1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Convertible Project

The seller of this 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Convertible, offered for sale at no reserve, is a shop owner who is helping the owner list his car online. I can describe it as a running project car that has both the hard top and soft top. He considers the body, interior, exterior, chrome, and paint all average for a car considered a project car and says he does not know if there is any rust in the body. The engine is reported to have been rebuilt in 2004 by Metric Engines in California, and documentation will be included. The car is said to run strongly, and the seller demonstrates a tire-chirping launch in the video. Mercedes introduced the 190SL alongside the legendary 300SL gullwing at the 1954 New York International Motor Sports Show. Both cars had been developed at the urging of the automaker's U.S. importer, Max Hoffman. While the exotic 300SL had been adapted from a racecar, the 190SL was designed to be far more affordable, and as a result offered much lower performance. It was built around a sturdy unitized body and featured an independent swing-axle rear suspension. The engine was a new SOHC four-cylinder. The appealing design closely resembled that of the 300SL, which, of course, was intentional. Mercedes built just under 26,000 190SLs from 1955-'63. The 1.9-liter SOHC inline-four engine was rated at 105 horsepower at 5,700 rpm (DIN, or 120 horsepower SAE) by the manufacturer when new, with 105 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm (DIN).- that the engine was sent to Metric Engines for an exchange in 2004 and that Blackmon Mercedes in Memphis completed the work. Receipts included below document this. The replacement engine--not the car's original--has acquired about 3,000 miles since then.- his shop did limited work to the car, including replacing the fuel pump, cleaning the carburetor, and tuning the car. - the engine cranks and starts well. - there is no smoke, nor any leaks or weeps from the engine. The four-speed manual transmission is said to work fine but leaks a bit. - the vehicle's blue paint was described to him as Cadillac blue but that the car's original color was black. He calls the paint average for a project car, with numerous blemishes, dents, and chips. The car will be sold with the factory hardtop. Condition of the soft top is not given. The glass is average to good. - the rubber seals average, but is unsure about leaks. There is floor rust, as seen in photos. The lighting functionality is unknown - - the car's carpet is not original and in average condition for a project car. The interior is reported to be an older aftermarket installation, with two-tone blue vinyl seats and door cards. It appears to be in rough shape in the photos but could function for driving. The heat does not function, and gauges are described as average, which suggests they need attention. The aftermarket stereo is not working. Aftermarket speakers are seen behind the seats. -- that the vehicle's suspension service history is unknown, and that the bushings and shocks should be replaced in a restoration. - the condition of the wheels and steering are unknown, and the brakes will need to be rebuilt. The car stops, but everything is old. The Goodyear tires are old and should be replaced if the car is to be driven. Invoices from 2004 for the engine rebuild will be included. There is no other documentation or service history for this 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Convertible, which is being sold at no reserve. The car is presented as a drivable restoration candidate, though it would need immediate attention to the chassis for safe motoring.