Sometimes, the most extraordinary automotive stories begin in the most unexpected places. This is the tale of a Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster, not a pristine showroom example, but a true barn find, rescued from years of neglect and transformed into a stunning, period-correct barchetta cruiser. This remarkable journey, filled with discovery, restoration, and a touch of inspired modification, reveals how a classic car, seemingly lost to time, can be reborn into something truly special.
The adventure began with a casual neighborhood walk. Michael Potiker, drawn by a sliver of chrome peeking out from under a custom car cover in a derelict garage, stumbled upon what would become an eight-year restoration project. Concealed beneath layers of dust, accumulated over years near the ocean cliffs, lay a classic Mercedes-Benz, its potential hidden under a blanket of grime and rodent droppings. Intrigued, Potiker’s initial curiosity quickly escalated into a determined pursuit to uncover the automobile’s identity and ultimately, its fate.
His first attempt to investigate involved a simple knock on the door of the seemingly abandoned house. Answered by a nurse, Potiker’s brief glimpse under the car cover revealed the iconic Mercedes Tri-Star. Mistaking it initially for a 300, he feigned ignorance, quickly replacing the cover to maintain a low profile. Resourcefulness led him to a neighbor who provided the homeowner’s phone number. Persistence paid off when, after navigating through estate trustees and attorneys, Potiker successfully negotiated the purchase of what he now knew was a Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster. Luck, timing, and a keen eye for hidden gems had aligned, securing a classic ripe for revival.
Upon acquiring the Mercedes Benz 190 Sl Roadster, the true extent of its years in storage became apparent. Having sat for close to a decade with open windows under a cover, the car had become a haven for rodents. Droppings were ubiquitous, and evidence suggested a dog had once resided within its confines. The interior was, in Potiker’s words, “completely disgusting,” necessitating a full biohazard approach to cleaning. Donning a Tyvek suit, booties, and hood, he began the arduous task of reclamation, quickly realizing that surface cleaning wouldn’t suffice.
The interior strip-down revealed a series of peculiar and questionable repairs attempted by the previous owner. Asbestos tiles, inappropriately used for heat proofing, were discovered nailed and duct-taped to the floor under the carpet. This, along with other makeshift fixes like a woman’s brass bangle and a residential window screen incorporated into the car’s structure, highlighted the extent of amateur modifications. Despite these eccentricities, the Mercedes Benz 190 SL Roadster’s body remained remarkably original and untouched by major accidents, a silver lining in the barn find saga.
The extensive corrosion necessitated a complete floor replacement. Potiker entrusted the car to Hjeltness Restorations, renowned specialists in Mercedes-Benz Gullwing models. Their expertise ensured the meticulous removal of the rusted floor and the fabrication of a new one, restoring structural integrity to the classic roadster. Incredibly, despite its derelict condition, the engine of the Mercedes Benz 190 SL Roadster showed signs of life. A new battery and direct fuel supply coaxed the engine into starting, a testament to the robust engineering of classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles. While the engine ran roughly, this initial success offered encouragement for the restoration ahead.
While Hjeltness Restorations rebuilt the carburetors, the engine itself remained original, retaining its numbers-matching status. Further investigation revealed the car’s unique history as a special export model to Japan, reflecting its original owner’s military service. This detail added another layer to the Mercedes Benz 190 SL Roadster’s already compelling narrative. With the mechanical heart addressed, attention turned to aesthetic and performance enhancements, guided by a vision of a period-modified barchetta.
The Mercedes Benz 190 SL Roadster was refinished in its original DB190 Dolphin Grey, a sophisticated and timeless Mercedes-Benz color. While the original interior was parchment, a fortuitous swap yielded a striking red interior from a concours-quality 190 SL, adding a vibrant contrast to the exterior. Modifications were carefully chosen to enhance the car’s character and driving experience while respecting its classic roots. Wheels were replaced with space-saver spares from a Volkswagen Rabbit, drilled to fit and painted to match the body, a subtle yet effective modification. French selective yellow headlights with halogen bulbs and Cibié Super Oscar driving lights improved visibility with a touch of vintage rally flair. A RennSport-style windscreen was fabricated, completing the barchetta transformation and enhancing the open-air driving experience.
Performance upgrades included rally-spec coilovers and an upgraded sway bar for enhanced handling. Weber carburetors, a modification performed by the previous owner and subsequently rebuilt, contribute an estimated 35-40 horsepower increase over the original Solex units. A custom stainless steel exhaust system further improves performance and sound. These modifications, while enhancing performance, remain sympathetic to the car’s classic character, creating a balance of vintage charm and modern drivability.
The transformation of this Mercedes Benz 190 SL Roadster from neglected barn find to a striking barchetta is a testament to vision, perseverance, and skilled craftsmanship. It stands as a unique example, blending classic elegance with tasteful, period-inspired modifications. More than just a restored car, it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster, reborn to be enjoyed on the open road, turning every drive into a memorable experience. It’s a car that embodies the joy of driving, proving that sometimes, the best automotive stories are those that begin with a little bit of rust and a lot of determination.
