1955 Mercedes-Benz 190SL

Desirable First Year of Production, Restored, Matching Numbers, 

This lovely 1955 190SL comes to us from a gentleman who had owned the car for 30 years. This particular car was the 1,030^th 190SL produced in 1955, which was the first year the 190SL model was manufactured. As it was the first year of production, there are many features that are exclusive to these early run 190SLs, making them highly sought-after over the later cars. When the previous owner first bought the car in 1984 it was said to be in “reasonable condition” and all that needed to be done was some paintwork. For this he had the car media blasted down to bare metal and repainted in correct MB white (DB 050). For the next 25 years the car was driven at least twice a month and received only basic maintenance. In 2009 the owner decided it was time to refresh the mechanicals and turned it over to Classic M-B Restorations in Arizona. At that time the car received a complete engine and transmission rebuild along with a new electrical wiring harness. In addition, the car received new black leather upholstery, new dash-board, and new carpets from Mercedes-Benz. The front end, brakes, and suspension were rebuilt and the shock absorbers were replaced. A few years later the owner decided to perform a complete cosmetic restoration with Raintree Auto Rebuild of Arizona, a Mercedes-Benz of North America certified auto body shop. The chrome, rubber moldings, hood, doors, trunk lid, windshield, interior, and convertible top were all removed from the car. All chrome was either replaced or re-chromed to like new condition.  All rubber was replaced throughout the vehicle, and the doors internals were rebuilt. Any less than perfect areas on the body were repaired with welded-in new metal, and the car received a beautiful re-paint in the same MB white color. A new Mercedes convertible top and leather tonneau cover was installed and the metal framework for the top was refurbished. Most recently a new stainless steel exhaust was installed on the car and all suspension bushings were replaced.

The result of this work is a car that drives as good as it looks, and can hold its own amongst Included with sale are service records, owner’s manual, two very rare and original plexiglass sunvisors with chrome trim, as well as the original jack, lug wrench, and spare tire bracket.