Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster Red/Black Original

This car is a delightful gem with a fascinating Swedish provenance. One of its earliest owners was the well-known Swedish artist Hans Ripa, who is also the founder of Ripagården outside Båstad. At the end of 1981, ownership passed to a buyer in Växjö and since 1993 it has been in the hands of a prominent car enthusiast in Värnamo, which means that it has had the same owner for the past 28 years and has been inside the owner's vehicle museum since 1993. The car was last used during the summer of 2016, among other things for a car test where it was approved without remark. It has recently been produced and started up, works well in engine, transmission and brakes, but may need a service due to prolonged standing. Since the 1980s, the car has traveled Småland's roads, and despite an older repaint that still maintains a good standard, there are some blisters on the paint on the rear fender and tailgate - a legacy from the use of spray putty at that time. The interior is complete and neat, with all the original details preserved, including black leather seats that have likely been skilfully reupholstered. The meter now stands at 7220 km but starts again at 100,000 km.

Technical condition: The car was last inspected in 2016 for the last time and has recently been started and test driven after a few years of rest, with everything technically in good condition.

Interior Condition: The interior is well preserved with all original details in place, and the black leather seats are likely reupholstered in a very satisfactory manner.

Exterior condition: The body underwent a new paint job in the late 1980s. There are some minor imperfections such as chrome chipping on the rear bumper and paint damage on the lower part of the left door.

Overall impression: The car presents itself very well both interior and exterior. Despite minor cosmetic defects, it is a fresh copy in original design with an impressive wealth of detail.

Model facts: The MB 190 SL was produced between 1955 and 1963 with a total of 25,881 examples. The model was inspired by the more luxurious 300 SL but was produced as a simpler and cheaper alternative. In 1955, the price of a 190 SL was 16,500 D-marks compared to almost double that of a 300 SL, 29,000 D-marks. Many parts, including the new overhead cam engine and front and rear undercarriage, were shared with the 4-door sedan range. However, the bodywork was unique in offering elegant lines and allowing easier and cheaper refurbishment with spare parts from the pontoon model, compared to the more expensive 300 SL.