The Mercedes-benz 190 Sl is a celebrated classic, but few have undergone a transformation as remarkable as this particular model. Discovered after years of neglect and exposure to the elements, this 190 SL’s journey from a forgotten barn find to a stunning, modified roadster is a testament to passion and meticulous restoration. This isn’t just a factory-spec restoration; it’s a unique rebirth that enhances the car’s character and driving appeal.
The story begins with a casual walk in a neighborhood, where a glimpse of chrome under a car cover sparked curiosity. Michael Potiker, the car’s current owner, noticed an open garage door revealing a neglected vehicle. Covered in dust and debris accumulated over an estimated eight years, the car was clearly a long-forgotten project. Despite its derelict state, a custom-fit cover hinted at its inherent value. Intrigued, Potiker returned the next day, knocking on the door to unravel the mystery beneath the cover.
Alt text: Front view of a dolphin grey Mercedes-Benz 190 SL barn find with its soft top down, parked outdoors.
His initial glimpse under the cover revealed the iconic Mercedes Tri-Star, leading him to believe it might be a rare 300 SL. Playing it cool, Potiker inquired casually about the “old Mercedes,” before quickly retreating to research his discovery. He managed to contact the estate trustee and attorney of the car’s owner, who was unfortunately in palliative care. Luck was on his side, and Potiker successfully negotiated the purchase of the vehicle, realizing it was indeed the more accessible, yet equally stylish, Mercedes-Benz 190 SL.
Upon acquiring the 190 SL, the true extent of its neglect became apparent. Stored with the hardtop on but windows open, the interior had become a haven for rodents. Years of accumulated debris, including rodent droppings and evidence suggesting a dog had once inhabited the car, created a truly unpleasant environment.
Alt text: Close up interior view of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL barn find showing the red leather seats and dashboard.
Alt text: Side view of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL barn find with the red interior and custom small windshield.
The interior was so repulsive that Potiker donned a full Tyvek suit for the initial cleanup attempt. He quickly realized a more drastic approach was needed. Cutting away the entire interior revealed bizarre previous repairs, including asbestos tiles inexplicably nailed and duct-taped to the floor, covered by carpet. These hazardous tiles, likely a misguided attempt at heat-proofing, were just one example of the car’s peculiar history. Other oddities included a woman’s brass bangle used with a hose clamp for a repair, and even a residential window screen incorporated into the car. Remarkably, despite these strange modifications, the original bodywork was untouched and free of accident damage, simplifying the restoration in some respects.
Alt text: Dashboard and steering wheel of the restored Mercedes-Benz 190 SL showing the red interior and classic gauges.
The extensive rust damage to the floor necessitated a complete replacement. Potiker entrusted the metalwork to Hjeltness Restorations, a renowned shop specializing in Mercedes-Benz Gullwings, demonstrating his commitment to quality. Hjeltness’ skilled technicians meticulously cut out the corroded floor and fabricated a new one, restoring structural integrity to the classic Mercedes-Benz. Incredibly, after years of sitting idle, the 190 SL’s engine still showed signs of life. A new battery and direct fuel supply were enough to coax the engine into starting, albeit roughly.
Alt text: Close up detail of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL engine bay showing the inline-four engine and components.
Alt text: Side profile of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL showcasing its dolphin grey paint and red interior.
While the engine itself remained original and numbers-matching, the carburetors were rebuilt by Hjeltness to ensure reliable performance. Potiker learned that his 190 SL was initially a special export model to Japan, reflecting its first owner’s military service. Now the second owner, Potiker has clearly embraced the car’s unique character.
The 190 SL is finished in Mercedes DB190, a sophisticated dolphin grey. Originally, the interior was parchment, but a fortuitous opportunity arose when the restoration shop acquired a concours-quality red interior from another 190 SL project. The vibrant red leather provides a striking contrast to the understated grey exterior, adding a touch of sporty flair that Potiker couldn’t resist.
Alt text: Three-quarter front view of the restored Mercedes-Benz 190 SL highlighting its custom windshield and headlights.
Beyond the interior and paint, Potiker incorporated several tasteful modifications to enhance both the aesthetics and performance of his Mercedes-Benz 190 SL. The wheels are cleverly repurposed space-saver spares from a Volkswagen Rabbit, drilled to fit and painted to match the car’s body. French selective yellow headlights, fitted with halogen bulbs and augmented by powerful Cibié Super Oscar driving lights, dramatically improve nighttime visibility while adding a distinctive European touch. Leather straps on the trunk lid offer a classic visual detail, although the trunk mechanism itself was fully restored, rendering the straps purely decorative.
Alt text: Rear three-quarter view of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL showing the spare tire wheel and leather trunk straps.
Alt text: Side view of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL parked outdoors, emphasizing its low-profile windshield.
A particularly striking modification is the small, RennSport-style windshield, a nod to the sportier versions of the 190 SL. The dashboard was subtly extended to seamlessly integrate with a custom tonneau cover, enhancing the car’s sleek, barchetta-like appearance when the top is down. The suspension was upgraded with rally-spec coilovers and a more aggressive sway bar from the 190 SL club, improving handling and ride quality. Weber carburetors, a modification made by the previous owner and retained by Potiker, are estimated to add a significant power increase over the original Solex units. A custom stainless steel exhaust system further enhances performance and sound.
Alt text: Front view of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL on a paved road, highlighting the yellow headlights and driving lights.
Future plans include refining the Weber carburetor linkage and installing racing-style bucket seats for added support. Despite its challenging past, the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL has emerged as a reliable and exhilarating classic. Potiker expresses immense satisfaction with the car, emphasizing its sheer fun factor and the universal positive reactions it evokes.
Alt text: Low angle side view of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL showing the red wheels and dolphin grey paint.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL with the small windshield and open top.
This Mercedes-Benz 190 SL barn find is more than just a restored classic; it’s a personalized and improved version of an icon. From its humble beginnings as a neglected discovery to its current status as a head-turning, joy-inducing roadster, this 190 SL’s story is a compelling example of automotive resurrection and the enduring appeal of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL.
Alt text: Driver’s side view of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL interior showing the red seats and steering wheel.
Alt text: Close up of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL’s red leather seats and interior details.
Alt text: Front view of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL with its distinctive headlights and grille.
Alt text: Side profile of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL with the small windshield, red interior, and dolphin grey paint.
Alt text: Portrait view of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL showcasing its classic lines and open-top barchetta style.
Alt text: Rear view of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL highlighting its taillights and trunk design.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL parked on a scenic road.
Alt text: Side view of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL parked, showing its elegant silhouette.
Alt text: Close up of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL’s front grille and Mercedes-Benz emblem.
Alt text: Interior view of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL showing the red dashboard, steering wheel, and gear lever.
Alt text: Detail of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL’s red leather seats and door panel.
