1959 Mercedes Benz 190SL W121 Restoration Project with Extensive Part Collection

Vehicle Description

THE ULTIMATE 190SL RESTORATION PROJECT: Disassembled ready to restore!

This is your chance to own a complete 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Coupe project with an incredible collection of parts, engines, and more. Perfect for the serious restorer who wants everything needed for a ground-up restoration in one package.

This vehicle has been family owned for 52 years and disassembled in dry barn storage since 1983. The original goal of a ground-up restoration for this classic was not realized as other projects became a priority through the decades.

This is the first time this has been on the market and is an opportunity to rebuild this to your specifications. The extensive inventory of extra parts allows you to pick and choose your spec as well as to insure you have major original components to rebuild during the restoration process or sell to other 190SL enthusiasts.

This coupe includes both the hard top (small window, highly desired) as well as the soft top (fabric/material is not recoverable). Interior components are included (seats, trim, gauges, door panels, handles, mirrors, steering wheel, badges, shifter, center box etc). Includes one Bilstein jack with the car as well as jack hole plugs. The speedometer will need to be rebuilt. The clock works and has a slight haze in the crystal. Tach is in good condition. Water, Temp and Fuel gauges included. Ignition and two keys are included. Radiator, starter and water pump are included. Exhaust from front to back including muffler included. Solex carburetors are with the original car.

The exterior is in the same condition when it was purchased in 1973 which is a gray primer paint over original MB Red. There is rot around the headlight area and a small area of filler on the nose from a dent. The project comes with a full new-old-stock front nose sheet metal panel and NOS headlight buckets. Rear light lenses and electrical components are included, with two full lenses as well as some additional cracked light brackets. Front blinkers included. Chrome trim pieces for wheel wells and emblems for front and rear lids are included. There is one horn and fog lights (not clear if in working condition) as well as mirrors and door handles/hardware. Windshield with glass is included.

The chassis and underneath have general surface rust in areas that are not coated, there appears to be a soft area of rust along the rear quarter, and the gas tank appears to be in good condition. Jack support points appear solid and used to jack up the vehicle recently. The vehicle rolls and can be steered. The trunk was painted with rustoleum in the late 70s and the area is in good condition. There is rust under the front footwells. Please view photos from the underside in this listing as well as inquire for additional photos.

The extensive extras include 3 additional engines (so 4 total). There are three additional transmissions (so 4 total). There is an extra set of front and rear bumpers. There is one extra Bilstein original jack. There are numerous hubcaps of blue, chrome and white with wheel trim. There is an extra radio - 2 additional camshafts - numerous engine components (starters, water pumps etc), 1 extra tachometer, the NOS nose and headlight buckets, 1 original radiator, 1 extra manifold, 1 set extra exhaust piping (engine), 2 extra sets of Solex carburetors are also included. Additional miscellaneous parts for brakes, engine, transmission and other parts are also included.

This classic 190SL is currently in dry storage with all of the parts associated with the vehicle as well as all of the extra parts.

The odometer's actual mileage is unknown and reads 21000. This has not been driven since 1983.

Items sold by me are used, old and as is where is. No guarantees are expressed or implied. Please ask questions before bidding and do not bid unless you intend to buy. This is an auction format with a minimum bid and no buy it now opportunity. The winning bidder is totally responsible for pickup and shipping.

This will not be shipped until the funds clear. There will be no separate agreements as this will be handled as an ebay auction. This will have a minimum starting bid of $25,000 and does have a very reasonable reserve for the purpose of protecting the seller and buyers for this unique package of a full car and extensive parts. Bank transfer or certified funds only.

There is no current title. The age of the vehicle is exempt for title. This will be sold with a bill of sale as well as lineage documentation of ownership and prior registration. The buyer will be responsible for registration per their local requirements. This is a restoration project requiring a complete rebuild with no warrantees implied.

This is a great opportunity for real enthusiasts. Additional photos are available upon request. I welcome questions and can arrange inspection by appointment. Have fun bidding and I hope this goes to an enthusiastic buyer!

• Year: 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL

• Body Style: Coupe (Factory Hardtop Model - 121.040)

• Chassis Number: 040-85-01250 (Stamped on firewall)

• Condition: Complete disassembly for restoration

• Title Status: Sold with Bill of Sale (title-exempt classic)

✅ Complete 190SL body and chassis - all original panels
✅ Vehicle rolls and can be moved easily
✅ Both soft top AND removable hardtop
✅ Original interior including seats, dashboard, gauges
✅ Original radio and sought-after glovebox clock
✅ All trim, bumpers, and exterior components including windscreen
✅ Complete suspension and brake components

• Multiple 4-speed manual transmissions

• Rebuild or use for spares

• NOS (New Old Stock) front sheet metal for nose panel - extremely valuable

• NOS headlight buckets - rare and expensive components

• NOS battery box - original Mercedes part

• Additional bumpers (front & rear)

• Multiple Solex carburetors - highly sought after by collectors

• Hub caps and wheel covers

• Period-correct radios

• Lighting components

• Hardware and small parts

• Much more - virtually everything for a complete restoration

53-Year Single Family Ownership!

• Purchased by current owner's father in October 1973

• Original 1973 bill of sale included

• Stored in dry Maine barn since approximately 1983, never driven in winter nor stored outside since 1973

Why This Car is Special:

• Long-term single family ownership

• Everything stored in dry, locked storage for decades

• Complete disassembly reveals all components

• No "missing parts" hunting required

• Multiple engine options for perfect period match

• Everything stored indoors for 50+ years

• Time and $$ saved with disassembly - this is a perfect restoration project

Honest Assessment:

• This is a complete restoration project

• Expected age-related corrosion in typical 190SL areas

• All major components present and accounted for

• Body panels complete with typical 190SL corrosion areas

• NOT ROADWORTHY - SOLD FOR RESTORATION ONLY

Perfect For:

• Experienced restorers seeking a complete project

• 190SL enthusiasts wanting everything in one purchase

• Classic car collectors appreciating rare completeness

• Anyone wanting multiple engines or components for options/spares