Description
Mercedes-Benz 190 | 1961
Highlights:
- Original green interior with preserved upholstery and dashboard
- Manual transmission and 1.9L petrol engine with 4 cylinders
- Rust-free body with solid paint and chrome, only minor polish recommended
- Valid classic car inspection
- Carefully maintained mechanicals including fuel and brake systems
The seller offers for sale this 1961 Mercedes Benz 190 sedan, equipped with a 1,896 cc four-cylinder petrol engine and manual transmission. The car retains its period-correct appearance and character, including the original driver’s manual in English.
The fuel tank was internally treated with a special self-sealing paint, and the entire carburation and ignition system was cleaned. The drum brake system, common in classics of this era, was also adjusted—a necessary task due to infrequent use. The seller notes the exhaust silencer could use replacement or fabrication.
The car holds a valid technical inspection certificate.
The exterior presents in solid condition. Chrome trims are intact and could benefit from a simple polish to enhance their appearance.
The interior is preserved in its original green color scheme with leatherette or leather upholstery in good condition. The green carpeting appears nearly new. Switchgear, instrumentation, door mechanisms, and locks all remain intact and original.
Introduced in the mid-1950s, the Mercedes Benz 190 (W121) represents the brand’s entry-level executive offering of its time. This model belongs to the “Ponton” series—named after its distinctive pontoon-shaped bodywork—marking a significant post-war shift in Mercedes design philosophy. With its unibody construction and subtle luxury, the 190 was aimed at professionals and business owners seeking prestige in a practical format.
Powered by a range of modest-displacement engines, it focused more on quality and durability than outright speed. This particular 1961 model represents the later years of W121 production, just before the introduction of the W110 “Fintail” series. It was often referred to as the 190b, incorporating modest refinements over its predecessors.
Today, these models are respected for their classical styling, smooth ride, and historical value in the Mercedes lineage. Despite being the smallest Benz of its day, it offered features and materials on par with larger models, and has aged into a collectible with understated charm. Vehicles like this serve as important reminders of how Mercedes defined its brand identity in the post-war era—not through ostentation, but through engineering confidence, craftsmanship, and timeless design.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Valencia province, Spain.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Spanish registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
