1959 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Roadster Convertible

4

Manual

9500306

Clear

Rear Wheel Drive

Gas

Unrestored 1959 Mercedes Benz 190SL roadster with very rare tonneau cover, (and possible small window hardtop, read further on). Odometer is showing almost 82,000 miles, but may have flipped over once. Who knows? Engine has just been overhauled with new rings, main and rod bearings, valves, valve guides, seals, gaskets, timing gears and timing chain. Still running the original Solex carburetors. New clutch and front motor mounts were put in when the engine was re-installed. The transmission shifts well through all the gears and reverse, no noises and doesn't jump out of gear. Rear end is quiet. Steering feels tight and it runs and drives great with plenty of that 190SL fun factor. Originally it was DB180 Metallic Silver, but was repainted probably in the early '70s in a metallic blue/purple lacquer. The original color can be seen in the dash. The paint is now very rough and has many of those typical lacquer cracks in addition to stains and chips. Colorado car, probably since new, so the only rust-through is around both rear wheel eyebrows and rear wheel openings, as can be seen in the photos. In addition, there's a small bit of bubbling under the paint at the top of the headlights. That's all. The floors, rocker panels, even the battery box are all solid with no more than surface rust. It's never had undercoating. The top is in very good shape with a clear rear window. The tonneau cover is of very high quality and is in excellent condition. The door panels and dash still have the original blue/gray leather, and are a bit rough. The seats have been redone in a bright blue vinyl of very good quality. Not a tear or ripped seam. The same fabric was used for a rear shelf pad. Front carpet and the carpet between the seats have been redone in '70s-ish sculptured loop fabric. The steering wheel and shift knob need restoration or replacement. I bought this car in September of 1993, and it's been stored inside ever since. The previous owner bought it sometime in the late '60s, and drove it until an exhaust valve burned up around 1978. So, it's probably been sitting for 35-years, give or take. The engine work was done this past Spring. I've been driving it ever since to insure it's roadworthy. In that time, the gas tank was removed and cleaned. The fuel pipes were flushed, and carburetors were given a thorough cleaning. The cork seal in the fuel filter/reserve switch was replaced. Every grease zerk has been serviced, and the front wheel bearings have been cleaned and repacked with Amzoil grease. Brake master cylinder has been rebuilt, and the brake system has been flushed. All heater and radiator hoses are new. Everything electrical works, including the original vacuum-tubed Blaupunkt LW/AM(MW)/FM(UW) 3-band wireless (radio). All the gauges except the water temperature gauge work. When I purchased the car it came with the correct small window hardtop, which I was going to sell separately. If the winning bidder would like to purchase it, we can negotiate it for a price above the winning bid. The black paint is a bit rough, and the headliner is stained but not badly torn. 190SLs are showing real investment potential, and this one would be a great candidate to bring to concourse condition. Or repaint it, install a new interior, and enjoy it! I have too many projects that have been sitting for too long, or I would do just that myself. A deposit of $500 is required within 48-hours of auction close, and full payment within 7-days. Winning bidder will be responsible for the pick up/shipping of the car. It's located in Denver/Thornton, CO, 80229. Potential buyers are welcome to have the car checked out by their representative, just let me know. Sorry for this rather long description, but I want anyone who may be purchasing the car to know exactly what they're bidding on. Good luck!