Mercedes-Benz 190

SL

• High-quality nuts and bolts restoration
• Rare white-grey hardtop
• Beautiful colour combination

When Mercedes-Benz unveiled the 190 SL in 1955, it wasn’t just launching a new model—it was creating a lifestyle. A car that blended beauty, class, and comfort like no other. It was the answer for those who wanted the looks of a sports car, but with the charm of a grand tourer. Something you could drive along the Riviera and park in front of the opera. Unsurprisingly, it was a massive success. Movie stars loved it. Collectors love it. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t? Fast-forward to today, and the 190 SL is more desirable than ever. Not because it’s the fastest. Not because it’s the rarest. But because it’s just so effortlessly… right. Timeless design. Silky road manners. And that irresistible ‘je ne sais quoi’ that modern cars can only dream of.

Enter: the best one we’ve ever seen. This 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, chassis 12104010015920, isn’t just any 190 SL. It’s the 190 SL. Fully restored in-house by our team at RNR Classics, and we’re not throwing the word “restored” around lightly. This was a nut-and-bolt, nothing-left-to-chance, everything-must-be-perfect kind of restoration. The kind where the bolts are aligned, the panel gaps are measured in fractions of millimeters, and the underside is so clean you’d hesitate to drive it—until you remember: that’s exactly what it was built for.

Originally delivered in a rich dark grey with a red leather interior (code 1079), this SL was already a beauty straight from the factory. But now? It’s automotive art. The rare white-grey removable hardtop is beautifully offset by a set of matching white wheel covers that come with the car—a subtle wink to the stylish traveler. The interior is, frankly, a red leather dream. The switchgear clicks like a Swiss watch, the Becker radio and dash clock are both fully restored, and everything smells, looks, and feels like 1961… but better.

And it’s not just about the looks. Under the bonnet lives a completely rebuilt 1.9-liter inline-four engine, now breathing through a pair of Weber carburetors—upgraded for sharper throttle response and smoother power delivery. Purists, don’t worry: we kept the soul, we just gave it a little espresso.

Driving it is pure joy. It doesn’t scream. It sings. The ride is smooth, the steering direct, and even the drum brakes know their lines. It feels light, alive, and incredibly charming. Like a vintage wine that somehow got younger. Underneath? Flawless. From the suspension to the bushings to the last washer, everything has been rebuilt or replaced to concours standards. This is not “restored to drive.” This is “restored to win trophies, then drive home with a smug grin.”

And of course, everything is documented. We’re talking a complete restoration file with hundreds of photos, invoices, and enough paperwork to satisfy even the most obsessive collector. It also comes with its original 1959 production sheet, Dutch export documents, Belgian registration, valid Carpass, and inspection through 2027.

This 190sl is for the person who wants the best. The kind of person who sees the difference between “nice” and “flawless.” Who understands that perfection isn’t accidental—it’s deliberate, hard-earned, and often just a little bit mad.

So come and see it at RNR Classics. Walk around it. Sit in it. Take it all in. But be warned: once you’ve seen what perfect really looks like, it’s hard to go back.