Even the steering wheel and push-button radio are full of character.
Today we know Mercedes-Benz as a popular high-end brand. But after WWII the German automaker had to rebuild its reputation, and this 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 B was key to that effort. Sensible yet fun, it’s been well-preserved with almost all factory equipment, so you get a genuine presentation of a classic.
Bumper to bumper, this little Mercedes-Benz is pretty impressive. The cream and blue two-tone paint really stands out and yet doesn’t look like you’re trying to hard. Furthermore, the paint shines up nicely. While the chrome isn’t perfect, it also presents well enough. All the steel wheels are painted cream to match the body, with chrome hubcaps featuring the three-pointed star. All the body panels are straight and everything fits together nicely, with the doors, trunk, and hood all opening and closing without problems.
The interior comes with cream vinyl on the seats and door cards and is overall free of major damage. Fresh brown carpeting and subtle floormats pair nicely. The white headliner looks fantastic, with no major stains or signs of drooping. You get the full experience by using the stock steering wheel, which is genuine with the three-pointed star emblem and a nice patina. The same thing goes for the other controls and gauges, and even a push-button radio and face clock, which are obviously factory-spec.
Pop the trunk and you’ll find a clean presentation with rubber mats keeping everything clean. A new spare tire mounted on a steel wheel painted cream like the others is ready to go.
Just like the name suggests, this car comes with a 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine, which includes dual overhead cams. Driving this little German sedan is a blast, thanks to spunky power and the smooth four-speed automatic transmission.
Launched in 1953, the Mercedes-Benz 180 or W120 was the first advanced unibody the automaker offered to consumers. The design made the car lightweight and rigid, so handling was crisp for the time. Values for these classic German cars has been on the rise lately, so grabbing one now could make for a wise investment. If you’re interested in purchasing this one, it’s being sold through Unique Specialty & Classic Cars.
