David Miller: 66 Years with His Beloved Mercedes 190 SL

David Miller's connection to his baby blue Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is a remarkable tale of longevity and devotion. The engine roars to life with a familiar sound as he turns the key, a testament to decades of care and maintenance. Since December 1960, when he was just 19 years old, this car has been a constant in his life. Now at 85, Miller reflects on the journey they've shared.

The roadster has been more than just a vehicle for Miller; it has accompanied him through various life milestones, from work commutes to family vacations and even his wedding. With an impressive mileage of over 220,000 miles, or approximately 350,000 kilometers, the Mercedes has never been sold, stored away for years, or fully restored.

Miller's father, Leslie, gifted him the 190 SL, a decision that still puzzles Miller today. "Perhaps he wanted to enhance my modest income," he chuckles, noting that while his father was a Chevy enthusiast, he had good connections with a local Mercedes dealer in Sydney, AMI (Australian Motor Industry Group).

Surprisingly, Miller had not initially desired a sports car; he would have preferred a more practical Ford or Holden. "A sports car was not on my wish list. But of course, I was thrilled with the SL," he recalls, as his previous Commer van faded into the background.

The gift quickly transformed into a reliable mode of transport. Miller used the car for commuting in Sydney, long trips to Melbourne and Perth, and even after marrying Sue in 1969. When their family expanded in 1973 with the birth of their daughter, Sally, they added a 1964 Mercedes 220 Ponton, manufactured in Port Melbourne. Yet, the 190 SL remained his favorite.

Miller's loyalty to Mercedes grew from his positive experiences with the 190 SL, which was not yet considered a collectible but a dependable automobile. His children often rode in both the Ponton and the open roadster on their way to school.

The Mercedes was not treated as a mere investment; it was utilized for its intended purpose. From the mid-1960s onward, Miller participated in hill climbs and acceleration tests, even using the roadster as a pace car at Oran Park Raceway and later at Bathurst. "Back then, the 190 SL was just a used sports car," Miller reminisces. "No one thought it would become a sought-after classic."

Eventually, a company car replaced the 190 SL for daily use, but by then, the Mercedes had accumulated a mileage that would have led many classic car owners to restore or retire it. However, for Miller, selling was never an option. "I never really thought about selling it. Over time, the car has simply grown dear to us," he shares, with his wife nodding in agreement.

This emotional connection may explain the car's impressive condition. Rather than preserving it in pristine condition, Miller has focused on maintenance. His mantra has been to repair rather than restore. In the early 1980s, he overhauled the 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine, and three decades later, he refurbished the cylinder head. Regular wear-and-tear repairs, such as brakes and suspension, were performed as needed.

Today, the Mercedes is not entirely original. After the original Solex carburetors failed in 1965, Miller opted for two Weber 42 DCOE carburetors, which have proven reliable and powerful. The original air filter remains, making the modification nearly unnoticeable.

Miller's practicality extends to other features as well. The windshield washer operates electrically but is still activated by the original foot switch. The driver's side mirror is not from the original production but aids in daily driving. For Miller, usability takes precedence over strict adherence to originality. He believes that a car should be driven.

Of course, the Mercedes has not escaped rust damage. Miller has regularly tackled minor corrosion issues himself and undertook a comprehensive refurbishment in 2008, which included stripping and repainting the car, reworking chrome parts, and reupholstering the seats. However, much of the original character remains intact, including the dashboard's original paint and the functioning 1961 Australian Astor radio. "It creaks a bit now," Miller admits. "But that doesn't bother me."

Fischöl gegen Rost

His unique approach to combating rust involves an almost quirky method: treating the car's cavities and inner panels with fish oil. This technique has been common in Australia for years, as the oil penetrates seams and overlaps to displace moisture. Miller acknowledges that the smell took some getting used to, but it appears to have worked wonders for the metal.

Miller's hardtop also reflects his preference for practical solutions. In the early 1970s, he imported a fiberglass roof from American manufacturer Parrish Plastics, which is lighter than the original Mercedes hardtop. After some modifications, he even created his own mounting system to ensure it was user-friendly.

This practical mindset sets David Miller apart from many collectors. He rarely discusses market values or originality grades; instead, he shares stories of significant life events: his wedding, building a home, the births of his children, vacations, work commutes, and weekends at the racetrack. His son, also a car enthusiast, will eventually inherit the vehicle, while his daughter opts out due to the manual transmission.

Today, the roadster sports club plates and only ventures out for special outings. When warmed up, the engine still revs enthusiastically, shifting quickly and precisely, just as a sports car should. "I still love the car," Miller states emphatically.

David Miller has no intention of selling his cherished Mercedes. His garage now houses additional models, including the Ponton and two W124s, which he also drives to club events, such as the "140 Places" celebration of Mercedes-Benz's 140-year history, which includes stops in Sydney. Yet, for the 85-year-old, no Mercedes holds the same significance as his beloved roadster, his very first car, which has always been a reliable companion.