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1955 190SL Barn Find

A friend purchased this car 15 years ago, drove it around a bit then pulled it into the garage of one of his apartment buildings and started taking it apart for a restoration.  He got as far as having it painted in red lacquer 5 or 6 years ago and having the transmission gone through.  When he realized recently that he was never going to finish it he sold it to me.  All of the major pieces are here.  Of particular note are the hard to come by soft-top frame, original Solex carburetors and being a ’55 model, the 300SL type seats.  The 190SLs have enjoyed a run-up in value recently with several topping $100,000 so they are well worth putting money into now.  All of the body numbers match the chassis plate and body stamping on the firewall.  More details and specifications:
It looks like this early 190SL was the 921st one built in this first year of production.  It features a 1.9L single overhead cam (sohc) engine with dual side draft Solex carburettors and vacuum actuated secondary barrels.

Ok, it wasn't actually in a barn, but "Apartment Building Owner's Garage Find" doesn't sound nearly as cool.

It does not have a $20,000 concourse paint job but it will shine like a ruby if you even touch it with a buffer. 

It looks like an amateur welder has been working on the undercarriage. 

It rolls easily for transporting.  Just so everyone understands: It is not currently running & driving and is a project car for restoration.

Again, as I mentioned above, all the major parts are here but don't be surprised if some small fasteners and other bits may have gotten lost in the shuffle - you'd want to renew them anyway.  I don't think there is a radio in any of the boxes but there is a speaker box.  If you don't see something in the photos that you are concerned about please ask!

Really ancient whitewalls still hold air.

Note: the 55's didn't have bright trim on the "eyebrows" or a stone guard ahead of the rear wheels.

The grill & star is pictured below.

Also, 55's didn't have clocks.....

....but they did have the 300SL seats!

Original Solex carbs.

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		Hard to read but it is 921.
On the dash, under the glove box lid.	Glove box lid.
Note: this shot was taken before the fuel tank was fastened in place.
	Factory data card