The Mercedes Benz 190 Sl Roadster is an icon of classic automotive design and open-top driving pleasure. But what happens when an icon is left to decay, forgotten in a garage for years? This is the story of one such 190 SL, a barn find that was rescued from dereliction and transformed into a unique, head-turning machine. This isn’t your average factory-spec classic; this is a testament to vision and meticulous restoration, proving that even after eight years of neglect and rodent habitation, a classic car can be reborn, even better than before.
Our journey begins with Michael Potiker’s serendipitous discovery. Walking with his father, a glimpse of chrome under a car cover in a neglected property sparked his curiosity. Located near the ocean, the car was coated in years of accumulated dust and coastal clay. Despite its dilapidated state, the custom car cover hinted at a forgotten value. Driven by intrigue, Potiker returned the next day, knocking on the door and opening a fascinating chapter in the car’s history.
The encounter with the homeowner’s nurse was the first step in a delicate negotiation. Initially believing it to be a 300SL, Potiker’s interest was piqued by the Mercedes emblem. A neighbor’s help led him to the estate trustee and attorney, initiating the purchase of what he now knew was a 190SL Roadster. Securing the car was a stroke of luck, navigating through other interested parties within the estate.
The Mercedes Benz 190 SL Roadster emerged from its garage slumber after 8 to 10 years. The hardtop was in place, but open windows under the cover had allowed nature to take its course. Rodents had made it their home, leaving droppings throughout the interior. Adding to the unpleasant discoveries, evidence suggested a dog had also resided within the car at some point. The interior was, in Potiker’s words, “completely disgusting.”
The initial cleanup was a biohazard situation. Donning a full Tyvek suit, Potiker began the arduous task of removing the contaminated interior. Realizing the extent of the decay, he opted for a radical approach, cutting out the entire interior, including the carpet. Beneath the carpet, he discovered asbestos tiles, haphazardly installed, likely as a crude heat shield by the previous owner, along with other makeshift repairs – a brass bangle and even a residential window screen used in place of proper car parts. Despite these bizarre modifications, the original body remained untouched and free of accident damage, a silver lining in this barn find story.
The extensive rust damage to the floor necessitated a complete replacement. Potiker entrusted the car to Hjeltness Restorations, renowned specialists in Gullwing Mercedes. The entire floor was expertly cut out and replaced, breathing new structural life into the classic roadster. Incredibly, despite its years of neglect, the engine showed signs of life. A new battery and a makeshift fuel system later, the engine sputtered to life, a testament to Mercedes engineering.
While Hjeltness Restorations rebuilt the carburetors, the engine remains original, retaining its numbers-matching status. Adding to its unique history, this particular Mercedes Benz 190 SL Roadster was originally exported to Japan for a Marine stationed there. Now the second owner, Potiker expresses pure joy in driving the car, describing it as “the most fun thing in the world.”
The paint color, Mercedes DB190 Dolphin Grey, is the original hue. However, the interior underwent a striking change. Originally parchment, it was swapped for a vibrant red interior from another Concours-quality 190 SL, a color change Potiker embraced, enhancing the car’s sporty character.
Beyond the interior, several modifications elevate this Mercedes Benz 190 SL Roadster from a mere restoration to a personalized barchetta. The wheels are ingeniously repurposed Volkswagen Rabbit space-saver spares, drilled to fit and painted in DB190. French selective yellow headlights, coupled with powerful Cibié 9″ Super Oscar driving lights, enhance both aesthetics and visibility. Leather trunk straps add a touch of classic style, even though the trunk mechanism itself was fully restored.
The most visually striking modification is the RennSport-style windscreen, a nod to Mercedes’ racing heritage. The dashboard was subtly extended to accommodate the tonneau cover, creating a seamless, barchetta-like profile. Aggressive rally-spec coilovers and a custom sway bar from the 190 SL club dramatically improve handling. Weber carburetors replace the original Solex units, boosting horsepower, and a straight-through stainless steel exhaust enhances the engine’s sound. Racing bucket seats are planned, further enhancing the sporty feel. Remarkably, the transmission and engine remain untouched internally, running smoothly despite their long slumber.
This Mercedes Benz 190 SL Roadster, once a neglected barn find, is now a testament to thoughtful restoration and personalized modification. It’s more than just a classic car; it’s a unique barchetta cruiser, embodying the spirit of open-road adventure and turning every drive into a joyful experience. As Potiker aptly puts it, driving this resurrected classic makes you “everyone’s best friend.”
