1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL 190SL

The Mercedes 190 SL was an affordable alternative to the Iconic 300SL roadster, featuring the same fully independent suspension, front double wishbones, even the engine was a derivative of the 3litre 6-cylinder engine that powered the 300SL.

827 XVH underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2018/ 19, to concours standard.

The car has covered a mere 725 miles since the completion of a detailed and no expense spared restoration and is still in show condition.

In highlighting the attention to detail of the restoration process, it was noted that the inner rear wheelarches and insides of outer ¼ panels were painted Satinschwarz and Olivgruen as per OE specification.

Once complete the body was sculpted using a mix of traditional panel beating techniques and modern chemical finishes. Once completed the body was ‘dry built’ to ensure correct fitment of all closures, fittings and brightwork.

The exterior of the car was finished in DB159 Elfenbein, using a 2K Direct Gloss product from PPG to mimic the original factory finish, without giving the ‘false’ appearance of contemporary basecoat and clear finishes.

The underside was completely painted in Sandelholz to mimic the OE factory primer. Once the loadspace, cabin and engine bay were painted Satinschwarz the overspray was allowed to ‘fly’, again to mimic the factory process and associated finish. A similar process was used on the doors using the Sandelholz colour on the doors first, then painting the visible surfaces only, as they were in the factory.

Research also revealed that the wheels were first painted in Olivgruen, and only the face were painted body colour. This process was therefore repeated.