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Without Question, One Of The Finest And Most Original, Rust-Free 190 SL's Anywhere. Only 31,065 Miles On This One-Family Owned Club Coupe. Matching Numbers, Meticulously Maintained And, Refreshed To Maintain As Much Originality As Possible. Other Than A Bare Metal Exterior Re-Spray In The Original DB543 Strawberry Metallic With a DB180 Silver Hard-Top, This SL Is Presented In Original Condition. It Runs And Drives As Only A Factory Original Low-Mile Mercedes Can.
THIS CAR WILL BE SOLD ON SUNDAY AUGUST 17TH, LOT 147, AT THE 2014 GOODING & CO PEBBLE BEACH AUCTION. VIN 121 040 6503307.
This '56 190SL has been owned by one family since new and, only ill-health has forced the sale of this outstanding original car. Manufactured in August 1956 as a Club Coupe (removable hard-top only), it was purchased new in Pittsburg PA. While in the showroom, the car had paint damage and was re-painted by the dealer. In 1970, the owner's son purchased the car and drove it to California. He says it drove perfectly and burned no oil during the trip. He also stated it was the first time this car ever saw rain. The son later retired to the Seattle, WA area where the car remained under his care until acquired by Memory Motors in 2013. The owner states the car was driven at least once every two weeks, greased twice a year and had annual oil changes. It never sat for long periods and the the hard top was only off the car a few times in its 57 years. Hence, the unusual high quality of the original interior.
Since the paint quality from the dealer repaint was only marginal and not up to the quality and originality of the rest of the car, the decision was made to do a bare metal re-spray. Only the exterior was painted and not the dashboard which retains the original finish. The original Roser leather, while in very good condition, had lost some of its suppleness from age and was refreshed using the Leatherique process. The chrome, garnish moldings, glass, rubber mats, carpet, coupe top headliner, spare tire, wheels, grille barrel, gauges, controls, entire undercarriage, tools, manuals, key fob, engine air hoses and clamps are ALL ORIGINAL, reflecting the spectacular condition of the car. Also included is a very rare, original and unrestored 3-piece set of fitted Karl Baisch luggage.
The engine has never been out of the car or rebuilt and, it starts and runs magnificently with its original Solex carburetors. And, the entire drivetrain and suspension are also original, complete with factory inspection marks indicating they have never been apart. The front shock absorbers were replaced because of leakage as was the rear axle boot which split after 57 years. Spark plug wires, plug ends, water hoses, hose clamps , fuel lines and, the exhaust system aft the resonator were serviced to original specifications. Prior to purchase, the car was inspected by Siegfried Linke, a veteran Mercedes expert, mechanic and Pebble Beach judge. He was very impressed with the car's originality and condition.
To say this Club Coupe is unique is an understatement. It is one of the closest examples of the look, performance, feel and character that a freshly manufactured 190 SL had as it left the factory in 1956. This car runs flawlessly, drives authentically and, looks spectacular in its unusual combination of Strawberry Metallic/Silver Metallic paint and light grey interior. Your personal inspection is invited and will confirm the quality of this very special, unrestored, car.
SOLD
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