1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster

Description for Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 1957

In 1954 Mercedes-Benz introduced the 300SL “Gullwing” (W198) to the world at the New York International Motor Sports Auto Show. Sharing the platform was its smaller sibling - the less flamboyant Type 190SL Roadster Protype (W121) which would financially support Mercedes' halo car with 8-times the units sold between 1955 - 1963.

In 1957 the Soviet Union launched Sputnik the first man-made satellite to orbit the Earth; and in doing so launched the "space race" with the USA. Theodore Geisel known to the world as Dr. Seuss wrote The Cat in a Hat. And in that curious year I rolled off the assembly line in Sindelfingen Germany.

I am classic not old. I am awakened not just restored. I have character not perfection. I am car not wall art. And if you're curious I am neither male nor female; But I do have a name.

Red Baron1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Offered for sale is Red Baron a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster a very well sorted quality driver that has undergone an extensive partial rolling restoration to become greater than the sum of its parts and should be driven and displayed with great pride. Currently a high Condition #3 (Hagerty scale) this car is perfect for someone who wants a great example of a very desirable classic that will be driven and enjoyed fully from purchase. Although this car should not be considered for a Condition #1 concours restoration Condition #2 is easily achievable with moderate additional investment. As will any car that has survived for almost 60-years Red Baron has some flaws and signs of use. Continued quality care and maintenance in the coming years will give the new owner an opportunity to truly feel engaged in the perpetuation of this car's history.Speaking of history not much is known about its history before I acquired the car. For me this adds a bit to the mystique of its character -- the mysterious and handsome stranger with evidence of a sordid past. When acquired the fundamentals were there -- rust free straight no major modifications etc. -- but the car just looked (and smelled)...tired; like it had survived captivity. Despite that (and a very scary first drive) I believed that this car had soul and just needed to be awakened. To that end I've "awakened" the car through an extensive partial rolling restoration that has taken me more than a year. The approach was somewhat conservative however. Everything was inspected and a whole lot was touched. However if I could restore and preserve a component this was usually the option chosen. The exceptions were things that improved safety reliability performance and serviceability with respect for the original design intent of the car. Examples of these included:

• Weber carburetor conversion (original Solex carbs included)
• Installation of 123Ignition fully electronic distributor (original Bosch distributor included)
• Alternator conversion (original Bosch generator included)
• 57 year-old horse hair air filter replaced with K&N performance filter

There were too many things done to detail here. An over 50-page journal-style work logbook with dozens of pictures is included with the car (hard and soft copies) chronicling in great detail all of the work performed on the car. A separate hard copy file with all my receipts will also be provided.

Unique Features

• Custom leather interior trim made to original Mercedes specifications by GAHH in #804N Mokassin (matched with Terracotta) with contrasting black (#917) piping & stitching color combination. This is the only car GAHH has ever made this color combination for.
• Custom matching boot cover
• German square weave carpets in "true black"
• Custom name insignia (tastefully installed on glovebox)
• Glazed metal German "Bundesadler" door accents
• Original factory-optioned transversely mounted "kinder" jump seat
• Blaupunkt Koln radio (period correct believed to be original dealer installed)
• Vredestein Sprint Classic whitewall radials (2.75" whitewalls 25.3" diameter tires on 13" wheels)
• Custom vintage-style Coco Mats in black with contrasting terracotta highlights
• 3-point seat belts
• Removable center console

Featured Accessories

• Small-window hardtop w/ rolling stand and cover (good paint but in need of new headliner and 1 anchor)
• Original 1957 MB marketing brochure (acquired from the AACA Museum)
• Original Owner's Manual and Parts List
• Car cover

This car meas a lot to me. So I'm just as concerned about finding someone who will fully appreciate Red Baron for all that it is and will be as I am about money. For serious end-users before you make me an offer I strongly encourage you to come and experience this car.

This car is offered AS IS and with no guarantees but one: almost every time this car is driven it will bring a smile to someone's face -- starting with your own.

Thankx for your interest!