Mercedes-Benz W121 190SL RHD
Description
Looking after 190SLs is a common occurrence for us at Hilton & Moss. This example is a rare right-hand-drive model, manufactured in 1957. It is rumoured that Mercedes produced 25,881 190SLs, but only 562 were right-hand drive.
We have developed a niche for maintaining these RHD variants. With so few made, it soon became clear that the factory did not develop the conversion with their usual precision. As a result, we have engineered a variety of drivetrain and suspension upgrades to ensure smooth and reliable operation.
This particular 190SL first came to us for one of our detailed mechanical inspection reports. From this, we created a schedule of works focused on safety and reliability, as the owner wanted to use the car for regular road trips.
The work carried out on this car included:
- Rear axle rebuild with new inner and outer seals. This is a common issue on the 190SL, where failing axle seals can contaminate the brake shoes and drums.
- Full drum brake rebuild with relined shoes and new cylinders.
- New exhaust system.
- Hilton & Moss Weber carburettor and intake modification.
- Clutch upgrade.
- Wiring fault diagnosis.
- Radiator overhaul and new hoses with correct period clips.
- Full major service with our upgraded fluids.
This car, like many 190SLs, had received a twin Weber 40 DCOE conversion, a modification we often complete to improve performance and fuelling over the standard Solex units. However, as is common, the reproduction ‘Spanish’ Weber carburettors had been installed with generic jets and needles. The correct fuel mixture is essential to any engine, and over the years we have developed the ideal setup for the 190SL’s engine, which we installed to this car.
The result is a beautifully presented, reliable, and smooth 190SL that can now be driven with complete confidence and ease.
