1962 Mercedes Benz 190SL Matching s

190SLs have always been puzzling to buy, particularly for a hobbyist who hasn"t spent years studying these cars. Eternally charming, 190SLs have been seducing enthusiasts wishing to capture the romance of stylish Continental touring for years. However, they"re all approaching 60 years old and each car has developed its own personal history regarding owner care, damage history, rust repair history and so on. Because so many of these cars suffered enormous neglect during the many decades where proper restorations were not financially feasible, finding a 190SL whose fundamental structure, sheet metal and general fit and finish remain as originally constructed by Mercedes-Benz has become difficult. Extremely difficult.
Yes, there are many attractive restored 190SLs whose ads boast of all new floors and so on, but the sophisticated buyer is searching for an example that has had little if any repairs to the original structure. To that buyer, a 190SL that retains all its original perimeter platform structure and external coachwork sheet metal represents the holy grail within that series.
Typically, such a 190SL will have been delivered new to - and lived its life in - a part of the globe with a dry, moderate temperature to avoid the usual rust these cars were/are prone to. Central California would be ideal, say perhaps Fresno... This is exactly where this 534 fire engine red 1962 model was initially delivered to and spent 98% of its life residing in. In 2009, the former owner re-commissioned the car for regular use, and the work included:
    Full engine rebuild by Metric Engines in Los Angeles    Fuel tank removed and sealed    Fresh radiator    Refurbished brakes including master cylinder, wheel cylinders etc.    Fresh clutch and shift bushings, Fresh starter motor    Fresh paint in the correct 534 Red and new body seals    Stainless steel exhaust    New windshield and much more
The 85k miles showing on the odometer is quite likely correct based on the car"s decades of slumber. The black vinyl interior is also quite likely original as is the rear carpet area. I have replaced the stained front rubber matting with new materials and completed a few other refinements. The car is on the button and starts immediately hot or cold. This SL retains both its original black/yellow California license plates as well as the original selling dealer"s license frame! Using the factory supplied data card, the car has been confirmed as a matching numbers 190SL. The engine, transmission, differential numbers all match the card. The wheels are correctly date coded. The production number and body number and paint code correspond as well. We see the original front fender spot weld pattern, the original trunk floor, a hood stamp and exceptional factory correct panel gaps. It"s an amazing 190SL. Soft Top only!
Any enthusiast interested in a 190SL that will survive professional scrutiny must consider this SL. Feel free to contact me for more details prior to bidding. The buyer is responsible for the shipping of the said vehicle, but I can help with all the arrangements if needed, at the purchaser"s expense. Please do not bid if you do not intend to purchase or have the available funds! Full payment is due within 72 hours of auction end, wire transfer or cash accepted. If payment is not confirmed/received, I reserve the right to sell to the next highest bidder or elsewhere. I also reserve the right to end the auction for any reason. I’m sure there is something I’m forgetting, so please e-mail me with any questions. Thanks for looking!