This morning’s car viewing was nothing short of a revelation – a Mercedes 190 that defied its age in a truly remarkable way. Finding a Mercedes 190 in such pristine condition is increasingly rare, but this particular model was exceptionally well-preserved. Rust, the nemesis of classic cars, was entirely absent; its gleaming black paintwork spoke volumes about the care it has received over the years.
Stepping inside, the “Spartan spec” interior was impeccably clean. This no-frills approach highlights the inherent quality of the Mercedes 190 design, and in this case, its superb upkeep. Opening the hood revealed an engine bay so spotless, it was almost unbelievable. The level of cleanliness suggested a meticulous owner who cherished every aspect of this classic Mercedes 190.
The driving experience matched the car’s visual appeal. The clutch felt positive, the gearbox shifted smoothly without any hesitation, and the engine pulled strongly and evenly. Reassuringly, this Mercedes 190 features the desirable duplex timing chain, and during the test drive, the engine was remarkably quiet – no rattles or tensioner noise to be heard. Oil pressure remained healthy, registering well above 2 bar at hot idle, and the economy gauge functioned correctly, indicating a healthy vacuum system. The carburetor is the straightforward side-draft Pierburg 175, a simpler and arguably more robust alternative to the more complex 2EE unit.
The only minor observation was a slightly cool running temperature. While the heater worked effectively, the temperature gauge stayed at around a third of its range. This might suggest a thermostat needing replacement to ensure optimal engine temperature for this Mercedes 190, a simple fix to ensure peak performance and efficiency.
The seller’s genuine enthusiasm and helpful nature added to the positive experience. He even mentioned he had taken the Mercedes 190 off the market due to my interest, planning to keep it himself if a sale didn’t proceed. This speaks volumes about the desirability of this particular car.
While I am scheduled to view a fuel-injected model Mercedes 190 this Saturday, it will have to be truly exceptional to surpass the impressive standard set by this remarkably well-maintained, carburetor-equipped example. This Mercedes 190 has certainly raised the bar for what to expect in a classic car.
