1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster
Make: | Mercedes-Benz |
Model: | SL-Class |
Type: | Convertible |
Trim: | Roadster |
Year: | 1957 |
Mileage: | 76,303 |
VIN: | 1210427501879 |
Color: | Black |
Transmission: | Manual |
Drive type: | Rear |
Interior color: | Terracotta/Mokassin |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Houston, Texas, United States |
Extras |
Listed by |
Private seller |
Description of 1957 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class |
In 1954 Mercedes-Benz introduced the 300SL “Gullwing” (W198) to the world at the New York International Motor Sports Auto Show. Sharing the platform was its smaller sibling - the less flamboyant Type 190SL Roadster Protype (W121) which would financially support Mercedes' halo car with 8-times the units sold between 1955 - 1963.In 1957 the Soviet Union launched Sputnik the first man-made satellite to orbit the Earth; and in doing so launched the "space race" with the USA. Theodore Geisel known to the world as Dr. Seuss wrote The Cat in a Hat. And in that curious year I rolled off the assembly line in Sindelfingen Germany.I am classic not old. I am awakened not just restored. I have character not perfection. I am car not wall art. And if you're curious I am neither male nor female; But I do have a name.Red Baron1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Offered for sale is Red Baron a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster a very well sorted quality driver that has undergone an extensive partial rolling restoration to become greater than the sum of its parts and should be driven and displayed with great pride. Currently a high Condition #3 (Hagerty scale) this car is perfect for someone who wants a great example of a very desirable classic that will be driven and enjoyed fully from purchase. Although this car should not be considered for a Condition #1 concours restoration Condition #2 is easily achievable with moderate additional investment. As will any car that has survived for almost 60-years Red Baron has some flaws and signs of use. Continued quality care and maintenance in the coming years will give the new owner an opportunity to truly feel engaged in the perpetuation of this car's history.Speaking of history not much is known about its history before I acquired the car. For me this adds a bit to the mystique of its character -- the mysterious and handsome stranger with evidence of a sordid past. When acquired the fundamentals were there -- rust free straight no major modifications etc. -- but the car just looked (and smelled)...tired; like it had survived captivity. Despite that (and a very scary first drive) I believed that this car had soul and just needed to be awakened. To that end I've "awakened" the car through an extensive partial rolling restoration that has taken me more than a year. The approach was somewhat conservative however. Everything was inspected and a whole lot was touched. However if I could restore and preserve a component this was usually the option chosen. The exceptions were things that improved safety reliability performance and serviceability with respect for the original design intent of the car. Examples of these included:
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