1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL

This 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL is powered by its numbers-matching 1. Body/trim repairs and refinishing are detailed in the build journal, which also notes some filler around a headlight as well as remaining imperfections on the lower fenders, right rear â??eyebrow,â?Â and rear bumper area. Stock 13â?³ steel wheels were balanced and refinished along with the polished and painted hubcaps. New wide whitewall tires were mounted in 2014. The tan canvas soft top retains a clear rear window, and snap studs were installed for a new top boot. Inside, seats were rebuilt with new cushions and Celestial Red Mokassin upholstery with contrasting piping, including the optional sideways-facing rear â??kinder seat. â? Floors were stripped, coated in rust-preventive paint, and insulated with jute and sound dampener. Original-style German square weave carpeting was installed with refurbished rubber covers and period Coco mats. Door panels were re-stitched by hand and garnished with enameled Bundesadler emblems. Factory patterns were used throughout. Modern amenities include retractable three-point belts and a removable center storage unit. A new fuel gauge sender has been installed. A factory tri-band radio remains present in the dash, and a â??Red Baronâ? insignia rests on the glove box door. Nonfunctional items include a worn driver-side wiper assembly along with inoperative heater levers and boxes. The numbers-matching 1. The fuel supply system was overhauled with fresh lines, a refurbished tank, and new mechanical pump, while the stock air cleaner was refinished and retrofitted with a K&N filter. Intake and ceramic-coated exhaust manifolds were machined flat and fitted with Remflex graphite gaskets and a flexible heat shield. A new exhaust system has also been installed. A new distributor and coil have been added, and the charging system received a conversion from generator to alternator. Engine compression tested at 140-145 psi on all four cylinders in May 2015. The recently-serviced carburetors have been intentionally tuned slightly rich, and a small puff of exhaust smoke is issued on cold start-up. The car reportedly drives well with smooth power and a steady 900 rpm idle. A spring 2017 service included a new clutch and fresh seals for the 4-speed manual transmission. The driveshaft was rebalanced after installation of a new center hanger and U-joints. Engine and transmission mounts were replaced in December 2016 along with the clutch throw-out bearing. A build sheet from Mercedes-Benz Classic Center is provided along with an email listing the information in a more legible format. Both confirm the matching engine stamp pictured above. All removed parts are included in the sale aside from the original exhaust system. Filed under: r121, sl