1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster

In 1954, ercedes-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), hich would financially support Mercedes'halo carwith 8-times the units sold between 1955 - 1963.

In 1957, he Soviet Union launched Sputnik, he first man-made satellite to orbit the Earth; and in doing so, aunched the "space race" with the USA. Theodore Geisel, nown to the world as Dr. Seuss, roteThe Cat in a Hat.And, n that curious year, rolled off the assembly line in Sindelfingen, ermany.

I am classic, ot old. I am awakened, ot just restored. I have character, ot perfection. I am car, ot wall art. And if you're curious, am neither male nor female; But I do have a name.

Red Baron1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Offered for sale is Red Baron, 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster, very well sorted high-quality driver that has undergone an extensive partial rolling restoration to become greater than the sum of its parts, nd should be driven and displayed with great pride. This is not a trailer queen, nd has some minor cosmetic imperfections (i.e. - a scratch on the right rear "eyebrow" that's about the size and shape of a large shark tooth), s will any car that has survived for almost 60-years.

Not much is known about its history before I acquired the car. For me, his adds a bit to the mystique of its character -- the mysterious and handsome stranger with evidence of a sordid past. When acquired, he fundamentals were there -- rust free, traight, o majormodifications, tc. -- but the car just looked (and smelled)...tired; like it had survived captivity. Despite that (and a very scary first drive), believed that this car had soul, nd just needed to be awakened. To that end, 've "awakened" the car through an extensive partial rolling restoration that has taken me more than a year. The approach was somewhat conservative, owever. Everything was inspected and a whole lot was touched. However, f I could restore and preserve a component (i.e. - replacing worn and missing stiching in the door panels by hand), his was usually the option chosen. The exceptions were things that improved for safety, eliability, erformance, ndserviceabilitywith respect for theoriginaldesign intent of the car. Examples of these included:

• Webercarburetorconversion (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 &stitchingcolor combination. This is the only car GAHH has ever made this color combination for.
• Custom matching boot cover
• Germansquare 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, elieved to be original dealer installed)
• Vredestein Sprint Classic whitewall radials (2.75" whitewalls, 5.3" diameter tires on 13" wheels)
• Custom vintage-style Coco Mats in black withcontrastingterracotta highlights
• 3-point seat belts
• Removable center console

Featured Accessories

• Small-window hardtop w/ rolling stand and cover (good paint, ut in need of new headliner and 1 anchor)
• Original 1957 MB marketingbrochure (acquired from the AACAMuseum)
• Original Owner's Manual and Parts List
• Car cover

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

This car is offered AS IS, nd with noguaranteesbut one: almost every time this car is driven, t will bring a smile to someone's face -- starting with your own.

Thankx for your interest!