1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL With Matching Mini Tears Teardrop Trailer
A teardrop with 190 SL fenders and back bumper, pulled by a 190, very cool. This immaculately restored 1959 190SL has every available factory option – and tows its own matching teardrop trailer
This particular 1959 Mercedes 190SL was once all but forgotten – left to the elements and certain death – until a passionate owner and a talented restorer joined forces.
After a painstaking 12-month restoration that included the engine, leather, paint, chrome and tires, the finished product still wasn’t complete. After the basic restoration team finished, the search continued for as many factory, dealer, and aftermarket options available for this car some 50-plus years ago that could be found. Many of the options are almost undetectable, such as the Alboy spare gas tank and engine-bay work light or tool kit.
Others are more noticeable – and just as appealing; the matching five-piece leather luggage set, leather upholstery with contrasting piping, shortwave radio, wicker picnic set with original Mercedes-Benz 1950s’ glasses and tableware, front fog lights, and a trailer hitch. Each individual element is rarely found on most 190 survivors today, but they are perfect complements to the marque. It’s a marvel to see all of them on one example.
But the addition of these options was not enough. With that trailer hitch lacking an attachment, the owner thought, “Why not completely drive that 1950s’ message home and add a matching vintage-era teardrop trailer to the package?”
Starting with a basic reproduction of said era teardrop trailer designs from MiniTears of California – and adding some body panels, fenders and a few other details from the Mercedes-Benz spare parts bin – after about six months with 190SL restorer Bruce Adams in North Carolina, a custom-made one-off Mercedes-Benz teardrop trailer was created.
The 190SL has been equipped with every possible factory accessory listed in the factory catalog, including Spare Parts Box, picnic basket, fuel container, first-aid box, fire extinguisher, automatic antenna, short-wave receiver and spot lamp.
The trailer was built on special order by MiniTears minitears of Lakeland, California, and modified by Bruce Adams with fenders, taillights, wheels, and bumpers to match the 190SL.
Starting life as a stock, 2013 Teardrop trailer from Mini Tears of Lakehead, California the slick unit was also sent to Bruce Adams to be crafted into the truly unique creation that it is today. Retaining its richly appointed, stock interior complete with cozy living quarters not unlikely that of a sailboat and a rear mounted kitchen area, over the course of six months the exterior of the trailer was fitted with 190SL hindquarters including the rear fenders and custom bumper assembly tailored to fit the back of the trailer. Finished in matching DB 040 Black paint, the combination of the 190SL and teardrop behind it are sure to turn the heads of everyone who sees it.
There may be other 190SLs out there—but there are certainly few as gorgeously restored as this one and none as spectacularly accompanied by a matching, custom teardrop trailer!
