Mercedes SL190 Full Restoration Advice

[Daveeoo]

Are there any SL190 enthusiasts that could advise me on a creditable restoration specialist in the UK?

I have come across a 50s SL190 as a barn find which will require a full restoration. It looks like it’s been sat under cover around 20+years. A fair bit of rot, but all complete.

I have to do some digging to approach the owner to negotiate a sale. So I’d like some help to get an appropriate costings list together to see if it’s even viable to continue.

This sleeping beauty has lay dormant for many years and I intend to fund her restoration for my own use and pleasure. I’m pretty sure it’ll result in being scrapped sometime in the future otherwise which would be a great shame.

I’ve had several classics in the past but never taken on a restoration. The added complication I have is this car is a RHD but currently overseas so I have the extra admin of export/import prior to mechanical work.

Any restoration advice greatly appreciated!

[Nosynchro]

I recall Hilton and moss restored one for the Gandy fellow. Can’t speak of quality and cost though although a RHD 190 a rare and valuable beast these days so well worth it I’d have thought. Good find. Pics please when you do the deal.

[Old Merc]

These guys are very good. http://www.silchestergarage.co.uk/ True craftsmen. http://www.silchestergarage.co.uk/projects?mercede...

Edited by Old Merc on Tuesday 17th April 11:49

[duka]

Also try Chris Murphy of Gratts

[Dapster]

How deep are your pockets? Hemmels in Cardiff. Website well worth an ogle over....

http://www.hemmels.com/

[Paracetamol]

Just FYI..its a 190SL and not an SL 190!

A proper restoration will be around 80k to 100k gbp.

[T70RPM]

Hi. Think hard about this. Saving a knackered car is not the most logical choice. You are going to spend enough on labour alone to cover 1000-2000 hours of work, then parts at 'expensive car' prices. It's can only be done to a high standard as it was built to a high standard in the first place. You are going to spend well into six figures with somebody so think about buying one already done of the sources already mentioned. The main advantage of restoring is getting it paid for in installments over time and making colour choices etc, but it will cost a hell of a lot to do. Good luck, a great choice of car. I am restoring a W111 convertible, so I have an idea what you can expect.

[Daveeoo]

Thanks for the help and advice so far. There are some lovely projects here to aim for.

I’ll be in touch with some of these companies and keep you updated on my progress. I have a long way to go!

[flatsix2003]

Sounds like a good project, look forward to updates!

Out of interest, can I ask if it's a black car with red leather and a cream hood? I came across one near my in-laws house a few years back in Southern Europe and talked to the owner about buying it.

[rufusgti]

Did anything come of this..

[Daveeoo]

Hi, believe it or not I’m still working on it. The owner is an old fella and reluctant to sell.

It doesn’t help there’s a language barrier which I’ve broken down with a local speaker, trying again with it in November, hopefully after leaving it afew months he’ll have realised he’ll never do anything with it!

[Escort3500]

Daveeoo said:

Hi, believe it or not I’m still working on it. The owner is an old fella and reluctant to sell.

It doesn’t help there’s a language barrier which I’ve broken down with a local speaker, trying again with it in November, hopefully after leaving it afew months he’ll have realised he’ll never do anything with it!

I do love a true barn find rarity story like this! Keep us posted

[Vintage Racer]

Best of luck with this, but hope you have really deeeeep pockets..........you could easily spend £150k+ restoring one of these properly.

[lowdrag]

T70RPM said:

Hi. Think hard about this. Saving a knackered car is not the most logical choice. You are going to spend enough on labour alone to cover 1000-2000 hours of work, then parts at 'expensive car' prices. It's can only be done to a high standard as it was built to a high standard in the first place. You are going to spend well into six figures with somebody so think about buying one already done of the sources already mentioned. The main advantage of restoring is getting it paid for in installments over time and making colour choices etc, but it will cost a hell of a lot to do. Good luck, a great choice of car. I am restoring a W111 convertible, so I have an idea what you can expect.

Even 30 years ago t'was thus. Restoring a barn find is very much in mode nowadays but far dearer than the car will be worth in the end. Just look at prices being paid at auction for such cars. And restoration costs too have risen sharply over the years. E-types have doubled for example. Think very hard before you commit to this, take some photos if possible and speak to the experts mentioned to get an idea of costs.

[V8covin]

Impossible to give a cost without a thorough inspection but even then it could be wildy optimistic......but I believe Aston Martin Heritage restos start from £200,000 if that's any help

[sim16v]

Don't give up on the hope of saving it.

Here's some photos for inspiration

.

[vpr]

I really don’t get the appeal of these and I can see something in almost every car