1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL W121

Mercedes Benz 190 SL W121 (1961)Kickdown's Takeby Moritz HelbichThe 190 SL is the elegant little brother of the legendary 300 SL and is still considered the epitome of the economic miracle on wheels. This German model from 1961 retains its original graphite gray paint paired with red leather—a wonderfully stylish combination. The body was extensively restored at a Mercedes-Benz dealership; in late 2024, over 10,000 euros were spent on the carburetor, seats, and undercarriage. It also has a fresh vehicle inspection valid through 2028. A charming roadster for Mercedes enthusiasts!Price Estimation66.000 € - 79.000 €Vehicle descriptionKickdown Check On-site kickdown assessment completed 169 photos Documented investments: 24,999.99 DM (12/2000) and 10,896.75 € (12/2024). The body has already been fully restored by Mercedes Classic-Data appraisal from January 2025 with a grade of 3+ is available Passed the HU in September 2026 with no defects; valid through 09/2028 Facts & Specifications Year of manufacture: 1961 First registration: Germany, March 2, 1961 Engine: 1.9-liter inline-four (1,884 cm³) with 105 PS (77 kW) Transmission: Four-speed manual transmission Exterior color: Graphite Gray DB190 (original color) Interior: Red leather TÜV valid through September 2028, H license plate Features: Original Becker Mexico radio Clock Black fabric convertible top Steel rims with chrome hubcaps Michelin ZX 6.40/7.00 R13 tires (12/2024) Spare tire Condition Exterior The exterior color is the original Graphite Gray (DB190) The body was extensively repaired in 2000 at the DaimlerChrysler AG branch in Bielefeld, including new front paneling, a new front cross member, a new rear floor, and underbody protection As part of the restoration work, the car was completely repainted The body is in very well-maintained condition with only slight patina Shortly before the photos were taken, a dent appeared on the rear left fender (Photos 54 and 55). This is already factored into the minimum price In December 2024, the outer and inner shells of the longitudinal member at the right side door sill were repaired Interior Interior in red leather The interior is in good condition with age-related signs of wear The driver’s and front passenger seats were refurbished in 12/2024, preserving their patina Mechanics The vehicle is registered The engine runs flawlessly. It is unknown whether this is the original engine The carburetors were removed, cleaned, and adjusted in December 2024; the intake system gaskets were replaced The transmission also shifts flawlessly There are no known technical defects Last maintenance: 12/2024 History Ownership History Between 1978 and 2000, several de-registrations and re-registrations were recorded in the vehicle registration certificate 03/1985: Transfer of ownership to a holder in Bielefeld 06/1978: Replacement vehicle registration certificate issued in Solingen; the original certificate was lost 03/1961: First registration in Germany The total number of owners is unknown Odometer readings (five digits): 18,667 km (07/2024, repair shop invoice), 18,782 km (09/2026, vehicle inspection report), currently approx. 18,830 km Service History 09/2026 at 18,782 km: General inspection with no defects, DEKRA 12/2024 at 18,667 km: Maintenance service including oil change, spark plugs, valve clearance adjustment, and transmission fluid change; lubrication service; carburetor overhauled; intake system sealed; brake fluid replaced; four new tires; right-side door sill repaired; seats refurbished; general inspection, Heinrich Göbel GmbH (authorized Mercedes-Benz service center and Mercedes-Benz Classic Partner), Neu-Isenburg, invoice total €10,896.75 12/2000: Comprehensive bodywork repair, windshield installed, window regulators replaced, bumpers overhauled, electrical system repaired, TÜV inspection, DaimlerChrysler AG Bielefeld branch, invoice amount 24,999.99 DM Documents Vehicle registration certificate (replacement certificate from 1978) Vehicle Registration Certificate DEKRA inspection report from 09/2026 Workshop invoice from Heinrich Göbel GmbH dated 12/2024 Repair invoice from DaimlerChrysler AG, Bielefeld branch, dated 12/2000 Classic Data appraisal from January 2025 with a grade of 3+ Summary For sale is a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (W121) with initial registration in Germany, an “H” license plate, and a vehicle inspection (HU) valid through September 2028. The body was extensively restored in 2000 at the DaimlerChrysler branch in Bielefeld; the vehicle has been completely repainted. In December 2024, 10,896.75 euros were spent at a Mercedes-Benz dealership on maintenance, the carburetor, brake fluid, new tires, the right-side longitudinal member, and seat restoration. The body and red leather interior are in well-maintained condition with age-related signs of wear. There is no service record book; the vehicle registration certificate is a replacement issued in 1978, and the mileage history is only partially verifiable. The 190 SL is ideal for buyers seeking a roadster with documented maintenance history and signs of use.