This isn’t your average factory-fresh classic; this is a Mercedes Benz 190sl reborn. Imagine discovering a vintage gem, veiled under years of dust and neglect, only to unveil a stunning, modified masterpiece. This is the story of a remarkable 190SL, rescued from obscurity and transformed into a breathtaking Barchetta cruiser.
It began with a casual neighborhood walk, as Michael Potiker recounts. A glimpse of chrome under a car cover in a seemingly forgotten garage sparked curiosity. “I noticed there was a garage door open on a derelict-looking house down the road,” Michael explains. “There was a car under a cover, with a little sliver of chrome showing.” The car, shrouded in dust and ocean-side grime, hinted at a hidden value, protected by a custom cover but seemingly abandoned to time. Intrigued, Michael returned the next day, knocking on the door and stepping into the beginning of an extraordinary restoration journey.
Initial inquiries led Michael to the estate trustee and attorney of the owner, who was in palliative care. Negotiations ensued, and Michael secured what he now knew was a Mercedes Benz 190SL. The car had been sitting untouched for nearly a decade, bearing the brunt of time and neglect. “It had been sitting for probably 8 to 10 years. The hard top was on, but the windows were open under the cover,” Michael recalls. The elements, coupled with rodent inhabitants, had taken their toll. “There were a ton of rodents that had been living in it. There were droppings everywhere.” Even a dog had reportedly taken residence in the classic car, adding to the layers of debris.
The interior was in a truly appalling state. Donning protective gear, Michael began the daunting task of cleaning, only to discover layers of questionable repairs and modifications by the previous owner. Asbestos tiles, residential window screens, and a brass bangle holding a hose together were just some of the makeshift fixes uncovered. “I wore a Tyvek painting suit with booties and a hood and started vacuuming,” Michael describes the initial cleanup. The bizarre asbestos tile flooring, likely intended as heat shielding, highlighted the previous owner’s unorthodox approach to car maintenance.
Despite the interior’s condition, the Mercedes Benz 190SL’s body remained remarkably original and undamaged. “Luckily, the body is all original and the car had never been hit, so we didn’t have to do any bodywork,” Michael notes, a significant silver lining in the barn find’s story. However, the floor was beyond saving and required complete replacement.
The restoration was entrusted to Hjeltness Restorations, renowned specialists in classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles, particularly Gullwings. “I sent the car to Hjeltness Restorations, which is a ‘Gullwing’ shop,” Michael states. The team meticulously cut out the rusted floor and fabricated a completely new one, breathing new life into the structural integrity of the 190SL. Incredibly, despite its years of slumber, the engine showed signs of life. “Amazingly, actually, after I found it, it started up,” Michael marvels. With a new battery and fuel source, the original, numbers-matching engine coughed to life, a testament to the inherent robustness of classic Mercedes engineering.
While retaining its original engine and export history (originally destined for Japan due to the owner’s Marine Corps service), the Mercedes Benz 190SL underwent tasteful modifications to enhance its character and performance. Weber carburetors replaced the original Solex units, boosting horsepower. A custom stainless steel exhaust system was fabricated. The suspension was upgraded with rally-spec coilovers and a performance sway bar from the 190SL club, improving handling and ride quality.
The exterior received subtle yet impactful changes. Volkswagen Rabbit spare wheels, painted in the correct Mercedes DB190 dolphin grey, were drilled to fit, adding a unique touch. French selective yellow headlights and powerful Cibié Super Oscar driving lights were installed, enhancing both aesthetics and nighttime visibility. The most striking modification is the RennSport-style windscreen, a nod to Mercedes-Benz’s racing heritage and transforming the 190SL into a Barchetta. Inside, a vibrant red interior, sourced from another Concours-quality 190SL, replaced the original parchment, adding a bold contrast to the dolphin grey exterior.
The result is a Mercedes Benz 190SL that is both a testament to its classic heritage and a unique, personalized machine. From a neglected barn find to a head-turning Barchetta cruiser, this 190SL embodies the passion and dedication of classic car restoration. It’s a car that not only tells a story of resurrection but also promises endless driving enjoyment. “It’s just a great little car. It’s so fun to drive. You’re everyone’s best friend driving it around,” Michael concludes, perfectly capturing the spirit of this remarkable Mercedes Benz 190SL.
