In the world of classic car enthusiasts, few stories are as captivating as the rediscovery of forgotten automotive treasures. Late last year, a call came in that hinted at just such a tale: two classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles, a 220 and a 190SL, slumbering in the Californian wine country hills near Yountville. Initially tinged with suspicion, further investigation revealed a genuine opportunity to rescue these vintage machines from their decades-long repose.
The pair, a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL and a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220, were confirmed to be original “black plate” California cars, parked outdoors for an astonishing 33 years, exposed to the elements. This discovery promised a challenging yet rewarding endeavor, a true automotive archaeology project.
The Excavation of Automotive History
The initial reconnaissance mission focused on planning the delicate extraction of these automotive relics. The team assembled included a tow truck, a flatbed, four dedicated individuals, an air compressor, and an array of digging tools – rakes and shovels. Fortune favored the bold, as removal day dawned perfectly between torrential rainfalls, a crucial element given the cars’ muddy entombment. Predictably, three decades of stillness had fused the wheels, and the approach was slick with mud, adding layers of complexity to the recovery.
The 190SL, though exposed, was relatively accessible. However, it was firmly rooted in the earth, requiring a painstaking half-hour of digging to liberate it. Adding a touch of nature’s irony, the engine bay, recently cleared of debris, had already become re-inhabited by local wildlife seeking shelter, highlighting the passage of time and the car’s integration with its environment.
The Classic Mercedes 220 sedan presented a more formidable challenge. Buried deeper than its 190SL counterpart, this early model, remarkably complete despite its ordeal, demanded significant excavation. Ultimately, after considerable effort, the earth relinquished its hold, and the 220 was gingerly coaxed onto the tow truck. Its tires, ravaged by time and the elements, miraculously held enough air to complete the ascent to solid ground.
A Tale of Two Fates for Classic Mercedes
Despite the shared ordeal, the two classic Mercedes faced divergent futures. The 190SL, a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s enduring design and build quality, is destined for a full restoration in Europe. It is envisioned to emerge in the coming years as a concours-worthy showpiece, a phoenix from the ashes of time and neglect. Its inherently robust coachwork and complete components make it an ideal candidate for revival.
The classic Mercedes 220 sedan, sadly, faces a less glamorous but equally vital destiny. Its extensive entombment and the sheer economics of restoring a sedan of this type mean it is more likely to serve as a valuable parts donor. It is currently en route to Germany, where its components will breathe new life into other classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles, ensuring its legacy continues even if not as a fully restored car. Thus, both classic MBs are, in their own ways, rescued from further decay, their stories adding another chapter to the rich history of Mercedes-Benz.
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