension are all perfect.”

Up front, the engine bay would have even the most scrupulous concours judge purring – it is super clean. How could you improve it? Hmm, perhaps giving the carburettor linkage a gentle brushing with a soft-bristled brush… Once again, everything has been replaced or restored to leave nothing else wanting.   

The key documents in this 190SL’s history file are photographic in nature. The first ones show (by way of arrows) a number of incorrect fittings, finishes and items identified by the car’s fastidious Dutch restorer on taking receipt of it, while the second show the car’s actual restoration during which he corrected all of these.

It’s one thing buying a restored car – you can admire the finished article – but it’s even better to have a full photographic history of the works carried out; that way you can appreciate every little aspect and nuance of the restoration process. This one’s shows various elements from the suspension strip-down, to the engine and gearbox rebuild, and panel work required.

You’ll also find a range of invoices; alas they’re all Dutch to me, however, a quick Euro/Pound conversion will give a rough estimate of some of the costs. In addition to the car’s V5 document there’s also an original 190SL model Service Manual.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been restored to the very highest of standards. 

One's reshuffle is another's opportunity. This is a car that could easily slot into any classic world-class car collection, or if you’re a one-car type of lad or lady, or your pension pot isn’t performing as you wish, then it could be the one to buy, cherish and use sparingly on high days, holidays and wedding days!

“It looks brand new,” says Mark. That’s the reason that he bought this particular example and is very likely the exact same reason that the next owner will too.

Values have risen on the coattails of its big brothers (300SL Coupe & Roadster), so that the very best examples now sit well north of £100k. As such, we think that this lovely example will sell for between £115,000 and £135,000. For that the next owner will be buying not just a classic car, but also a true piece of motoring art – and one that comes with Mercedes-Benz famed build quality as a matter of course.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located at the owner’s home just outside of Belfast in Northern Ireland; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’. 

This vehicle is not with us at The Market’s HQ, which means we have had to rely on the owner’s description of it, in conjunction with the photographs you see here, to compile the listing.

With this in mind, we would encourage potential bidders to contact the owner themselves and arrange to view the car in person, or to arrange a dedicated video call in which they can view the car virtually and ask questions.