This is a very unique 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster that was the 90th car built out of nearly 25,000 190SLs produced between 1955 and 1963 and was likely completed in the first 2 weeks of production. The car was purchased new by the Woolworth family of department store fame which is verified by receipts, miscellaneous documents and emails from one of the Woolworth family.
During the 1960s, the car was repainted in lacquer the original color, the convertible top was replaced with a white vinyl top, and the carpet was replaced with non-authentic style red carpet. Beyond those few cosmetic improvements, the car is a very nice, unmolested example retaining all of its original chrome plating, interior leather upholstery, and mechanics.
- In 2007/2008 there was minor mechanical maintenance necessary to put the car back on the road after 20+ years of storage, major cleaning, and the occasional replacement of a few missing odds and ends with original parts.
Car specifics: Year 1955; Make Mercedes-Benz; Model 190 SL Roadster; Color DB 350 G Medium Blue, non-metallic with red leather; current mileage 84,000+ miles
Car features: Correct early Solex carburetors found on only ~695 of the earliest 190 SLs; no map light switch on door jamb as correct for the 1st 900+ cars; early style 1-piece convertible top latches; single sun visor correct for early cars; original Becker Le Mans radio with REIMS shortwave unit; original front rubber floor mats in decent shape; all correct early style lenses for parking lamps, tail lamps, license/fuel fill lamps; unbelievably clean and straight underneath; no clock or lock on glove box as correct for early cars; no defroster motor - an option on the early cars; comes with spare wheel w/tire and jack; I have a copy of the original Mercedes-Benz build sheet (in German); plus original 190SL owners manual, 190 shop manual + 190 SL supplement will be included with car.
Items repaired or replaced on the car in the 2007/2008 period: 4 new tires (radials), miscellaneous light bulbs, king pins, idler arm, front and rear license brackets, new transmission mount and motor mounts (early style), brake hoses, battery, carburetor secondary barrel diaphragms, fuel gauge sending unit rubber cover, oil filter cartridge, 4 new jack hole covers (still in primer-not installed), new visor plastic, fuel hoses, steering damper, ventilation duct hoses, upper control arm kits, battery hold-down, & one windshield wiper shaft.
Rebuilt all brake cylinders and master cylinder (sleeved 2 fronts and master rebuilt rear), full service of all fluids, complete freeing up of all interior ventilation controls, repaired hole in ventilation duct box, front wheel alignment, & the removal and cleaning out of the fuel tank and entire fuel system.
This is a very collectible and enjoyable 190SL with excellent factory colors that will likely double or more value especially if fully restored. Personally, I like it in its current condition. Serious, realistic buyers only please.
- $47,995-- Firm in the US funds or money.
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